{"id":84560,"date":"2026-04-14T05:00:57","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/?p=84560"},"modified":"2026-04-13T11:09:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:09:55","slug":"best-cities-recent-grads-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/best-cities-recent-grads-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"From Nebraska to Alaska: Redfin and Glassdoor Rank the Top U.S. Cities For New Grads"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chris Martin<\/span><\/a><\/em>, a senior economist on Glassdoor\u2019s economic research team, also provided data and analysis for this report.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Washington, D.C.<\/a> ranks as the best big city in the U.S. for recent college graduates, according to a new Redfin and Glassdoor analysis. The nation\u2019s capital tops the list because recent grads earn big paychecks relative to other large cities, there\u2019s a lot of career opportunities, and the city offers great work-life balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New Orleans<\/a> comes in first for mid-sized cities, largely because starter homes are\u00a0 affordable and early-career wages are growing at a faster clip than rent. Springfield, IL<\/a> leads among small cities, with recent college grads attracted to its high starting salaries, strong job-growth potential and transit friendliness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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 \u201ccities.\u201d 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Big Cities<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Washington, D.C.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average annual early-career earnings: $79,857<\/strong><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $320,000<\/strong><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 2 months<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 31.6%<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 34%<\/strong><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/strong>Work-life winner\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/ Jobs galore<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The nation\u2019s 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\u2019t exactly cheap, it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/b>But it\u2019s 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b><\/b>\u201cD.C. is a place of opportunity,\u201d said Andre Margutti<\/a>, a local Redfin Premier agent. \u201cStudents 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\u2013our 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Omaha, NE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $59,123<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $195,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 8 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 26%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 28%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 New grads love their jobs\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2013especially for those immersed in the city\u2019s thriving music and brewery scene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m currently helping a young couple move from North Carolina to Omaha,\u201d said Justin Gomez<\/a>, a Redfin Premier agent in Omaha. \u201cPeople move here from many different parts of the country because there\u2019s 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 <\/span>college baseball tournament<\/span><\/a>. It doesn\u2019t hurt that we have a lot of well-paying jobs, including at the <\/span>University of Nebraska Med Center<\/span><\/a> and the Offutt Airforce Base\u2013and with a lot of homes selling for under $300,000, young grads actually have a shot at purchasing a house.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Boston, MA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $80,026<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $460,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 6 years, 8 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 45.3%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 53%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Pedestrian paradise<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s most popular sector for recent grads is tech, though it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoston naturally has a big population of young people because there are so many colleges here, from Harvard to MIT to Boston College,\u201d said Aditi Jain<\/a>, a local Redfin Premier agent. \u201cA lot of employers have offices in Boston to attract grads from those prestigious places and keep them in the city. There\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Dallas, TX<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $67,451<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $240,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 1 month<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 26%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Career-growth potential\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Rent won’t bust budget<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s well-rounded; it is relatively affordable, fairly high-paying for early-career workers, and there\u2019s plenty to do for young professionals. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. Chicago, IL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $72,786<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $202,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 21.9%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 28%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads:<\/b> Affordable starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Transit friendly\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s or United Airlines. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. Houston, TX<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 65,369<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $215,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 7 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 25.9%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 18%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Bounced back strong from pandemic\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Rent won’t bust budget<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Everything\u2019s bigger in Texas\u2013especially 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\u2019s largest medical facility. It\u2019s also known for vibrant nightlife, including live music venues and food halls. <\/span><\/p>\n

7. St. Louis, MO<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 61,834<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 150,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 2 years, 7 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 19.1%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 23%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Plenty of starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Not only does St. Louis have a lower cost of living than coastal cities, but it\u2019s 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

8. San Diego, CA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 74,053<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 615,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: More than 10 years<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 65.4%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 64%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 New grads love their jobs\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

When San Diegans aren\u2019t working, they\u2019re at the beach: riding bikes along the coastline, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking or simply sunbathing. But don\u2019t let the city\u2019s laid-back vibes fool you: It\u2019s one of the country\u2019s biggest biotech hubs, and it\u2019s 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

9. Miami, FL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 62,748<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 210,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 11 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 26.4%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 33%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads:<\/b> Career-growth potential\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Bounced back strong from pandemic<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Whether grads want to work in retail, wholesale, construction, real estate, tourism, aviation, healthcare, or any of Miami\u2019s many industries, the city has entry-level jobs for everyone. Add Miami\u2019s white-sand beaches, turquoise water and endless nightlife, and the South Florida city is a twenty-something\u2019s dream. <\/span><\/p>\n

10. Austin, TX<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 72,025<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 276,600<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 1 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 30.3%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 35%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Jobs galore\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 New grads love their jobs<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The \u201cLive Music Capital of the World\u201d 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\u2019s <\/span>slow housing market<\/span><\/a> makes it a good time for young buyers to break in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mid-Sized Cities<\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. New Orleans, LA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 57,414<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 175,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 1 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 24%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 32%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads:<\/b> Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Pedestrian paradise\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Transit friendly<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2013and once a year, they have front-row seats to Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNew Orleans is a whole vibe,\u201d said Jason Gale<\/a>, a local Redfin Premier agent. \u201cThere\u2019s Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, of course, but every day of the year there\u2019s live music, world-class food, endless parties\u2013and 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Palm Bay, FL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 65,010<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 210,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 9 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 25.4%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 25%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Palm Bay, located on Florida\u2019s east coast about halfway between Daytona Beach and Palm Beach, is a hidden gem for recent grads\u2013and it\u2019s not just because it\u2019s more affordable than other coastal towns. It\u2019s about an hour away from both Orlando\u2019s theme parks and Kennedy Space Center, and it\u2019s home to outdoor adventures like bass fishing and kayaking. Plus, Palm Bay is one of Florida\u2019s fastest-growing tech hubs, with many entry-level positions at aerospace companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. It also has plenty of retail jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the thought process for recent grads: \u2018I 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,\u201d said Juan Castro<\/a>, a Redfin Premier agent in the Orlando area. \u201cPalm Bay is known as the \u2018Space Coast\u2019 because it\u2019s home to Blue Origin and many other companies focused on space exploration. For young people, living there is attractive because it\u2019s less expensive than neighboring towns but still offers proximity to a lot of jobs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Wichita, KS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 55,285<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 144,535<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 1 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 20.6%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 17%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Plenty of starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Affordable starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Career-growth potential<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Wichita may fly under the radar for college grads from the coasts, but it\u2019s worth considering for its affordable cost of living, unique entertainment and potential for major career growth. The city\u2019s number-one industry for recent grads is aerospace, and it\u2019s also home to Cargill, one of the nation\u2019s biggest food and agricultural companies. To wind down after work, twenty-somethings can head to one of the city\u2019s famous retro arcades or take in a dinner theatre show. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Mobile, AL<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 53,030<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 169,900<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 5 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 25.2%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 23%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Pay outpaces rent\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Career-growth potential\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Low rents relative to income<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A little known fact about Mobile: It\u2019s the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., predating New Orleans\u2019 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. Anchorage, AK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 65,864<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 240,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 11 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28.7%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 31%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Career-growth potential<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. Lincoln, NE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 53,871<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 212,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 7 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 31%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 23%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>New grads love their jobs\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Low rents relative to income<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

7. Trenton, NJ<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 74,570<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 220,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 9 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 23.2%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 33%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Affordable starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Jobs galore<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s vibrant art galleries, famous barbecue restaurants and minor league baseball games. <\/span><\/p>\n

8. Bridgeport, CT<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 72,503<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 330,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 5 years, 11 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 35.9%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 38%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads:<\/b> Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Transit friendly<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s home to unique recreational activities like outdoor yoga, an award-winning distillery and a famous cabaret theater.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Waco, TX<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 50,430<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 180,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 9 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28.1%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 31%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>New grads love their jobs\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Career-growth potential<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

From education to retail to customer service to aerospace, Waco has thousands of entry-level jobs for recent college grads\u2013and 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Lexington, KY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 52,648<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 211,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 5 years<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 31.6%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 34%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Bounced back strong from pandemic\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Pedestrian paradise<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The University of Kentucky, the state government and a huge Amazon distribution center are some of the biggest employers in Lexington. The \u201cHorse Capital of the World\u201d offers young grads the opportunity to take in world-famous horse racing, and it\u2019s also home to renowned bourbon distilleries. <\/span><\/p>\n

Small Cities<\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Springfield, IL<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 59,925<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 128,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 2 years, 3 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 16.8%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 16%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Affordable starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Santa, FE, NM<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 81,848<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 359,950<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 5 years, 7 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 34.6%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 39%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Career-growth potential\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s economy offers opportunities in state government, tourism and hospitality, healthcare, the arts and nonprofits.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Panama City, FL<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Average early-career earnings: $ 61,160<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 230,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 4 years, 8 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 29.6%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 46%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads:<\/b> Career-growth potential\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Pay outpaces rent<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Hilton Head Island, SC<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $ 51,887<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 317,500<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: More than 10 years<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 48.2%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 60%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Plenty of starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>South Carolina Lowcountry<\/span><\/a>, just across the bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Macon, GA<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $ 55,037<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 139,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 1 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 19.9%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 25%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Affordable starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Jobs galore\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Job variety<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

For young adults, Macon is full to the brim with live music, beer gardens and arcade bars. The Southern town\u2019s growing job market is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing and logistics\u2013and as a bonus, housing is affordable. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. Champaign, IL<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $57,356<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 157,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 21.6%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 24%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Affordable starter homes\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 New grads love their jobs\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Transit friendly<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Champaign is a college town that\u2019s also friendly to recent grads. From eclectic bars to arts festivals and farmers markets to an annual St. Patrick\u2019s 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\u2013plus, there are lots of networking opportunities and job fairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Greenville, NC<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $ 52,195<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 187,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 5 years, 3 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 28.2%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 26%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads:<\/b> Rent won’t bust budget\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 High number of job openings per worker<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

8. Columbia, MO<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $ 51,379<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 199,900<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment:\u00a0 4 years, 6 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 30.7%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 28%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Work-life winner\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Career-growth potential\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 New grads love their jobs<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

9. Bend, OR<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $ 65,866<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 359,999<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 8 years, 2 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 43.1%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 56%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Job variety\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Work-life winner<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Rochester, MN<\/b><\/h3>\n

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Average early-career earnings: $ 68,496<\/b><\/p>\n

Price of typical starter home: $ 215,000<\/b><\/p>\n

Years to save for down payment: 3 years, 5 months<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly mortgage payment as % of income: 24.7%<\/b><\/p>\n

Monthly rent as % of income: 19%<\/b><\/p>\n

What makes the city rad for recent grads: <\/b>Strong starting salaries\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 New grads love their jobs\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 Pedestrian paradise<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n