Gradspot.com, the premier resource for life after college, has published its 2009 "Top 10 Cities for Recent College Graduates" report, giving top honors to Chicago. The Windy City is praised for its "refreshing dose of hospitality, leafy neighborhoods, and live music." New York City and San Francisco follow close behind.
Despite the difficult economic climate facing new college graduates, moving to a new city remains a common recent grad experience. The over $1,000 cost to relocate can be crippling to a twentysomething's budget, so putting in the time to research the right place is crucial. Moreover, with employers streamlining their hiring, migrating to an industry hub can be more crucial than ever for twentysomethings hoping to break into a new field. All of the cities featured by Gradspot continue to dominate in one or more popular industries.
Unlike other outlets that rank cities based on a simple formula of census information, Gradspot's report is packed with relevant stats for twentysomethings (e.g., average prices for one-bedroom apartments, bar closing times, major industries, etc.) and no-holds-barred testimonials from recent grads living in each city. Furthermore, it provides a snapshot of the culture and lifestyle experienced in each city, along with the practical concerns of living expenses and major industries for employment. The report provides the real information the Class of 2009 (and other twentysomethings)
"My favorite thing about life in Houston is the quality of life: anyone can really live it up in style and experience the cool things the city has to offer," says one Texan law student.
Meanwhile, a non-profit worker in Manhattan explains, "Smart people live in New York. The people here challenge me to know what is going on in the world and in the city on a daily basis."
A writer's assistant in Los Angeles is slightly little less impressed by the city he chose: "LA's a city designed based on its fair weather, and, as fate would have it, all of its citizens are fair weather in their friendships and fandom."
Following are the top cities for 2009:
1. Chicago
2. New York
3. San Francisco
4. Washington D.C.
5. Seattle
6. Boston
7. Houston
8. Denver
9. Los Angeles
10. Atlanta
View the full "Top 10 Cities for Recent College Graduates" report: http://www.gradspot.com/
