Looking to relocate and get a change of scenery? Here are 8 great, underrated US cities to live and work in.
Boulder, CO
With a booming startup scene and young population, Boulder combines two traits that are hard to find in any other place: a growing, tech-minded urban environment that’s just a stone’s throw away from some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country.
Boulder’s startups are always hiring, but if you’re more focused on job stability, corporate giants like Google, Microsoft, and more have you covered.
So whether you want an urban or outdoorsy life combined with some great job opportunities, you can’t go wrong with Boulder.
Portland, OR
Regularly ranking as one of the top places to live on the West Coast, Portland is a vibrant, young, and affordable city. Smaller than its neighbors San Francisco and Seattle, it keeps its charm with a lively art and food scene. And best of all, it has one of the most bike-friendly road systems in the United States, giving you more choice on how to commute around the city.
Low rent, no sales tax, and great job opportunities with forward-thinking tech companies make Portland a great pick for any young professional.
Austin, TX
Forbes regularly ranks Austin as one of the best cities in the US for jobs, and for good reasons. Austin is one of the fastest growing cities, has a low cost of living compared to cities like New York and San Francisco, and is one of the best places to start a career.
From corporations to startups to nonprofits and beyond, Austin has a plethora of job openings at great organizations. And with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, one of the lowest in the nation, it’s clear why Austin has become such an attractive option for young professionals.
Ann Arbor, MI
A college town that has grown far beyond the implications of the category, Ann Arbor is one of the best small cities in the United States.
In Ann Arbor, you can find any lifestyle you are seeking. If you want to stay forever young, you’ll feel at home with a vibrant, intelligent college crowd. If you’re into sports, University of Michigan’s football team has one of the biggest stadiums in the world. And if you love food, you can choose from any of 300 amazing restaurants to satisfy your appetite.
Money Magazine described Ann Arbor as “a melting pot of historic neighborhoods, high-tech jobs and culture that rivals cities many times its size.” Small, friendly, and inviting, it’s no wonder that many of this college town’s students decide to stay after graduation.
St. Louis, MO
Whether it’s Washington University or the growing hotspots of restaurants and nightlife in the area, St. Louis has always been a bastion of the midwest and is now growing even further as a destination in the middle of the country.
Washington University itself is one of the larger employers in the area, alongside hospitals, medical centers and companies, Anheuser-Busch, and major engineering firms. Whether you’re looking for a tech startup or a steady corporate job, St. Louis has something for you.
Kansas City, MO
Huffington Post named Kansas City the top city to keep on your radar in 2014. Whether for the food, the affordability, or the Midwestern hospitality, both the old and young call Kansas City, MO and its Kansas City, KS unofficial suburb their homes.
And let’s not forget that certain regions of Kansas City is on the map for Google Fiber.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is a fast-growing city with warm weather, low cost of living, and home to major Fortune 500 companies alongside a small contingent of tech startups. Finance, healthcare, biotechnology, and media all call Atlanta a hub for their industries.
The median salary for recent college grads tops $50,000, the Georgia aquarium is a gigantic attraction, and a diverse and metropolitan demographic. Just make sure you can stand the traffic.
Seattle, WA
Some might tell you Seattle has had its up-and-coming moments already. There are certainly fully developed, populated, and expensive regions, but do some digging and you’ll find affordable housing in young and vibrant areas nearby.
Whether it’s healthcare, aerospace, tech, video gaming, or design, there are companies small, medium, large, and extra large to engage with in Seattle. There’s a long-time and still-burgeoning food scene to enjoy, as well.