Top Ten Cities for the Class of 2013

Things are looking up for the class of 2013.? Although the fiscal cliff has dominated the news of late, all is not doom and gloom in the job market. College graduates can expect to find a 13% increase in employment from last year?s graduating class.? That?s encouraging.? But, which is the best city for a newly minted grad to hang the cap and gown and start the job hunt?

Unemployment and job growth numbers are important considerations when choosing to put down roots somewhere, but you shouldn?t ignore the cost of living and quality of life an entry-level job can afford you there.? Young professionals typically want tech-friendliness, reasonable rental costs and a wide array of cultural and entertainment options to choose from.? Here are ten cities with promising outlooks for today?s college graduates.

Is Austin still the coolest city in Texas?? Based on its strong economy and smart social scene, some still say this is the place to be for aspiring graduates. The vibe is progressive and eclectic, with enough nightlife, entertainment, and cultural options to rival metros twice its size.? Luckily, there are plenty of jobs to be had there, so you can afford that thriving social life!

There is good reason for Austin?s enduring presence on all the top-cities lists of the past 15 years.? Its skilled and highly educated workforce consistently attracts innovative industries.? Ebay, Facebook, and PayPal, to name a few, have nerve centers there.? There is also a booming entertainment industry corridor with music, film, and game development opportunities.

The cost of living is on the lower end (91), the rents are affordable, and like all Texas towns, there is no state income tax??a nice little bonus for the entry-level paycheck.? All in all, Austin has the most ?bang? for your buck.

Madison, Wisconsin has a strong presence in technology, engineering, and academia.? With a start-up friendly atmosphere, Madison is a great place for budding entrepreneurs to network, while the seat of the state government here provides more steady employment options.? The cost of living is not too high (108), but rents are competitive, so plan ahead.? The University of Wisconsin is anchored here, making Madison an educated, progressive town in a smaller sized package.

Washington, DC maintains a slightly higher than average cost of living index (105) and pricier rents, but thanks to efficient mass-transit options, it?s a great place for those who want ditch the expense of a car.? For fun on the cheap, DC boasts many free cultural offerings and the national treasure of museums that dot capitol hill.? This sophisticated city is always pulsing with festivals, art and museum exhibits, and cultural events.

The robust job market in D.C. makes it a great place for young movers and shakers to get started.? Government, health care, information and biotechnology are just a sampling of the industries hiring here.? Academia and the arts have a strong presence as well.

Living in Boston, Massachusetts may have a steep price tag with the cost of living index at 140, but as a hub for health care, finance, and education, its jobless rate is consistently low.?? Boston has placed consistently high on job outlooks rankings for several years running.? Just make sure you have a job and a start-date before you move, because rents can be high.

Culturally, Boston can?t be beat.? It?s impossible to fully plumb the depths of history in this pre-revolutionary town.? Despite its well-bred provenance, Boston is never stodgy.? This bustling metro boasts a sensational nightlife, innovative restaurants, and exciting sporting events.? A magnet for young professionals, it?s a great place to set your career star on the rise.

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Raleigh, North Carolina is one of a triad of neighboring cities boasting consistent economic growth, solid job opportunities, and diverse cultural options.? The Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill triangle area is a center for technology, research, education, and government.? Central to several universities, this area has a predictably high population of educated professionals.? Companies looking to capitalize on this demographic, like GlaxoSmithKline, Nortel, Verizon, and Lenovo, are headquartered here.

Budding professionals will enjoy a cost of living only slightly above average (102), affordable rents, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.? The large student population in the area means a range of nightlife and entertainment options cater to the young adult crowd.

Denver, Colorado also has a lot to offer young urbanites.? Museums, arts, sports, and entertainment options keep downtown Denver buzzing, and it?s a great place to live and work.? Laid-back, friendly and funky, this major metro has always appealed to outdoor enthusiasts, but the employment outlook here is attractive to the enterprising career-builder too.

The cost of living index is slightly higher than average (105), but there are affordable rental options in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Baker and Five Points.?? There?s a burgeoning start-up scene, and healthcare, aerospace, and information sectors have a major presence in Denver.? The state government also provides stable employment.

Nashville, Tennessee has surprised economic forecasters with low unemployment and increasing job growth.? Vanderbilt University is the largest employer, providing jobs in healthcare and academics, and Nissan?s area headquarters fuels job growth in the business and manufacturing sectors.? Along with its famous footprint in the country music industry, Nashville is also becoming known as a hub for technology jobs.?? The cost of living is low here at around 90, and the rental market is competitive.

Even if you?re not a country music fan, nightlife in Nashville is never lacking.? Clubs with live entertainment are fixtures in this southern city, whose newest moniker is Nash-Vegas.

Portland, Oregon has enjoyed an eclectic and fun reputation that in recent years attracted fledgling tech companies.? The Silicon Forest, as it has been dubbed, is finally rebounding from the economic setbacks of the recession, and Portland is recapturing its glory days.? Luring many new graduates to its tech sector with more than 1,200 technology firms based here, Portland is enjoying a stellar recovery.

Another expanding sector boosting economic growth is the sportswear industry.? Nike, Adidas, and Colombia Sportswear are growing the retail and design industries there as well.

The cost of living is slightly above average (116), and the rental market is tight, so don?t buy the ticket until you have the job and the apartment!? Once you?re there, there is plenty to do.? Entertainment, fairs, festivals, music and art scene, Portland has it all.

Nearby Austin gets most of the spotlight, but San Antonio, Texas is getting some coattail action from its neighboring boomtown.?? Forecasters expect to see 150,000 new jobs coming to this ambitious city in the next five years, a growth rate of 16%.?? Cheaper real estate is luring many technology companies from Austin to San Antonio, and there is an expanding presence in the energy sector.

Aspiring professionals will take in a lively social scene including the Southtown Arts and Entertainment District where there are shops, galleries, art events, and where Latin American music and dancing takes center stage.? There is something happening almost every night of the week in San Antonio.? With a cost of living index of 86, it?s one of the most affordable places live.

Phoenix, Arizona is making strides in the business world as California?s new suburb.? The lower cost of living and inexpensive real estate there make it an attractive option for firms wanting to bolster the bottom line and relocate from the pricier Golden State.? Forecasters expect Phoenix businesses to hire up to 150,000 in the next five years.? Several electronics firms, mining company Freeport McMoRan, US Airways, and PetSmart all have offices here.

Phoenix is teeming with outdoor activities, offers an eclectic fine arts scene, and sparkling nightlife.?? Graduates will find this is truly a city of new beginnings.

New beginnings are always full of excitement and trepidation.? As the grads from the class of 2013 embark on the journey into the career world, they shouldn?t let economic uncertainty clip their wings.? There are many cities putting out the welcome mat to invigorate their workforce with fresh, enterprising faces.?? Do a little homework on which industries you?re suited to, and put that hard earned-education to work by going to where the best jobs are.

Author Bio:

This is a guest post by Chase Heckendorn, co-founder of Dallastxlofts.com.

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Source: http://toptenpk.com/top-ten-cities-for-the-class-of-2013/

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