10 American cities where young professionals are thriving

Deciding where to begin your adult life can be daunting for young people. Balancing economic considerations, with the desire for a vibrant social life is a constant challenge.

The property management company Zumper graded the best cities for new professionals based on their performance across seven categories: median rent, median income, unemployment rate, the concentration of young people, the concentration of young people with bachelor’s degrees, the population of single people, and the number of restaurants per 1,000 individuals.

Zumper pulled the data from their own apartment listings, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the 2020 American Community Survey.

Continue reading to learn more about the 10 best cities in the United States for young professionals.

10. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is the tenth best ranked city for young professionals in America. The city received top marks for its low median rent and unemployment rate, but lost points for its single population and number of restaurants per capita.

9. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is the ninth best ranked city for young professionals in America. The city received top marks for its high population of singles and the number of restaurants per capita, but lost points due to the high cost of rent.

8. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the eighth best ranked city for young professionals in America. The city received top marks for its population of young people, high median income, and restaurants per capita. The nation’s capital did lose some points due to the high cost of rent.

7. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is the seventh best ranked city for young professionals in America. The city received top marks for its low unemployment rate, but lost points due to its low number of restaurants per capita.

6. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is the sixth best ranked city for young professionals in America. The city received top marks for its population of young people and low unemployment rate.

5. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is the fifth best ranked city for young professionals in America. The city received top marks in nearly every category, except for the cost of rent, where the notoriously expensive city earned an F grade.

4. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is the fourth best ranked city for young professionals. It received top marks across several categories, including rent, the population of young people, and the unemployment rate.

3. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the third best ranked city for young professionals. It received top marks across several categories, including the population of young people, the unemployment rate, and the number of restaurants per capita.

2. Denver, Colorado

Denver is the second best ranked city for young professionals. It received top marks for its population of young people, unemployment rate, and number of restaurants per capita.

1. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is the best ranked city for young professionals. It received top marks for its low unemployment rate and performed above average in every other category.