The best thing about graduating from college or university is that you have the whole world at your disposal. What better time to move to a new place for a fresh start? Yes, bigger cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are great – but there are plenty of other amazing places in the USA that are just as exciting (and much kinder to our wallets). Read on to find out what places you could find yourself living in and loving.
Providence, Rhode Island
Technically, Providence can be considered a “college town” because of its ties to Brown University and other nearby schools. Or at least, it used to be – because today, the city’s global feel doesn’t rely on its surrounding schools and it’s a great post-college haven. If you love history, you’ll love the chance to study Providence’s place in America in person. If you love food (and who doesn’t?), you’ll love exploring the city’s burgeoning food scene. Just ask anybody who has tried coffee milk!
Nashville, Tennessee
A big city with a small town feel. Musicians and artists have always gravitated to Nashville (it is called Music City, after all!) but many millennials are taking residence in the heart of country music. The result is great food, great art, and more culture – some of which provides a very different alternative to the traditional country music scene. Plus, Tennessee barbeque whenever you have the urge? Yes please!
Wilmington, Delaware
Any city with tax-free shopping is a perfect fit for us! Not only do you have easy access to wine country and major urban attractions. But Wilmington is a great place to move to if you’re worried about finding post-college work. The state of Delaware leads in scientific research and more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here, so the job prospects for twenty-somethings look good in the first state of the nation. And no, you don’t need to cross the river George Washington-style to get there.
Portland, Oregon
The city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird.” If you’re looking for a place to let your flag fly – this is it! Yes, it gets a little chilly and there’s a little bit of rain. But the culture in Portland is the perfect mix of urban and indie all tied up with a great sense of community. For the spontaneous, Portland is the kind of place you can move to first and look for a job in later. The unemployment rate is lower than most major U.S. cities, making the Oregon city a safe place to find your professional footing.
Austin, Texas
Whatever you’re imagining when you think of Texas, stop it – Austin is nothing like the Texas you’ve seen in movies. The city has grown in popularity thanks to South by Southwest (SXSW). So, it’s no surprise that Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.” But don’t think that this city is just about music. Austin has world-class shopping, global museums, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep busy. Plus, where else are you able to get any kind of food in taco form?
Denver, Colorado
If you’re interested in the tech industry but don’t want to venture out to Silicon Valley quite yet, Denver might be your next place of residence. The city’s “young and educated” population has grown 47% since 2000, and no – it’s not just because marijuana is legal. Denver has equal access to nature and to urban fixtures. So, the hardest decision you’ll have to make on a Saturday is whether to spend it in the mountains or in a microbrewery.
And they said life after college would be tough…
