Post-college is an exciting time; there are so many opportunities right in front of you and a lot of incredible places you can take on. More than likely, you aren’t in the mood to move back to your parents’ house, so there’s really no better time to explore the world and see where you end up. Depending on the industry you’re looking to step into, it can feel limiting. But with the new wave of jobs where you can work remotely or transfer between cities, you don’t have to choose between your dream city and your dream job.
So here’s a guide to the best cities for millennials to live, because why waste time in places you don’t absolutely love?
Denver, Colorado
As a decently sized city that has fresh air, mountains and is 420-friendly, Denver seems like an obvious place for millennials to start out. But it’s only just recently that throngs of this generation have been flocking to the Mile High City. It’s the perfect place for entrepreneurs who are looking to find mentors and connections, as well as build their own business. Colorado itself isn’t a bad place to settle, with its cost of living is below the national average. Basically, it makes it a lot easier to not be one of us broke millennials.
Seattle, Washington
This green, often overcast city is bustling with plenty of jobs and young millennials. Yes, it’s heading towards a more expensive cost of living (COL), but it’s still 64 percent lower than New York City in the same category. The food and coffee are ah-mazing, and with the tech and entrepreneurial boom that’s been going on for a while, it won’t be hard to find a job.
Boston, Massachusetts
New York City has become quite the overpriced hotspot. While it’s enticing to want to start your career in the Big Apple, money definitely plays a big factor in staying stress-free and living comfortably. Although it’s still quite expensive, Boston is a great alternative that keeps you in a city, but makes it a touch easier to save money and get used to the faster pace — especially if you’re from a small town. The history of the city itself will always make for an interesting walk, and it’s just really damn pretty there.
San Francisco, California
While San Francisco has certainly become an expensive place to live, like, New York level expensive, the job opportunities are plentiful — especially for those in the tech field. San Fran is a great option if you’ve saved a bit and are looking to stay on the West Coast and away from Bomb Cyclone snow storms. It’s not as hot and sunny as its southern sister cities, but it’s certainly a bit less rainy than the PNW states above it.
Austin, Texas
The big cities of Texas never really appear on the post-college radar for a lot of people, but Austin’s certainly one that has seen a growth in its millennial population. Here, young adults are able to afford living and save for a house — I know, what a wild concept! There’s plenty of cheap eats and amazing food, a large arts and culture presence, and tons of outdoor activities. For those night owls out there, Austin’s got a poppin’ nightlife scene, too.
Portland, Oregon
Rose City has a lot more to it than its endless food options and its (scary accurate) parody show Portlandia. Those are both important factors, of course, but Portland is taking a strong lead in the advertising and culinary worlds. Agencies working with giant companies like Nike and Apple have home bases in PDX, and many chefs and bakers start here before moving onto bigger cities. The creative industries, like photography and art, also have a strong presence here.
Greenville, South Carolina
Both big corporations and small business opportunities are available in this Southeastern city. When it comes to the best cities for millennials, Greenville makes the list with it’s low cost of living and the expected growth of it’s employment rate, per Forbes. It also has beautiful trails and outdoor spaces just outside of the city, with plenty of art museums and nightlife to get your fill of history and adventure.
Lead image via Getty