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The Top 25 Cities for Recent Graduates' Careers

The Top 25 Cities for Recent Graduates' Careers

What city is best for you? Photo by: Franco Folini | CreativeCommons

Tania Khadder, Anna Hennings, Adam Starr, Alice Handley | WomenCo.

May 11, 2009

Now more than ever, it’s important to get the best bang for your buck. And there’s no question about it — when it comes to value, not every U.S. city is created equally.

Why chase a great salary if your rent swallows most of it, unemployment is skyrocketing and you spend two hours a day just to get to and from work?

So, which cities offer the most overall value in 2009?

WomenCo. has come up with the top 25 — and some may surprise you! After examining various city lists, weighing the rankings and taking note of our personal opinions, we’ve produced a list of cities that’s sure to offer something for everyone.

Our Criteria

We looked at cities’ growth rates, average salaries and costs of living.

We factored in average commute time — which, according to experts, has a colossal impact on your overall happiness.

We looked not only at unemployment figures, but also at the rate that unemployment has actually increased since February 2008.

Thinking of relocating for better job prospects? Need to compare two top contenders? Just curious to see where your city ranks? We’ve got you covered. Read on!

Next Page: City #25 >>



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    BrandiC286

    almost 2 years ago

    harleyjj, I doubt new graduates would have so much money to move out of the country.

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    DollyK2

    almost 2 years ago

    what happened to DC?

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    KoltonB

    almost 2 years ago

    The author(s) should double check themselves. Rochester, NY supposedly boasts the lowest commute time, but look at Oklahoma City. Just saying...

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    MaryG820

    over 2 years ago

    I lived in Detroit a few years ago, I never really experience a problem there. It has alot to offer good place to start. Besides my daughter lives, work and go to school there.

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    harleyjj

    over 2 years ago

    How about some international cities? I hate to burst your bubble, but the U.S. is not necessarily the only good place to work as a college graduate any more, if it ever was.

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    ShemekaS8

    almost 3 years ago

    I new tx would be top! There's so many people here from all over its crazy!

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    ShimelisG3

    almost 3 years ago

    i accept

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    LinusO

    almost 3 years ago

    Guys u realy need 2 spread ur wings a bit.wht i actualy mean is tht u should open up opportunities 4 students in other parts of the world specificaly Africa!or wht do u guys say nor think?

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    Malone

    almost 3 years ago

    it is dangerous to live in detroit i agree, that explains alot

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    Account Removed

    almost 3 years ago

    I am surprised not to find Phoenix, AZ or Albuquerque, NM on the list.

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    ShareeR12

    about 3 years ago

    probably because of how dangerous it is to live in detroit...

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    CandaceB218

    about 3 years ago

    Woo, go Austin and San Antonio!!! The crime sucks in San Antonio, but you soon know the know after living here for a while!

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    ThomasO272

    about 3 years ago

    Why not Detroit, Michigan??? If you've watched the news lately...that's why NOT Detroit, MI.

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    JohannaH55

    about 3 years ago

    why not Detroit Michigan I would like to stay close to home.

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    FrankW101

    about 3 years ago

    I have been to seven or eight of these cities and they have about one-fifth the economic power, prestige and upward mobility of New York City. I know pollution and cost of living enter in , but if Buffalo made it, you guys are on a different planet.