The Top 10 Cities for Recent College Grads to Launch Their Lives.
Graduating college is supposed to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter — but in today’s economic climate, many recent grads are facing a tougher-than-expected transition.
With companies hiring more cautiously amid economic uncertainty and rent prices still inflated post-pandemic, it’s become crucial for young professionals to choose their next move wisely. Luckily, a new report from Realtor.com identifies the best U.S. cities for college grads looking to kick-start their careers without draining their wallets.
Why These Cities Stand Out
Realtor.com analyzed economic data from major metro areas, identifying cities with:
-
Low rent-to-income ratios
-
High rental vacancy rates
-
Strong job markets for entry-level professionals
-
Forecasted unemployment below or near the national average (4.2%)
The result? A list of ten cities that give recent grads the best shot at success — combining affordability, opportunity, and livability.
📊 Top 10 Cities for Recent College Graduates
| Rank | City | Rent-to-Income Ratio | Rental Vacancy Rate | Grad-Friendly Jobs (%) | Forecasted Unemployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin, TX | 18.9% | 8.2% | 29.4% | 3.6% |
| 1 | Raleigh, NC | 20.0% | 9.0% | 30.4% | 3.3% |
| 3 | Overland Park, KS | 20.6% | 9.2% | 25.5% | 4.2% |
| 4 | Minneapolis, MN | 19.7% | 5.2% | 27.3% | 3.7% |
| 4 | St. Louis, MO | 20.8% | 8.0% | 25.1% | 4.0% |
| 6 | Richmond, VA | 23.2% | 8.2% | 25.3% | 3.3% |
| 7 | Pittsburgh, PA | 22.3% | 8.7% | 24.3% | 4.1% |
| 8 | Scottsdale, AZ | 22.5% | 7.9% | 23.0% | 3.7% |
| 9 | Richardson, TX | 22.4% | 8.9% | 24.4% | 4.0% |
| 10 | Atlanta, GA | 24.1% | 9.3% | 24.7% | 4.1% |
Why These Metrics Matter
In all of the top-ranked cities, renters aged 25–34 are spending well below the recommended 30% of their income on housing, a significant relief in an era where rent is often a deal-breaker for young professionals.
Plus, higher vacancy rates in these cities mean more rental options and fewer bidding wars — good news for anyone who's ever tried to land an apartment in a red-hot market.
But it’s not just about affordability. These metro areas also have plenty of jobs geared toward recent college grads, specifically roles that require a bachelor's degree but little to no experience. That’s a big plus for those just entering the workforce.
A Smart Start
While the national labor market remains uncertain, cities like Austin, Raleigh, and Minneapolis prove that not all hope is lost for young job seekers. With the right location, grads can set themselves up for a more stable — and exciting — start to adult life.
In today’s challenging economic landscape, where you live matters. And for recent grads looking to grow professionally and thrive personally, these cities offer a chance to do both.
With affordability, opportunity, and momentum on their side, today’s graduates can still find places where their degrees — and their dollars — go further.
