Young professionals in the United States have a wealth of options when it comes to where they live. As fewer people are tied to one location because of their job, cities across the country are putting out the welcome mat as they lure young professionals with attractive work/life options.
This article will dive deep into the best cities for young professionals. You’ll learn about each city‘s major industries, the average cost of home rentals and purchases, the availability of remote work incentives, US Census information (including the city‘s population, median age, average commute time, and household income), as well as things that make each locale fun and unique.
Keep reading and discover which of these cities is right for you and your career.
These cities are listed in no particular order. Home sale and apartment rental prices are courtesy of Zillow and Rent.com and are accurate as of August 5, 2022. Census information is courtesy of the US Census Bureau.
1. San Jose, California
All but the wealthiest people have been priced out of the Silicon Valley area’s main section, which includes the cities of Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. While some still place San Jose in Silicon Valley, it’s a much more cost-effective place to live.
Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, San Jose is close enough to San Francisco and Oakland to give you a big city feel without the prohibitive cost of living expenses.
Main Industries
San Jose, California, boasts several high-profile companies, many of them tech related. PayPal, Cisco Systems, Adobe, and eBay are all headquartered in San Jose.
However, the most exciting development in San Jose is Google’s plan for a new downtown campus. The company expects 25,000 of its staff will work at the new location, which also features 4,000 residences, parkland, and community centers.
Housing Information
San Jose’s housing costs are lower than other Bay Area locales, but it’s still an expensive city. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is $2,800 per month.
If you plan to purchase a home, you can expect to pay a minimum of $1.4 million.
Japantown, Berryessa, and Willow Glen are some of San Jose’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Census Statistics
San Jose’s median age reflects the still-growing tech industry. According to the 2022 census, the average age of San Jose residents is 37.1 years, slightly higher than the median age of 35 years in 2011.
As of 2020, the median individual income in San Jose is $42,000, and the household income is $117,000.
The average commute time is 29 minutes.
Remote Work Incentive
San Jose does not currently have a city-sponsored remote work incentive. However, the state of California offers a number of grants and funds geared toward small businesses and start ups.
Things to Do in San Jose
San Jose is a vibrant city with temperate weather, making outdoor activities possible all year round. The beaches of Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, famous for surfing, are just about an hour away.
Take a stroll down Santana Row and explore some of the city‘s best restaurants and bars. Catch a San Jose Sharks hockey match or show your support for the local soccer team, the San Jose Earthquakes. You can also take the CalTrain and be in San Francisco in just over an hour.
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Once an oil boomtown, Tulsa is now booming for different reasons. Major industries are flocking to Tulsa, driven in part by the city‘s low cost of doing business. Young professionals move to Tulsa for the inexpensive cost of living and its rich food, art, and cultural scenes.
Main Industries
Although you no longer see oil wells stretching to the horizon, Tulsa is still a prime location for companies in the energy sector. Williams Companies focuses on natural gas solutions, and Helmerich and Payne offer state-of-the-art drilling technologies.
Boeing has a significant presence in Tulsa, making it one of the best places for young professionals to live if they are interested in aerospace.
Saint Francis Health Systems offers a wide range of positions for those with a healthcare background, from nursing to technology services.
Housing Prices
Tulsa has always been an affordable city, and even as housing costs are rising nationally, Tulsa is still relatively inexpensive.
One and two-bedroom apartments range from $900 to $1,200 per month. Purchasing a home in Tulsa is not entirely out of reach. As of June 2022, the average home price in Tulsa is less than $200,000.
Some of Tulsa’s most popular neighborhoods are the Pearl District, Cherry Street, Downtown, and the Tulsa Arts District.
Census Statistics
According to the most recent US census, Tulsa’s population is 669,000.
Tulsa is rapidly becoming a young person’s city. The median age in 2020 is 35 years, and the median household income is $57,000. Individual income comes in at $36,000.
The average commute time is 18 minutes.
Remote Work Incentive
Tulsa jumped on the remote work incentive bandwagon early. Beginning in 2018, well before the pandemic, Tulsa Remote started offering eligible workers $10,000 plus numerous benefits to relocate.
Four years later, the program is still going strong, and more than 1,700 remote workers have relocated to Tulsa.
Things to Do in Tulsa
Did you know that downtown Tulsa features a number of world-renowned art deco buildings? After the discovery of oil, a building boom followed in 1912. You can see exceptional examples of art deco at the Union Depot, the Tulsa Club Building, and the Philtower Building.
Tulsa is also home to world-class dining, numerous art museums, and The Gathering Place, a multi-function park and recreation center located on the banks of the Arkansas River.
3. Omaha, Nebraska
If you’ve never heard of the Silicon Prairie, you need to look no further than Omaha, Nebraska. This small city in the Great Plains region has a thriving start-up sector, making it one of the best cities for entrepreneurs.
Omaha is also well-known as the headquarters of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire-Hathaway.
Main Industries
Despite its small size, several major corporations have headquarters in Omaha. The Union Pacific Railroad attracts skilled workers in many departments, from mechanics to digital marketers and logistic systems engineers. Omaha is also home to numerous insurance companies and healthcare corporations.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Omaha has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2.6. This is well below the national average of 3.8.
Housing Prices
One of the reasons Omaha is catching the eyes of young professionals is its exceptionally low cost of living. Even with a 13% increase since 2021, the average home purchase price is just $272,000.
House and apartment rental prices have been relatively stable in Omaha, a stark contrast to other US cities. The average one-bedroom apartment checks in at $1,072, and a two-bedroom is just $1,510.
Some of Omaha’s most popular neighborhoods are Downtown, the Dundee-Happy Hollow Historic District, and Aksarben.
Census Statistics
Omaha is a small city that packs a big punch. The 2020 population comes in at 487,000 people, an increase of 80,000 since 2010. Omaha also has one of the youngest demographics, where the median age is 34.9 years.
The median income for individuals is $34,000. For households, that number climbs to $62,000.
The average commute time is 19 minutes.
Remote Work Incentive
Omaha doesn’t offer a city-specific remote work incentive. However, the state of Nebraska has several incentive programs aimed at entrepreneurs, small businesses, and agriculture specialists who want to relocate.
Additionally, remote-friendly companies like LinkedIn and PayPal have offices in Omaha, and the city offers numerous co-working spaces.
Things to Do in Omaha
If you think of Omaha as a sleepy little city, think again. You can check out Omaha Fashion Week every August, rock out to a local band, or bliss out over a delicious dinner at one of Omaha’s world-renowned steak houses.
But perhaps one of the best things to do in Omaha happens every June. The NCAA Men’s College World Series draws tens of thousands of spectators and is one of Omaha’s most beloved sporting events.
4. Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City is a sprawling metropolis, yet Denver’s neighborhoods have a small-town feel. As one of the industry giants of the American west, Denver is one of the top cities with good-paying jobs.
Factor in the abundance of year-round activities, and you’ll understand why Denver is a top pick for the best places to work.
Main Industries
Denver has an amazingly diversified economy, so young professionals from all backgrounds will find the perfect job. Those with expertise in the energy sector will be in very high demand.
For those in the aerospace world, Denver is home to Lockheed Martin, and it’s the hub for United Airlines. Additionally, Denver International Airport employs more than 30,000 people.
However, one of the most exciting of Denver’s industries is cannabis. Colorado’s medical and recreational cannabis sales topped $2 billion in 2021. Botanists, chemists, food science experts, and those with tech skills can easily take part in this lucrative industry.
Housing Prices
Denver’s housing costs are on par with most US cities its size. A one-bedroom apartment costs $2,200, and a two-bedroom will add about $600 to that, at a cost of $2,800 per month.
Purchasing a home in Denver is pricey. The median home cost is $654,000, up 21% from last year.
However, Denver’s utility and food costs come in lower than the national average, so there are ways to balance the cost of living.
Denver’s most popular neighborhoods are Capitol Hill, the Highlands, Cherry Creek, and Five Points.
Census Statistics
In 2020 Denver’s population rose to 715,000 from 600,000 in 2010. The median age is 33, and 68% of residents are younger than 44. More than 50% of Denver residents hold a bachelor’s degree.
The median household income is $72,000, and the average individual income is $45,000.
The average commute time is 25 minutes,
Remote Work Incentive
Denver does not offer a remote work incentive for employees. However, there is a very attractive incentive for businesses that employ remote workers living in rural parts of Colorado.
If you’re looking for a reason to bring your business to Denver, check out the LONE Program.
Things to Do in Denver
If you’re outdoorsy, you can’t go wrong with Denver. Some of the world’s best skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing are just to the west in the Rocky Mountains. Horse lovers will find a thriving equestrian community, and Denver is among the top ten most dog-friendly cities in the United States.
Professional sports enthusiasts will love Denver. Home to the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Avalanche, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Rockies, and the Colorado Rapids, Denver checks off every major league sporting event on your list.
5. Orlando, Florida
Best known as the home of Disney World, Orlando is also making headlines as one of the best cities with good jobs in the United States. Multi-national corporations are moving operations to Orlando in droves, which is great news for young professionals.
Hospitality reigns supreme in Orlando, but you’ll find plenty of rewarding and lucrative jobs in other fields as well.
Main Industries
As mentioned above, Orlando is all about hospitality. Walt Disney World Resort is the city‘s largest employer, but not all of its openings are customer-facing. Web Stack developers, software engineers, and accountants are all in high demand at Disney.
Architects and construction managers will also be in high demand as Universal Studios announced a 750-acre addition to its Orlando property.
Healthcare jobs in central Florida come in at a close second. AdventHealth and Orlando Health are the city‘s two largest healthcare providers.
But perhaps the most exciting jobs in the area are in nearby Cape Canaveral. Here you’ll find SpaceX, the United Launch Alliance, NASA, and Blue Origin.
Housing Prices
The cost to buy a home in Orlando rose sharply over the last year, but the median price is still somewhat reasonable at $383,000. However, Orlando is a large city, and real estate in many up-and-coming neighborhoods could be a wise investment.
Renting in Orlando is an easy choice for many who are new to the city. Many apartment buildings have newer construction, so you’ll have the advantage of updated insulation to save on cooling costs during Florida summers.
One-bedroom apartments in Orlando check in at $1,800 per month, and you can expect to pay $2,200 for two bedrooms.
Some of Orlando’s most popular neighborhoods are Baldwin Park, the Central Business District, Park Lake-Highland, and Lake Eola Heights.
Census Statistics
You might be surprised to learn that Orlando’s population is only 309,000 people, according to 2020 census data. Orlando’s population has also stayed relatively stable since the last census in 2010. The population increased by only about 70,000 people.
The median age in Orlando is 34 years, and 40% of residents have a bachelor’s degree.
The median household income is $55,000, and the individual income is $34,000.
The average commute time is 29 minutes.
Remote Work Incentives
Orlando does not currently offer incentives for remote employees. However, companies like Blue Cross offer plenty of remote work opportunities in Orlando.
Things to Do in Orlando
If you love theme parks, you’ll be right at home in Orlando. Disney World and Universal Studios are the most popular, and you can explore them at your leisure because you live there! Additionally, Disney World offers a discount of 40% on 4-day tickets and Universal offers one free day when you buy a two-day pass with a Florida ID.
Orlando also has a thriving food and beverage scene. Try Oaxacan food and mezcal at Reyes Mezcaleria, Indian food at Tiffins, and modern cuisine at The Ravenous Pig, a James Beard nominee.
6. Research Triangle, North Carolina
Have you heard of The Triangle in North Carolina? Officially called The Research Triangle, it includes Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. The Triangle also encompasses the cities of Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham.
In the 1960s, tech companies like IBM moved to the area to work with talented people at the universities. Today, The Triangle is known as one of the best places for young professionals to live.
Main Industries
If tech is your specialty, you’ll be in high demand in North Carolina. Companies like Cisco, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Infosys, and Google all have offices in the area. In fact, The Triangle is the second-fastest growing tech hub in the country.
Other industries in The Triangle include solar technology, healthcare, agriculture, animal science, and specialized manufacturing. Coveted teaching and research positions are available at the universities named above.
Housing Prices
Like other tech cities, The Triangle area in North Carolina has seen its housing prices escalate. Currently, the median home price in Chapel Hill is $618,000, a significant increase since 2020.
Raleigh homes are priced slightly less at $465,000, and Durham homes come in at $424,000.
Renting in Chapel Hill is less expensive. Studios and one-bedroom apartments range from $1,600 to $1,900. In Raleigh, you’ll find less expensive apartments. Studios and one-bedrooms here start at $1,500 per month. Durham offers one-bedroom apartments at $1,543 and two bedrooms at $1,926.
Because The Triangle covers a large area, you have options inside and away from the city center. For instance, some of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh are Mordecai and Cameron Village. Still, you’ll pay a premium to live there.
If you choose to live outside the city, you’ll find towns like Cary, Wake Forest, and Holly Springs. And you may also find lower housing costs.
Census Statistics
Population statistics vary when you look at an area versus a city. For instance, according to the 2020 census, Raleigh, North Carolina’s population is 468,000. But when you look at The Triangle as a combined statistical area that includes Raleigh, Durham, and Cary and seven counties, the population jumps to more than 2 million.
The median income in The Triangle is $39,000 for individuals and $73,000 for households. The median age is 37 years.
The average commute time is 25 minutes.
Remote Work Incentives
Neither the state of North Carolina nor the cities in The Triangle offer remote work incentives. However, the individual companies doing business there likely have their own remote work programs.
Things to Do in the Research Triangle
In this part of North Carolina, you have all the advantages of city life paired with unparalleled access to nature. Hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic river floating are all available just outside the city.
But don’t let the countryside fool you. The Triangle area also offers fine dining, exceptional art museums, concerts, opera, and a wealth of historical sites.
7. Nashville, Tennessee
If you think of country music and barbecue as the main things on offer in Nashville, you might want to reconsider. Nashville is rapidly becoming one of the top job markets in the United States, especially in the technology fields.
The city of Nashville is well aware of the increase in available jobs. They’ve launched numerous campaigns to promote Nashville as a diverse, tech-friendly city, and companies are taking notice. Nashville aims to increase its jobs in the tech sector by 50% as soon as 2025.
Main Industries
Nashville will always be a prime destination for tourism, and entrepreneurs can easily cash in on that market. Music production skills are also in high demand in Nashville. Vanderbilt University is also a top employer.
However, Nashville’s fastest growing sectors are technology and healthcare, or a mashup of the two. Healthcare companies in Nashville have the unique distinction of offering more than 300,000 jobs in the region.
HCA, Acadia Healthcare, Smile Direct Club, Cryoport, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, and National Healthcare Corp are just a few healthcare companies to keep an eye on.
Housing Prices
If you’d like to buy a home in Nashville, you can expect to see a noticeable price increase since last year. Currently, a single-family home sells at $455,000, up more than 30% from last year.
Apartment costs have also risen, though not quite as dramatically as home prices. Studios and one-bedroom apartments will cost $1,900 to $2,100 per month.
A few of Nashville’s best neighborhoods include The Gulch, Hillsboro Village, Elliston Place, and Germantown.
One of the advantages of large cities like Nashville is the close proximity to suburban towns and smaller cities. For instance, cities like Gallatin and Murfreesboro might add 30 to 40 minutes to your commute, but housing prices are much lower.
Census Statistics
In 2020 Nashville’s population was 690,000 compared to 601,000 in 2010. Given Nashville’s modest population increase and current projections, the city‘s population is predicted to decline slightly.
The median age in Nashville is 34 years, making it another one of the best places to work.
Nashville’s average individual income is $36,700, and the average household income comes in at $62,000.
The average commute time is 25 minutes.
Remote Work Incentives
Neither the state of Tennessee nor the city of Nashville is currently offering any incentives aimed at remote workers. However, Johnson City, which is nearly 300 miles to the east of Nashville, is offering a stipend for remote workers looking to relocate.
One financial perk of living in Tennessee is that the state does not collect income tax. This should be taken into consideration when deciding if a move to Tennessee makes good financial sense.
Things to Do in Nashville
Nashville is a city you can’t help but love. Aside from its legendary food and music scenes, Nashville offers a number of outdoor and cultural activities. The Cumberland River is perfect for kayaking and boating, the area is home to numerous cave systems, and its state parks have miles of multi-use trails.
Sports fans can get behind the Tennesee Titans and the Nashville Predators. The Nashville Ballet and the Nashville Orchestra hold performances throughout the year.
Nashville is also in a prime location to get away. Memphis, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Knoxville are just a few hours away by car.
8. Minneapolis, Minnesota
For young professionals looking for a new start or a new job, Minneapolis has a lot to offer. You’ll have to deal with brutal winter weather, but this city has the amenities of a metropolis and classic Midwestern charm.
Minneapolis also saw record low unemployment numbers in June 2022. Unemployment fell to a mere 1.8%. Additionally, experts estimate that Minneapolis lost 72,000 members of its workforce over the last two years, giving job seekers the upper hand.
Main Industries
Like many other cities in the US, Minneapolis has a strong healthcare presence, and practitioners and healthcare technology experts are in high demand. The Mayo Clinic, Allina Health Systems, and Fairview Health Services are among the city‘s top healthcare employers.
Minneapolis is still very much a manufacturing city, and those with experience or training in renewable energy manufacturing or manufacturing technology will be in high demand. Forestry and other agricultural industries are booming as well.
Big name employers in Minneapolis include IBM, Oracle, Honeywell, Apple, Amazon, and Infosys.
Housing Prices
The Minneapolis housing market hasn’t seen the explosive growth that other cities are experiencing. The average home price is $345,000, up just 5% over the last year.
Apartment costs are trending downward in Minneapolis. A studio or one-bedroom will cost just $1,075 and $1,300, respectively. In this city, you can rent a three-bedroom apartment for $1,950, less than the cost of a studio apartment in many other cities.
The best neighborhoods in Minneapolis are Summit Hill, Highland, Fulton, and Linden Hills.
Census Statistics
Minneapolis is a smaller city with a population of just 428,000, according to the 2020 census. Population growth in Minneapolis has been slow. The city added only about 45,000 new residents since the 2010 census.
The median age in both Minneapolis and St. Paul is just 32 years, making it the youngest demographic on the list.
52% of Minneapolis residents have a bachelor’s degree.
Individual income comes in at $40,000, and household income rises to $66,000.
The average commute time in Minneapolis is 23 minutes.
Remote Work Incentives
Minneapolis itself does not offer any specific remote work incentives. Still, the state of Minnesota is actively looking to draw entrepreneurs. They have recently started a program called Launch Minnesota that offers grants and support programs to small businesses and start-ups.
Many of the top employers in Minneapolis offer remote work schedules for employees. This allows you to enjoy your remote work lifestyle while taking advantage of the low cost of living.
If you don’t mind living four hours away from Minneapolis, the town of Bemidji offers modest incentive packages for remote workers interested in living in the Northwoods.
The Minnesota city of Harmony, two hours south of Minneapolis, offers a very attractive incentive for new residents. If you build a new home or remodel an approved existing home, you can receive rebates from the state totaling up to $12,000.
Things to Do in Minneapolis
The Mississippi River divides the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and river activities are abundant during the summer months. Outdoorsy people will love kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, fishing, and other water-centric activities.
Minneapolis offers 226 miles of bike paths throughout the city, making biking a very popular activity among residents of all ages.
Winters are cold in northern Minnesota, and those who love snow will feel right at home. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating are all great ways to be active during the winter months.
Which of These Best Cities for Young Professionals Will You Choose?
With the rise of remote work options, many young professionals enjoy being location-independent. However, there are many advantages to spending a few years in one city, even if you continue to work remotely. Having a presence in a city allows you the opportunity to network, assess an area’s needs, and use that information to further your career or start your own business.
Choosing the best cities for young professionals is no easy task. So many factors go into choosing the right locale for you. Check out some of our other articles for more information about the cities that are making headlines as the best places to live for entrepreneurs, young professionals, and those who are up to the challenge of making a name for themselves in a brand new city.