Recent graduates want to be around others in the same situation who are also trying to figure out their place in the world. So, if you’re one of them and moving after college, be sure you consider all the needed things and pick the best city for you.
Did you know that around 4,000,000 college students graduate every year in the US
Finishing the wanted education isn’t easy at all, especially if you’re looking to move out right after graduating. Not only because you need to plan a move and find long-distance moving services, but also because you should ensure the picked city is the right one for your needs. So, here are the top five cities for grads: Denver, Cincinnati, Austin, St. Louis, and Madison.
Things You Should Consider When Moving After College
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, full-time workers between the ages of 22 and 27 years with bachelor’s degrees were paid a median annual salary of $52,000. On the other hand, those with high school diplomas made about $30,000 annually. Now when you’ve secured a diploma, there is just one more thing to solve – where will you live after graduation? After all, location is the first thing you should consider when choosing a place to live.
Graduating from college is an exciting time. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. If you’re planning on moving to a new city after graduation, there are a few things you should consider before making the big move. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning your post-grad relocation.
Cost of Living in a New City
One of the crucial things to consider is the cost of living. That’s why besides thinking about how much money to save for relocating, you should also create a budget for the post-move period. Yes, relocation can be expensive, so it’s important to have a budget and stick to it. Make sure you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, food, transportation, and any other expenses you may have in a new city. Once you have an idea of how much money you’ll need to live comfortably, you can start looking for places that fit within your budget.
Employment Rates and the Median Income
After you figure out the cost of living, proceed with researching the employment rate in the city where the job is located. If the employment rate is low, it could be more difficult to find another job if things don’t work out with the first one. Do your research and make sure the city you’re moving to has a healthy job market.
The second thing you should consider is the median income in your future city. If the median income is low, it may be more difficult to afford rent, groceries, and other necessities. Do your research and ensure you’ll be able to afford to live in the city where the job is located.
Job Opportunities for Recent Grads
Don’t forget about your network. One of the best things about college is the network of people you meet along the way. When you’re choosing a place to live after graduation, keep in mind your connections. That’s a great start if you want to find a job in another place before relocating. However, even networking won’t help much if the job market in that particular place isn’t good.
Entertainment Opportunities
What kind of entertainment options will be available in the future city surely is something to think about. If you’re moving from a small town to a big city, you’ll probably be blown away by the sheer number of things to do. But even if you’re relocating to a smaller town, there might be more things going on there than you expect. Check out the local art scene, see if there are any festivals or fairs that take place throughout the year, and find out if there are any sports teams that call your new city home.
How to Move After College?
Checking out some relocation tips on how to make relocating easier is a must. Here are some of the tips that surely will help you:
- Give yourself plenty of time to pack – This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people wait until the last minute to start packing. Packing can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have a lot of stuff. So, start at least a month in advance to avoid relocation stress. This will also give you time to sort through everything and get rid of anything you don’t need or want anymore.
- Get an estimate from several long-distance movers – Get quotes from at least three different long-distance moving companies before you decide which one you’re gonna go with. Make sure to get an in-home estimate so the cross-country movers can see everything that needs to be moved. Once you have the estimates, be sure that the chosen long-distance moving company can offer you the best packing services, as well.
- Change your address ahead of time – Updating your address is usually high on the list of things people forget to do when they are relocating. Don’t let this be the case, and do it at least two weeks before you move, so you don’t miss any important bills or letters. You can change your address by visiting your local post office in person or by filling in an online form. While you’re doing this, make sure to notify everyone you know about the move.
Denver, Colorado – a Place With Low Unemployment
Once you take care of hiring movers and other steps needed for a successful move, it is time to start learning more about your future city. When it comes to relocating to Denver, it’s not surprising that the Mile High City is a favorite choice among young people wishing to relocate to the West.
Denver is a highly sought-after area to start a career, with the best ratings for a high median pay of 25-year-people and younger and low unemployment, with a rate of 4.3 percent. Also, the overall cost of living in Denver is one of the main reasons why young people see it as their future home.
Explore Vibrant Social Scene in the Mile High City
Excellent ratings for restaurants and bars and the city’s lively social scene will make every newcomer feel excited and eager to explore all those cool places. Also, with its large airport, it is easily accessible from both the east and west coasts of the United States because of its central location.
Due to its dry and pleasant sunny climate and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking in the neighboring Rocky Mountains, Denver draws many young adults. So, if you’re not a fan of a colder climate, start looking for some of the great neighborhoods in Denver that you’ll call home.
An unemployment rate is 4.3 percent in Denver
Cincinnati, Ohio – Affordable and Fun Place to Live in
For the fourth year straight, Cincinnati tops the list of cities for recent college grads. With 302,000 inhabitants, this city ranks sixth for affordability and forth for enjoyment. Cincinnati also has the seventh-lowest index of the cost of living – around $23,000, which includes the price of necessities, including food, housing, transportation, and healthcare, and the sixth-lowest median rent – around $640.
Ages 20 to 29 make up 19.69% of the population. That shouldn’t surprise you since here you’ll find a warm climate and a thriving sports scene. Both an NFL football franchise and a big league baseball team are played in this relatively tiny city, which also boasts a fantastic downtown area full of hip eateries and brewpubs.
Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio
Austin, Texas – Explore the Booming Music Scene
Despite skyrocketing house prices and an overall high cost of living, many young folks opted to settle in Texas’s capital. Austin is flourishing due to its pleasant climate, robust economy, and cultural attractions. Relocating to Austin, a comparatively liberal stronghold in the heart of fiercely conservative Texas, brings many benefits. The city has long been recognized for its country music culture and barbecue establishments.
Most nights, downtown is busy, but during the day, young people ride bikes, wander along the river, and paddleboard. You’ll find yourself living in a rapidly thriving area where finding the most suitable neighborhoods is a breeze. Also, entertainment shouldn’t be an issue. You’ll face a real problem when planning to go out since there are numerous amazing restaurants to choose from.
20 million people per year visit Austin
St. Louis, Missouri – Perfect for Night Owls
Thanks to a low cost of living, a strategic location, and a recently renovated downtown area with bars open until three in the morning, St. Louis is trending among recent grads. Residents can take advantage of a variety of free activities throughout the day at places like the Contemporary Art Museum, the Science Center, and the St. Louis Zoo. Having livable communities, quick commutes, and a lot of parks are further advantages.
Besides being a great place to live an outdoor lifestyle, let’s get back to the cost of living – the city is one of the least expensive places. St. Louis has the ninth-lowest median monthly rent at $659 and the ninth-highest cost of living at $23,462.
St. Louis is the second-largest city in the state of Missouri
Madison, Wisconsin – Progressive But Not as Expensive as Other Large Cities
Although the capital of Wisconsin is renowned as a college city, it also draws fresh graduates because of its exciting cuisine and music culture. The capital of Wisconsin is bicycle-friendly as well, with miles of designated bike routes and plenty of possibilities for summertime recreation near the city’s lakes. It’s not as big and pricey as the larger coastal cities, but it’s still a reasonably affordable place:
- The cost of living is around $930 per month,
- The average rent is around $1,420,
- The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
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It’s Known for Its Famous Craft Beverages
Craft Beer Week, Isthmus Beer & Cheese Festival, and The Great Taste of the Midwest are only some of the popular events going on in this city. The Old Fashioned in Downtown won the award for having the best cheese curds in Wisconsin. Many James Beard award winners are also from Madison.
James Beard Foundation Awards honors American chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and journalists
When You Choose the City, It Will Be Easy to Make Your Dreams Come True
Finding trustworthy cross-country moving services and professionals that will help you with the move after graduation can be both an exciting and stressful experience. That’s why it’s important to do your research and plan ahead before making the big move. Keep these things in mind as you’re planning your post-grad relocation, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect place for your next adventure!
