But what if you're a professional looking to get ahead in the corporate world? Where are the best cities in the U.S. for someone fighting against high unemployment rates to carve a niche out in a career? Well, Forbes has come out with a list of the best cities for young professionals looking for work.
Looking at factors like the concentration of big businesses in a city in ratio to the number of residents, unemployment rates, job growth, cost of living, the editors find the following to be the best cities in the U.S. for young professionals.
Number 5 - Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha has a population of about 870,000 and is a hotspot for major industries like telecommunications, banking and insurance. It is a city with a diverse culture to match its diverse economy. Young professionals will be happy to note that unemployment is low (4.7%)in this city with a high demographic of college grads, and that cost of living is 8.2% below the national average. And with a median household income of $55,303, versus a median home price of $136,800, your money can also go a bit further here. Another thing good to know is that job growth is predicted in the near future because of the presence of the many big corporations.
Number 4 - Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is another place that forecasters are optimistic about in terms of job prospects in the future. It is also a city where the proliferation of financial institutions guarantees plenty of good-paying jobs for the young urban professional.
Number 3 - Madison, Wisconsin
What can we say? Low unemployment and great potential for further job growth. Wisconsin boasts the two strong pillars of the State Government and the University of Wisconsin, the two biggest employers, plus, now there is also healthcare, biotech, high tech and advertising sectors coming up.
Number 2 - Raleigh, North Carolina
In terms of buying power potential, Raleigh is hard to beat. With median income high relative to the cost of living, you are bound to come out on top if you move there. This city of just over a million people is home to major industries like technology, healthcare and education. NC State University in Raleigh is now the largest university in North Carolina.
Number 1 - Des Moines, Iowa
Yup. The Iowa state capital ranks No. 1 on Forbes's list of Best Cities For Young Professionals. Why is that? A combination of factors, really. Doesn't hurt that it has the biggest number of big businesses per capita. Factor in low unemployment, relatively cheap cost of living, and you have a recipe for success. Des Moines has a huge insurance industry, a proliferation of financial services and publishing businesses and is the headquarters for a significant number of big hitters like the Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
