At Elevate Leadership, we consistently seek out ways to help people increase their happiness, productivity, and engagement at work. That’s why we set out to identify the cities that currently offer the best opportunities for those starting their career in 2024.
To find these cities, we analyzed data for the 50 largest cities in the U.S. with a high concentration of young adults (aged between 20 to 29). Our analysis included metrics such as job market strength, work-from-home availability, commute times, public transportation access, housing costs, and more.
The results formed this 2024 Best Cities to Start a Career ranking. Read on to see our findings.
Top Cities to Start Your Career
1. Minneapolis, MN
Looking for a city that combines career opportunities with a high quality of life? With the 2nd highest work-life balance score (a metric based on factors like hours worked per week, entertainment, walkability, bikeability, etc.) and the 3rd lowest unemployment rate for young adults at 7%, Minneapolis offers a fantastic opportunity for a new career.
2. Austin, TX
Austin comes in as the second best city to start a career. It ranks 5th for work-from-home opportunities, and has one of the lowest unemployment rates of any major city. Austin also offers a reasonable average commute time of 24.3 minutes and places 15th in average annual salary.
3. Raleigh, NC
Raleigh ranks in the top 10 for shortest commute times and lowest unemployment rates. Additionally, Raleigh has seen a drop in rental prices (-9.4% over the past year) for a one-bedroom apartment.
4. Seattle, WA
If inclusivity and high earnings are top priorities, Seattle is a top destination. The city has the highest inclusivity score of 5.0 out of 5.0 (how welcoming a city’s policies are for immigrants) and boasts the 4th highest average annual wage of the cities on our list. Seattle also ranks in the top 10 for work-from-home opportunities and public transportation access.
5. Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati ranks 8th in work-life balance and has a high policy inclusivity score of 4.5 out of 5.0. Housing is also affordable relative to other options, with a reasonable median one-bedroom rent of $1,030.
6. Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix places 9th for work-from-home opportunities and 12th for year-on-year job growth with a 2.1% increase. Housing prices in the city are also reasonable relative to the area’s strong annual salaries.
7. Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque is a hidden gem for young professionals, known for its inclusivity and balanced living. The city ranks 6th in work-life balance in our ranking: it’s particularly bike-friendly, ranks favorably in average hours worked per employee, and has features a myriad of entertainment and recreation options. It also has a high inclusivity score of 4.5.
8. Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C.’s high salaries, strong job market, and high inclusivity score make it a prime destination for new career professionals. Despite longer average commute times, the city’s earning potential and culture place it comfortably in the top 10.
9. Columbus, OH
Columbus stands out with the 5th shortest commute time at 23.1 minutes and ranks 7th for work-life balance in our index. Additionally, the city ranked in 10th place for job growth with a 2.3% yearly increase.
10. Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs is an ideal spot for young professionals; the city combines high average salaries with the 6th shortest commute time at 23 minutes, and ranks 15th in rental housing affordability.
Key Factors Driving Our Rankings
- Affordability: High costs can be a barrier when starting out. Cities with affordable housing and reasonable living costs ranked higher, making them more attractive to newcomers.
- Employment Opportunities: Cities with high employment growth rates and low unemployment, especially for young adults, were key in our rankings.
- Quality of Life: Beyond work, factors like public transit, commute times, and work-life balance are important drivers for quality of life. Cities that offer recreational opportunities and a supportive community environment also scored better.
Methodology
To determine the best cities to start a career in 2024, we analyzed data from a number of sources:
Work from Home (10%), Average Commute Time (5%), and Unemployment Rate (10%)
These metrics were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent ACS dataset (1-year American Community Survey). This data helps understand the work environment and commuting conditions in different cities.
Transit Score (5%)
To evaluate public transportation availability and quality, we used data from WalkScore, which ranks cities based on the ease of access to public transit.
Policy Inclusivity Index (5%)
Information on city policies regarding immigrant inclusivity was obtained from New American Economy, which assesses how welcoming and inclusive a city is for immigrants.
Job Growth (5%), Mean Hourly (5%) and Annual Wage (20%)
Economic indicators were sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing a clear picture of the job market dynamics and earning potential in each city.
Cost of Rental Housing (20%)
Rental data was sourced from the Zumper July 2024 National Rent Report, which provides insights into current rental prices for a 1-bedroom apartment in various cities.
Work-Life Balance Index (5%)
To gauge work-life balance in each city, we took data from our own rankings of work-life balance study. Our index takes into account over 12 different data sources, anywhere from hours worked per week to entertainment and recreation.
