Graduating college used to nearly guarantee a key to the American middle class, and all of the bills and responsibilities that come with it. But thanks to The Great Recession, that dream is no longer the reality. Millennials who have graduated from universities since 2012 are facing long-term unemployment, an average of $29,400 in student loan debt and stagnant wages. But the economy is ever-so-slowly improving and jobs are out there.
For recent college graduates who are lucky enough to be part of the 45 percent finding work, the job offers they receive may require moving to another city or state, which is a monumental task. Thanks to this economic pitfall, it’s now more important than ever to get the most out of moving, and that means looking at salary, cost of living, age demographics and social attractions like nightlife and culture exhibits. But what cities are likely to have employers looking to hire new grads, and how do these cities stack up when considering the aforementioned criteria?
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is the heart of the U.S. for politically motivated young adults who seek employment in political offices, lobby groups and think tanks. Thanks to the government’s fairly recession proof jobs, these factors have given D.C. the second largest population of 18 to 24 year-olds in the country. However, that doesn’t mean living there is cheap. At $1,850 per month, D.C. has the second highest average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment, only behind San Francisco at $2,700 a month. Luckily, the average salary is $59, 470 so that should help offset the costs a little. The city also has a modest unemployment rate, at 7.5 percent in March, and the various museums, cultural attractions and special events guarantee entertainment options are plentiful for everybody.
Seattle
The social atmosphere in Seattle is different than really anywhere else in the country; it’s very young with the highest population of 18 to 24 year-olds, has the second highest bar per capita rating and is environmentally conscious. With a low 5.5 percent unemployment rate in February and an average salary of $51, 850, Seattle has plenty of opportunities for new graduates, and nightlife to match. Rent is on the high side, at $1,645 for a two bedroom apartment, but not worse than New York City or San Francisco. Seattle is also has a booming tech sector with companies like Microsoft, Getty Images, Valve Software, Nintendo of America and T-Mobile all having headquarters nearby.
Denver
The laid-back city of Denver is well known for its allure to companies specializing in air transportation, telecommunications, and aerospace, but it’s also making waves with an increase in nursing, hedge fund and realty businesses. With a modest unemployment rate of 6.0 percent in February, two bedroom rent average of $980 and an average salary of $48, 560, Denver is fairly affordable. The city also boasts an easy escape into the Rockies and other nature excursions, so it’s an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nashville
Home of all things country and music oriented, Nashville is an excellent place for music aficionados to live. But there is more than meets the eye to Music City, as Nashville is home to more than 250 health care employers, one of the largest in the nation. It also has an impressive budding technology sector. The medium age group is 30 to 38 year-olds, so the demographics angle slightly toward people with a couple years’ experience under their belts, and these residents are making a medium income of $45,400 and paying roughly $825 for a two bedroom apartment. With an unemployment rate of 6.7 percent, Nashville won’t be the easiest place to find work, but it’s not the hardest either.
Austin
Austin is kind of a mix between D.C. and Seattle, except with better weather. It has the third largest population of 18 to 24 year-olds, a low cost of living, $1,200 for a two bedroom, and low unemployment at 4.4 percent. Dell and IBM are both based in the city, and its biotechnology sector is also growing. Plus, the city has a boisterous music scene, and is a hotbed for cyclists.
Travis McKnight is a recent college graduate from Arizona State University and writer for a nationally renowned local moving company You Move Me.
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Good luck in your search.
Joey Trebif
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