12 of The Best Cities for Young Professionals to Move To
Some of the cities best-suited for young professionals might surprise you. To help you choose, we’ve brought together a list of some popular destinations that young professionals should consider.
Here’s a list of some of the best places in the country to live if you’re in your 20s or your 30s:
1. Cambridge, MA
Cambridge is an incredibly quaint suburb of Boston. Boasting two top-ranked universities, it’s full of exciting bars, restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, bookstores, and more. You’ll have access to the larger city of Boston with all of its attractions, while still getting that walkable feel of a small city.
2. Seattle, WA
Seattle offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan center that will keep you entertained—bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and so on. On top of that, you’ll have easy access to the most gorgeous parts of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re a nature lover and are looking to build a strong community with other young professionals, Seattle is a perfect fit.
3. Philadelphia, PA
Think of Philadelphia as a cozier version of New York City that’s actually affordable. There are many job opportunities in the healthcare and education industries, and you’ll have access to world-class cultural institutions and museums, in addition to the standard offerings of a big city. There’s history galore as well, and gorgeous older parts of the city that are perfect for wandering. Plus, if you’re moving to the city and looking for an easy self-storage solution near Philadelphia, EZ Storage has you covered.
4. Austin, TX
With a hip, vibrant culture and a large population spread out across the city, Austin offers the feel of a city like Los Angeles, but on the cheaper side. Housing is affordable, the weather is consistently fantastic, and it’s an impressive tech hub, so the job market should be consistently promising, with plenty of room for growth. Plus, the food and music scenes are hard to beat.
5. Sioux Falls, SD
In terms of the job market, Sioux Falls offers incredible opportunities in the fields of finance and healthcare. The city has been consistently ranked one of the best cities for young professionals for the past several years running. Besides being extremely affordable, Sioux Falls offers all the regular amenities of big city living without many of the hassles.
6. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a no-brainer. With its abundance of well-paying tech jobs and incredible natural scenery — and don’t forget those beautiful houses — it’s no wonder young professionals consistently flock to this California city. Think bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and as many parks as you’ll need to enjoy yourself.
7. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is the ultimate walkable city. The restaurant scene is world-famous, and you’re unlikely to find a more diverse range of cuisines. Plus, every federal museum — and there are plenty of them — is free, so you’ll have your fill of culture. And of course, there’s simply no way to beat the history in the nation’s capital.
8. Pittsburgh, PA
The housing market in Pittsburgh is relatively cheap, and job opportunities are abundant at the moment. There are a number of famous universities and colleges in the city, so the cultural and nightlife scenes are always happening. Museums abound, and the old industrial architecture of the city continues to be repurposed in exciting new ways, all of which make Pittsburgh an ideal place for young professionals. Thinking of moving to the Steel City? Reduce your stress with a simple self-storage solution near Pittsburgh that will help you put down roots.
9. Denver, CO
When you think of Denver, you probably think of snow-capped mountains, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But the heart and soul of Colorado has plenty else to offer, from outdoor adventures to a rapidly growing and diversifying population, as well as a job market that’s rich in tech and healthcare opportunities. Plus, if you want to ski, the mile-high city should be high on your list.
10. Salt Lake City, UT
Probably the city with the most gorgeous — and obvious — natural scenery on our list, Salt Lake City takes the mountains and brings them to your doorstep. It’s also one of the cheapest cities on our list when it comes to living expenses. Pair that with consistently rising salaries and a booming job market, and it’s hard to ignore the pull of Salt Lake City.
11. Phoenix, AZ
It’s hard to beat the climate in Phoenix. If you end up in this sunny city, outdoor activities will take up a lot of your time, but don’t overlook its leading arts scene. On top of all of that, the employment market here is booming, while the cost of living remains below the national average, making this an exciting place for young professionals looking for a new home base.
12. Nashville, TN
Nashville combines affordability with serious career opportunities, especially if you’re interested in the healthcare industry. And don’t forget, this is Music City, which means you’ll get to experience one of the most happening cities for nightlife in the country. Music venues are everywhere, and there are plenty of impressive cultural institutions to keep you entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are young professionals moving?
Although coastal cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Boston continue to be popular destinations for young professionals, many cities located inland are increasing in popularity, including Denver, Nashville, and Salt Lake City.
Where are the best places for millennials to live and work?
It’s no surprise that New York City tops the list of best places for millennials to live and work. Other cities that are popular include Denver, Pittsburgh, and Portland, OR.
Where should I move to start over?
If you’re looking to sell your home and start over, you’ll probably want to find an affordable city that still offers all the amenities. In that case, you might check out Charlotte, NC, Memphis, TN, or Harlingen, TX.
Which city has the lowest cost of living?
For an affordable city experience that doesn’t sacrifice any of the benefits of living in a metropolitan center, cities like Buffalo, NY, Kansas City, MO, and Dayton, OH, fit the bill.
What is the safest state to live in?
Rural states like Vermont and Maine tend to be some of the safest states to live in, though more populous states like Utah, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire are close behind.
What state has the most young adults?
Believe it or not, states like Utah, Alaska, and Texas boast some of the largest populations of young adults and millennials. These popular states often have lower costs of living and incredible cities, which help to draw young adults to them.
What is the most fun city to live in?
It really depends on what you’re interested in. If you’re all about the nightlife, a city like New York or Las Vegas might be the place for you. If you like the outdoors, cities with easily accessible outdoor experiences like Salt Lake City might be the perfect fit. And if music is your passion, you can’t beat Nashville or Austin.