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New Report: This Is the Best City for Young Professionals—And You’ll Never Guess Where It Is

When you’re starting out in your career, it’s not unheard of to move to where the jobs are. Besides, heading to a new city as a young professional can offer more than just career opportunities—it’s a chance to embrace adventure, happiness and personal growth.

A number of cities across the U.S. have vibrant job markets and thriving industries, allowing ambitious young people to forge a path toward professional advancement and explore a new place before putting down roots. A recent study by LinkedIn highlighted the top 25 U.S. metro areas that offer exciting job markets and growing communities of young professionals. Read on to learn which place topped the list, and see if it’s worth checking out for your next career move.

How were the best towns for young professionals determined?

LinkedIn, in collaboration with its Economic Graph team, created its inaugural “Cities on the Rise” list by using a combination of migration trends and year-over-year growth indicators. These metrics included data on where professionals are relocating, where job opportunities are expanding and how movement into a city compares with people leaving it. In order to qualify for the “on the rise” designation, a city had to rank in the top 50th percentile in all three areas.

Which area is the best for young professionals?

The best metro area for young professionals is Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to LinkedIn, Grand Rapids is gaining momentum right now because of its thriving tech sector and its strong insurance industry presence, making it an attractive place for young people trying to find meaningful work.

What makes Grand Rapids, Michigan, the best for young professionals?

The two main reasons young professionals are eager to build their futures in Grand Rapids are the expanding job opportunities and the relatively low housing costs. Right now, there’s work to be found in manufacturing, health care and professional services, and the top employers in Grand Rapids are Corewell Health, Grand Valley State University and Meijer. “A growing tech scene and booming insurance industry are helping Grand Rapids redefine its industrial identity while drawing a wave of young professionals,” reported LinkedIn.

Housing costs are affordable in Grand Rapids, with an average home listing price of $524,195, which is just above the average home price in the United States. The average income in Grand Rapids—$65,235—is much higher than the average income in the United States, which is currently just under $40,000 a year.

Not only does Grand Rapids score points for being affordable and for having an expanding job market, the city boasts a lively downtown atmosphere, with local spots perfect for gathering after work. With a location near Lake Michigan, there’s also an opportunity to explore the outdoors, which is a factor many people look for in finding a nice place to live.

What other towns are good for young professionals?

From coast to coast, there are many great options for young professionals looking for work, according to LinkedIn. Here are the places that made the top 10:

1. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Manufacturing, Health Care, Professional Services
Average income: $65,235
Average home listing price: $524,195

2. Boise, Idaho, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Professional Services, Manufacturing, Health Care
Average income: $63,685
Average home listing price: $819,700

3. Greater Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Area
Top industries hiring: Health Care, Manufacturing, Professional Services
Average income: $64,065
Average home listing price: $430,775

4. Albany, New York, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Professional Services, Health Care, Manufacturing
Average income: $71,970
Average home listing price: $604,345

5. Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Manufacturing, Health Care, Professional Services
Average income: $72,315
Average home listing price: $502,220

6. Portland, Oregon, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Health Care, Professional Services, Manufacturing
Average income: $78,085
Average home listing price: $901,845

7. Greater Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Area
Top industries hiring: Health Care, Professional Services, Manufacturing
Average income: $54,210
Average home listing price: $413,670

8. Greater Hartford, Connecticut, Area
Top industries hiring: Manufacturing, Health Care, Financial Services
Average income: $75,240
Average home listing price: $628,715

9. Nashville, Tennessee, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Health Care, Professional Services, Manufacturing
Average income: $79,450
Average home listing price: $857,570

10. Omaha, Nebraska, Metro Area
Top industries hiring: Financial Services, Health Care, Professional Services
Average income: $75,030
Average home listing price: $487,045

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Sources:

  • Data Commons: “United States of America”
  • LinkedIn: “LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new talent”

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