Chris Martin, a senior economist on Glassdoor’s economic research team, also provided data and analysis for this report.
From higher starting salaries to affordable starter homes, some cities give young people a serious leg up. From Omaha to Anchorage to Hilton Head Island, here are the standout big, medium, and small cities for recent college graduates.
The tassels are turned, the diplomas are framed, and next comes the big question: Where should recent college grads plant roots? This new Redfin and Glassdoor analysis reveals which big, mid-sized and small U.S. cities offer the best mix of career opportunity, housing affordability and work-life balance for young professionals.
Washington, D.C. ranks as the best big city in the U.S. for recent college graduates, according to a new Redfin and Glassdoor analysis. The nation’s capital tops the list because recent grads earn big paychecks relative to other large cities, there’s a lot of career opportunities, and the city offers great work-life balance.
New Orleans comes in first for mid-sized cities, largely because starter homes are affordable and early-career wages are growing at a faster clip than rent. Springfield, IL leads among small cities, with recent college grads attracted to its high starting salaries, strong job-growth potential and transit friendliness.
This is according to a Redfin-Glassdoor ranking of the best U.S. metro areas in the U.S. for recent college graduates, broken into three categories: Big, medium-sized and small. For this report, metro areas are referred to as “cities.” We ranked places based on factors related to housing, jobs, and quality of life using several different metrics. Please see the end of this report for more details on methodology.
Big Cities
1. Washington, D.C.
Average annual early-career earnings: $79,857
Price of typical starter home: $320,000
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 2 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 31.6%
Monthly rent as % of income: 34%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Work-life winner // Strong starting salaries // Jobs galore
The nation’s capital ranks as the best big city for recent college grads because it has a robust entry-level job market offering strong salaries, and while housing isn’t exactly cheap, it’s more affordable than many other big coastal cities. The top sector for early-career workers is tech, but D.C. also offers junior jobs aplenty in government and government-adjacent organizations, like think tanks, defense contractors, consultants and law firms. D.C. has 19 job postings per 100 workers, the most of any big U.S. city. But it’s not all work, all the time: The U.S. capital is one of the cultural centers of the U.S., offering not only unique landmarks, but a thriving food and drinks scene at places like The Wharf and Union Market.
“D.C. is a place of opportunity,” said Andre Margutti, a local Redfin Premier agent. “Students graduate from Georgetown or George Washington University, and they stay because there are so many job prospects. Or they graduate from school in an entirely different part of the country, and they move here for the same reason. And it’s not just in the federal government and related industries–our area attracts a lot of doctors, and a lot of international students stay in the area to work in finance for a place like the IMF or the World Bank.”
2. Omaha, NE
Average early-career earnings: $59,123
Price of typical starter home: $195,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 8 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 26%
Monthly rent as % of income: 28%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Job variety // New grads love their jobs // Work-life winner
A starter home in Omaha costs less than $200,000, which is affordable to someone earning the typical entry-level salary of around $59,000. The most popular career path for recent grads in the Nebraska town is healthcare, but it’s also home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific and Mutual of Omaha. Not only do college grads report enjoying their jobs, but they also report strong work-life balance–especially for those immersed in the city’s thriving music and brewery scene.
“I’m currently helping a young couple move from North Carolina to Omaha,” said Justin Gomez, a Redfin Premier agent in Omaha. “People move here from many different parts of the country because there’s a great community for the younger crowd: We have a lot of colleges in the area, and there are so many fun events like the annual college baseball tournament. It doesn’t hurt that we have a lot of well-paying jobs, including at the University of Nebraska Med Center and the Offutt Airforce Base–and with a lot of homes selling for under $300,000, young grads actually have a shot at purchasing a house.”
3. Boston, MA
Average early-career earnings: $80,026
Price of typical starter home: $460,000
Years to save for down payment: 6 years, 8 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 45.3%
Monthly rent as % of income: 53%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // Work-life winner // Pedestrian paradise
The typical recent grad in Boston earns $80,000 per year, the highest average starting salary of all the cities in this top 10 list. The city’s most popular sector for recent grads is tech, though it’s also home to a lot of jobs in biotech, healthcare, education and research. Boston is also a work-life winner, with twenty-somethings working hard by day and catching a game at Fenway Park or meeting friends at a beer garden at night.
“Boston naturally has a big population of young people because there are so many colleges here, from Harvard to MIT to Boston College,” said Aditi Jain, a local Redfin Premier agent. “A lot of employers have offices in Boston to attract grads from those prestigious places and keep them in the city. There’s also a strong startup culture across biotech, finance and software, and a lot of those companies also offer well-paying jobs, enticing both people who attended college in Boston and those who are moving there from a different part of the country. We have a lot of new condos, which are perfect for young professionals, and the city is walkable and has fantastic public transportation; you can get anywhere for two dollars and a subway ride.”
4. Dallas, TX
Average early-career earnings: $67,451
Price of typical starter home: $240,000
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 1 month
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28%
Monthly rent as % of income: 26%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Career-growth potential // Rent won’t bust budget
Dallas is home to 24 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including American Airlines, AT&T and Toyota, offering abundant entry-level jobs. The Texas city is known for legendary barbecue spots and live music, perfect for young professionals unwinding after a long week of work. Dallas is unique because it’s well-rounded; it is relatively affordable, fairly high-paying for early-career workers, and there’s plenty to do for young professionals.
5. Chicago, IL
Average early-career earnings: $72,786
Price of typical starter home: $202,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 21.9%
Monthly rent as % of income: 28%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Affordable starter homes // Strong starting salaries // Transit friendly
The Windy City is home to iconic attractions like Wrigley Field and Navy Pier, along with countless comedy clubs, deep-dish pizza spots and bars. Chicago has a plethora of jobs for early-career workers, from finance to tech to working corporate jobs for companies like McDonald’s or United Airlines.
6. Houston, TX
Average early-career earnings: $ 65,369
Price of typical starter home: $215,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 7 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 25.9%
Monthly rent as % of income: 18%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Job variety // Bounced back strong from pandemic // Rent won’t bust budget
Everything’s bigger in Texas–especially the number of job opportunities. Houston has a mix of industries, from aerospace engineering at NASA to healthcare at the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical facility. It’s also known for vibrant nightlife, including live music venues and food halls.
7. St. Louis, MO
Average early-career earnings: $ 61,834
Price of typical starter home: $ 150,000
Years to save for down payment: 2 years, 7 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 19.1%
Monthly rent as % of income: 23%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Plenty of starter homes // Job variety // Work-life winner
Not only does St. Louis have a lower cost of living than coastal cities, but it’s also home to a variety of entry-level jobs. The most popular industry is healthcare, and there are also opportunities in finance, tech and engineering, among other industries. Twenty-somethings enjoy free attractions like the City Museum and Gateway Arch, along with world-class museums and dining.
8. San Diego, CA
Average early-career earnings: $ 74,053
Price of typical starter home: $ 615,000
Years to save for down payment: More than 10 years
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 65.4%
Monthly rent as % of income: 64%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // New grads love their jobs // Work-life winner
When San Diegans aren’t working, they’re at the beach: riding bikes along the coastline, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking or simply sunbathing. But don’t let the city’s laid-back vibes fool you: It’s one of the country’s biggest biotech hubs, and it’s also home to many entry-level positions in industries like healthcare and gaming. Living in San Diego is worth it for those who can afford higher housing costs.
9. Miami, FL
Average early-career earnings: $ 62,748
Price of typical starter home: $ 210,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 11 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 26.4%
Monthly rent as % of income: 33%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Career-growth potential // Job variety // Bounced back strong from pandemic
Whether grads want to work in retail, wholesale, construction, real estate, tourism, aviation, healthcare, or any of Miami’s many industries, the city has entry-level jobs for everyone. Add Miami’s white-sand beaches, turquoise water and endless nightlife, and the South Florida city is a twenty-something’s dream.
10. Austin, TX
Average early-career earnings: $ 72,025
Price of typical starter home: $ 276,600
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 1 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 30.3%
Monthly rent as % of income: 35%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Jobs galore // Work-life winner // New grads love their jobs
The “Live Music Capital of the World” is home to music venues and festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, and places like Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake also make it a paradise for water lovers. Industries like healthcare, tech and education offer many entry-level jobs, and Austin’s slow housing market makes it a good time for young buyers to break in.
Mid-Sized Cities
1. New Orleans, LA
Average early-career earnings: $ 57,414
Price of typical starter home: $ 175,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 1 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 24%
Monthly rent as % of income: 32%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Job variety // Pedestrian paradise // Transit friendly
New Orleans is unique: Recent grads can catch live jazz on Frenchmen Street, eat the famous beignets at Cafe du Monde and take ghost tours in the French Quarter–and once a year, they have front-row seats to Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras.
It’s a great city for young professionals because in addition to the nonstop fun, New Orleans has a lower cost of living than many other major cities, and there are lots of jobs in industries like hospitality, energy, education and aerospace. The most popular sector for recent grads is healthcare.
“New Orleans is a whole vibe,” said Jason Gale, a local Redfin Premier agent. “There’s Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, of course, but every day of the year there’s live music, world-class food, endless parties–and almost everything is walkable. You can stay in your own neighborhood for an entire weekend, walk to different bars, restaurants and shops, and never run out of things to do. For young, first-time buyers, now is a good time to get into the market because sellers are cutting their prices.”
2. Palm Bay, FL
Average early-career earnings: $ 65,010
Price of typical starter home: $ 210,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 9 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 25.4%
Monthly rent as % of income: 25%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // Work-life winner
Palm Bay, located on Florida’s east coast about halfway between Daytona Beach and Palm Beach, is a hidden gem for recent grads–and it’s not just because it’s more affordable than other coastal towns. It’s about an hour away from both Orlando’s theme parks and Kennedy Space Center, and it’s home to outdoor adventures like bass fishing and kayaking. Plus, Palm Bay is one of Florida’s fastest-growing tech hubs, with many entry-level positions at aerospace companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. It also has plenty of retail jobs.
“Here’s the thought process for recent grads: ‘I can move to Palm Bay or somewhere else in Brevard County and get a great, high-paying job right out of school, pay off my student loans, live in a nice, new property without paying too much or dealing with too much maintenance, and get to a beautiful beach within 15 minutes on the weekend,” said Juan Castro, a Redfin Premier agent in the Orlando area. “Palm Bay is known as the ‘Space Coast’ because it’s home to Blue Origin and many other companies focused on space exploration. For young people, living there is attractive because it’s less expensive than neighboring towns but still offers proximity to a lot of jobs.”
3. Wichita, KS
Average early-career earnings: $ 55,285
Price of typical starter home: $ 144,535
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 1 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 20.6%
Monthly rent as % of income: 17%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Plenty of starter homes // Affordable starter homes // Career-growth potential
Wichita may fly under the radar for college grads from the coasts, but it’s worth considering for its affordable cost of living, unique entertainment and potential for major career growth. The city’s number-one industry for recent grads is aerospace, and it’s also home to Cargill, one of the nation’s biggest food and agricultural companies. To wind down after work, twenty-somethings can head to one of the city’s famous retro arcades or take in a dinner theatre show.
4. Mobile, AL
Average early-career earnings: $ 53,030
Price of typical starter home: $ 169,900
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 5 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 25.2%
Monthly rent as % of income: 23%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Pay outpaces rent // Career-growth potential // Low rents relative to income
A little known fact about Mobile: It’s the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., predating New Orleans’ celebrations, and it still hosts elaborate celebrations and costume parades through historic districts. The affordable Southern city also has a walkable downtown and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches. On the work side, Mobile is a major hub for aviation manufacturing and shipbuilding, and it also has opportunities in healthcare, logistics and construction.
5. Anchorage, AK
Average early-career earnings: $ 65,864
Price of typical starter home: $ 240,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 11 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28.7%
Monthly rent as % of income: 31%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // Career-growth potential
Anchorage is one of the only places in the country where you can spend the day photographing glaciers and fishing for salmon and the night dining at a four-star restaurant. The land of the midnight sun offers grads jobs in oil and gas, tourism, government, transportation, fishing, healthcare and several other industries.
6. Lincoln, NE
Average early-career earnings: $ 53,871
Price of typical starter home: $ 212,000
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 7 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 31%
Monthly rent as % of income: 23%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: New grads love their jobs // Work-life winner // Low rents relative to income
Whether recent grads work in education at the University of Nebraska or manufacturing at Kawasaki Motors, Lincoln is a major employer. And after work, young professionals can take in a college football game or a touring Broadway show, attend farmers markets or take in an outdoor concert.
7. Trenton, NJ
Average early-career earnings: $ 74,570
Price of typical starter home: $ 220,000
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 9 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 23.2%
Monthly rent as % of income: 33%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Affordable starter homes // Strong starting salaries // Jobs galore
Trenton is more affordable than many other East Coast cities, and it has a strong entry-level job market in industries like education and government. The New Jersey capital also has easy access to both New York City and Philadelphia, and young professionals sticking around Trenton for the weekend can partake in the city’s vibrant art galleries, famous barbecue restaurants and minor league baseball games.
8. Bridgeport, CT
Average early-career earnings: $ 72,503
Price of typical starter home: $ 330,000
Years to save for down payment: 5 years, 11 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 35.9%
Monthly rent as % of income: 38%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // Job variety // Transit friendly
Whether grads are looking for a job in manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, law or construction, Bridgeport is a good place to look. The city offers a fairly affordable cost of living with big-city access, and it’s home to unique recreational activities like outdoor yoga, an award-winning distillery and a famous cabaret theater.
9. Waco, TX
Average early-career earnings: $ 50,430
Price of typical starter home: $ 180,000
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 9 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28.1%
Monthly rent as % of income: 31%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: New grads love their jobs // Career-growth potential
From education to retail to customer service to aerospace, Waco has thousands of entry-level jobs for recent college grads–and it has a lower cost of living than nearby big cities like Dallas or Austin. Outside of work, new grads may enjoy Magnolia Market, made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines, or hiking and biking along the Brazos River.
10. Lexington, KY
Average early-career earnings: $ 52,648
Price of typical starter home: $ 211,000
Years to save for down payment: 5 years
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 31.6%
Monthly rent as % of income: 34%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Bounced back strong from pandemic // Pedestrian paradise
The University of Kentucky, the state government and a huge Amazon distribution center are some of the biggest employers in Lexington. The “Horse Capital of the World” offers young grads the opportunity to take in world-famous horse racing, and it’s also home to renowned bourbon distilleries.
Small Cities
1. Springfield, IL
Average early-career earnings: $ 59,925
Price of typical starter home: $ 128,000
Years to save for down payment: 2 years, 3 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 16.8%
Monthly rent as % of income: 16%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Affordable starter homes // Strong starting salaries // Work-life winner
Springfield offers young grads career opportunities in healthcare, state government, public policy and education, along with many other industries. Plus, the Illinois capital has a low cost of living, a lively music scene and outdoor recreation along Lake Springfield.
2. Santa, FE, NM
Average early-career earnings: $ 81,848
Price of typical starter home: $ 359,950
Years to save for down payment: 5 years, 7 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 34.6%
Monthly rent as % of income: 39%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // Career-growth potential // Work-life winner
Santa Fe draws people in their twenties with a unique arts-and-culture vibe, offering galleries, music venues and outdoor activities in the high desert. For early-career workers, Santa Fe’s economy offers opportunities in state government, tourism and hospitality, healthcare, the arts and nonprofits.
3. Panama City, FL
Average early-career earnings: $ 61,160
Price of typical starter home: $ 230,000
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 8 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 29.6%
Monthly rent as % of income: 46%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Career-growth potential // Work-life winner // Pay outpaces rent
Panama City is a Gulf Coast playground for people in their twenties, with a laid-back beach lifestyle, waterfront festivals, live music spots and outdoor adventures on St. Andrews Bay. The local economy leans on tech, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, shipbuilding, and government jobs tied to military bases. It offers early-career gigs in hospitality, retail, healthcare support, public services and small businesses.
4. Hilton Head Island, SC
Average early-career earnings: $ 51,887
Price of typical starter home: $ 317,500
Years to save for down payment: More than 10 years
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 48.2%
Monthly rent as % of income: 60%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Plenty of starter homes // Job variety // Work-life winner
Recent grads craving a unique out-of-college experience may turn to Hilton Head Island, a classic beach town with miles of coastline to bike, surf, kayak or chill on the beach. When it comes to work, early-career workers will find jobs in an economy fueled by tourism and hospitality, with gigs including retail, resort management and food service. Some people who work on Hilton Head Island live in the South Carolina Lowcountry, just across the bridge.
5. Macon, GA
Average early-career earnings: $ 55,037
Price of typical starter home: $ 139,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 1 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 19.9%
Monthly rent as % of income: 25%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Affordable starter homes // Jobs galore // Job variety
For young adults, Macon is full to the brim with live music, beer gardens and arcade bars. The Southern town’s growing job market is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing and logistics–and as a bonus, housing is affordable.
6. Champaign, IL
Average early-career earnings: $57,356
Price of typical starter home: $ 157,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 21.6%
Monthly rent as % of income: 24%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Affordable starter homes // New grads love their jobs // Transit friendly
Champaign is a college town that’s also friendly to recent grads. From eclectic bars to arts festivals and farmers markets to an annual St. Patrick’s Day festival, Champaign keeps twenty-somethings entertained year-round. It also has a strong scene for young workers, with plenty of jobs at the University of Illinois and the growing healthcare, tech and service sectors–plus, there are lots of networking opportunities and job fairs.
7. Greenville, NC
Average early-career earnings: $ 52,195
Price of typical starter home: $ 187,000
Years to save for down payment: 5 years, 3 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28.2%
Monthly rent as % of income: 26%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Rent won’t bust budget // High number of job openings per worker
Aside from offering affordable housing options, Greenville keeps the fun rolling for young professionals with a lively uptown district full of bars, restaurants, live music and parks. For early-career workers, the area has a growing job market in industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing and biotech.
8. Columbia, MO
Average early-career earnings: $ 51,379
Price of typical starter home: $ 199,900
Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 6 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 30.7%
Monthly rent as % of income: 28%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Work-life winner // Career-growth potential // New grads love their jobs
Columbia packs college-town buzz with fun vibes for people in their twenties, from indie music venues to eclectic festivals like the True/False Film Fest to art crawls to bike trails. The city’s diverse job market is anchored by the University of Missouri, and it offers early-career jobs in education, healthcare, tech, public service and small businesses.
9. Bend, OR
Average early-career earnings: $ 65,866
Price of typical starter home: $ 359,999
Years to save for down payment: 8 years, 2 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 43.1%
Monthly rent as % of income: 56%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // Job variety // Work-life winner
Bend attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its mountain biking, hiking, skiing and river rafting. Recent grads also love the Oregon town for its craft-beer and music scenes. For early-career workers, the job market offers opportunities in tourism and outdoor gear manufacturing, along with more traditional industries like tech.
10. Rochester, MN
Average early-career earnings: $ 68,496
Price of typical starter home: $ 215,000
Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 5 months
Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 24.7%
Monthly rent as % of income: 19%
What makes the city rad for recent grads: Strong starting salaries // New grads love their jobs // Pedestrian paradise
Rochester blends a laid-back Midwestern vibe with live music, indie art, local breweries and outdoor trails and farmers markets. Its early-career scene is anchored by the Mayo Clinic and a strong healthcare sector, with solid growth in manufacturing, retail and small business.
Here’s a video on what makes these cities rad for recent grads, featuring Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather and Redfin Premier agent Juan Castro:
Methodology
This report is based on a Redfin-Glassdoor ranking of the best U.S. metro areas in the U.S. for recent college graduates, broken into three categories: Big, medium-sized and small. For this report, metro areas are referred to as “cities.” Redfin and Glassdoor ranked places based on 13 indicators across housing affordability, career opportunity and urban quality of life. Indicators were normalized (using z-scores) and averaged within those three broad categories. Overall rankings are based on the weighted sum of ranks across the factors. Here are more details on each broad category:
Housing affordability
- Starter home availability: Starter homes sold per 1,000 residents
- Ownership cost: early-career income divided by median starter home price
- Ownership cost trend: Early career earnings growth minus starter home price growth
- Rent-to-income ratio: Average monthly condo/co-op cost, divided by monthly early-career salary
Career opportunity
- Early-career income: Early-career workers
- Economic diversity: Concentration of early-career workers in particular sectors
- Overall job satisfaction: Average employer ratings from early-career workers
- Career opportunity satisfaction: average career opportunity rating from early-career workers
- Job availability: Number of distinct job postings per 100 workers
- Post-pandemic job availability trend: Five-year trend in job posting volume
Urban quality of life
- Average work-life balance ratings: Early-career workers
- Median Walk Score
- Median Transit Score
Metrics were calculated using 563,000 Glassdoor salary reviews collected in 2025 from early-career workers, 662,000 Glassdoor employer reviews collected from early-career workers between 2023 and 2025, over 22 million job postings on Glassdoor from 2025, and over 2.5 million 2025 property sales from Redfin.
Metrics were calculated for all available MSAs, and MSAs were excluded from consideration if four or more indicators were missing.
Trend data (housing prices, early-career wages, and job posting volume) were generated by regressing available (logged) values between 2018-2025 (2020-2025 in the case of job postings) to calculate an annualized trend.
