#50. Oklahoma City, OK
WalletHub score: 50.32
Professional Opportunity rank: #59
Quality of Life rank: #42
Millennials areÌýÌýfor itsÌýgood job opportunities and affordable housing. The city also has plenty ofÌý.
Ìý

After earning a college degree, deciding where to move to start a career can be a daunting task. With anÌý,Ìýthis year's graduates are entering the job market at an encouraging time. What's more, employers plan to hire from the Class of 2018 than they did from the previous class.
While some may be pulled to big cities after earning their diplomas,Ìý like Milwaukee, Austin, and St. Louis may be better for younger employees looking to find jobs that will pay the rent. Big cities like New York haveÌý and lower job growth than smaller cities like Durham and Detroit. And while affordable housing is hard to come by in bustling cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, it's not in smaller cities like Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.
±¬ÁÏTV used dataÌý that accounted for factors like quality of life and professional opportunities to rank the top 50 cities for recent college grads. The study, which involved 182 U.S. cities, examined 27 metrics including the availability of entry-level jobs, monthly average starting salaryÌýand workforce diversity in each city. Click through to see which city offers the most career opportunities for the Class of 2018.
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WalletHub score: 50.32
Professional Opportunity rank: #59
Quality of Life rank: #42
Millennials areÌýÌýfor itsÌýgood job opportunities and affordable housing. The city also has plenty ofÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 50.38
Professional Opportunity rank: #67
Quality of Life rank: #30
Recent college grads have beenÌý for good jobs and low-cost living.Ìý also has a high concentration of food and entertainment options, as well as a popular hockey team.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 50.44
Professional Opportunity rank: #81
Quality of Life rank: #14
Ohio’s capital city hasÌý young people, including theÌý, a 175-acre area with parks, as well asÌýbikewaysÌýand pedestrian paths. Don’t have a car? Columbus offers access to a free bus to explore its downtown areas. Ìý
Ìý
WalletHub score: 50.52
Professional Opportunity rank: #62
Quality of Life rank: #33
Colorado Springs is anotherÌý. The city offersÌý and is only an hour and a half south of Denver. Top spots to visit are theÌý andÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 50.64
Professional Opportunity rank: #38
Quality of Life rank: #76
Bismarck boastsÌý for younger workers. The city is also a good place to settle for thoseÌý.
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 50.66
Professional Opportunity rank: #66
Quality of Life rank: #26
Plano is only a 45-minute commute from Dallas, which residents can get to easily on theÌý. For new grads looking to start a family, this suburb receivesÌýhigh marks for public schools.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 50.96
Professional Opportunity rank: #49
Quality of Life rank: #50
AÌý makes San Diego a good destination for recent college grads. ThisÌý offers surfing, whale watchingÌýand other fun coastal activities.Ìý
Ìý
WalletHub score: 51.14
Professional Opportunity rank: #68
Quality of Life rank: #18
Columbia is seated in between Baltimore and Washington D.C., with workersÌý. The Baltimore-Columbia area offers a good spot for recent grads toÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 51.67
Professional Opportunity rank: #32
Quality of Life rank: #63
This area of Silicon Valley is a great place to move for theÌýright job. Employment options are suited to thoseÌý, but the cost of living is steep. Residents need to makeÌý to live comfortably.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 51.69
Professional Opportunity rank: #21
Quality of Life rank: #92
Other cities may boast higher salaries, but income goesÌý. This Texas town also offers plenty to do atÌý, a 35-block shopping and entertainment district.Ìý
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 52.22
Professional Opportunity rank: #14
Quality of Life rank: #117
Construction in downtown Miami hasÌý, making way for young professionals who want to rent. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to visit at night, and living downtown means avoiding traffic on the way to work.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.25
Professional Opportunity rank: #24
Quality of Life rank: #74
Dallas ranks highlyÌýfor cities with theÌý for recent grads. The city is also trying to attract young people by making aÌý, directing residents and visitors alike toÌýoutdoor spaces like River Legacy Parks and the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.32
Professional Opportunity rank: #54
Quality of Life rank: #17
Charlotte isÌý than previously anticipated, with anÌýoverall unemployment rateÌý. ThisÌý has also seen noticeableÌýÌýin past years.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.44
Professional Opportunity rank: #28
Quality of Life rank: #58
Millennials areÌý for jobs, plus housing optionsÌýfour times lower than those of neighboring San Francisco. This California city also has a bustling arts and culinary scene.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.62
Professional Opportunity rank: #37
Quality of Life rank: #39
The cost of living isn't cheapÌý, but there are a lot of jobsÌýwith a high median starting salary. If you want to meet moreÌý, head to the nation's capital. The District of Columbia also tops the list ofÌý.
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 52.67
Professional Opportunity rank: #45
Quality of Life rank: #25
An overall lowÌý makes Cincinnati a good option for those just starting their careers. Median rent is only $570 a month.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.85
Professional Opportunity rank: #44
Quality of Life rank: #24
Young people can afford toÌý in Sioux Falls, which also has plenty of dining and entertainment options. Residents can also visitÌý, a 123-acre park with a view of waterfalls from the Big Sioux River.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.86
Professional Opportunity rank: #36
Quality of Life rank: #36
RichmondÌý of job opportunities, affordable rentÌýand nightlife options. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, check out theÌý for walking, runningÌýor biking.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.90
Professional Opportunity rank: #29
Quality of Life rank: #44
Of theÌý, Durham had theÌý at $3,746. Millennials also enjoy theÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 52.95
Professional Opportunity rank: #31
Quality of Life rank: #40
This Salt Lake City suburb,ÌýUtah's, is experiencingÌý, and is especially good for those whoÌý.ÌýIt'sÌýnestledÌýbetween two mountain ranges, and is close toÌý ski resort for winter sports enthusiasts.Ìý
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 53.11
Professional Opportunity rank: #34
Quality of Life rank: #35
Affordable housing, job opportunitiesÌýand good starting salaries make this Midwest townÌý. There’s alsoÌý: visit theÌý, theÌýÌýor theÌý between May and October.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 53.19
Professional Opportunity rank: #41
Quality of Life rank: #21
For those moving to Burlington, check out theÌýÌýandÌý, or walk along theÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 53.24
Professional Opportunity rank: #51
Quality of Life rank: #15
Those whoÌý have access to jobsÌýand affordable housing, which raisingÌýtheir emotional well-being. The area is also home toÌýplenty of drinking and dining establishments.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 53.62
Professional Opportunity rank: #26
Quality of Life rank: #38
In 2017, San Antonio was ranked the best city in TexasÌý. Job options and aÌý make this city attractive to young employees.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 53.67
Professional Opportunity rank: #53
Quality of Life rank: #7
Scottsdale is about 20 minutes east of Phoenix, with during off-work hours. ExploreÌý, check outÌýÌýand walk around the.
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 54.09
Professional Opportunity rank: #12
Quality of Life rank: #81
This suburb of Dallas has a low unemployment rate along with a high median starting salary, making it aÌý. It’s also a diverse place toÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 54.12
Professional Opportunity rank: #15
Quality of Life rank: #75
Tacoma is about 30 miles south of Seattle, withÌý and great places toÌý. For those looking to buy a home, Tacoma offers options that areÌý than Seattle.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 54.19
Professional Opportunity rank: #43
Quality of Life rank: #9
The capital of Idaho is ranked as one of theÌýin the country. ItsÌý and it's home toÌýBoise State University. There are also plenty of dining, musicÌýand outdoor options to enjoy after work or school.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 54.21
Professional Opportunity rank: #27
Quality of Life rank: #27
Employment opportunitiesÌý. The city’s unemployment rate hovers at aroundÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 54.41
Professional Opportunity rank: #9
Quality of Life rank: #89
Fort Lauderdale, sometimes called theÌý, offers beaches, parks and an. There's plenty to explore atÌý for entertainment in the evening hours.Ìý
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 55.22
Professional Opportunity rank: #19
Quality of Life rank: #46
Knoxville, located near the Great Smoky Mountains, isÌý and a good placeÌý. Home to The University of Tennessee, expect to find plenty ofÌýÌýin this city. Ìý
Ìý
WalletHub score: 55.23
Professional Opportunity rank: #46
Quality of Life rank: #3
Wisconsin’s capital, home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is not only a beautiful place to liveÌý, it’s also aÌý thanks to its college-town vibe. Grab some local beer while exploring Willy Street,ÌýÌýor check outÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 55.42
Professional Opportunity rank: #11
Quality of Life rank: #59
The unemployment rate for college graduatesÌýin St. Louis isÌý, and the average rent is only $600. Take a ride up theÌý, then grab a craft beer at one of the manyÌý St. Louis has to offer.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 55.51
Professional Opportunity rank: #13
Quality of Life rank: #52
While San Francisco’s housing costsÌý, the city is also and offers plenty ofÌý. San Francisco,Ìýhome to Uber, Lyft, AirbnbÌýand Twitter, also showed increases in annual wage growth and average pay.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 55.65
Professional Opportunity rank: #25
Quality of Life rank: #13
Amazon, Microsoft, StarbucksÌýand the Boeing Company areÌý. Much like San Francisco,Ìý for those with good jobs, but it's not cheap. The median rent is more than $2,109, which isÌý
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 56.09
Professional Opportunity rank: #20
Quality of Life rank: #29
Even though it’s not as affordable as some cities,Ìý for recent college grads to work andÌý. The city is walkable, offers access to world-class health careÌýand features plenty of parks, shoppingÌýand entertainment.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 56.81
Professional Opportunity rank: #18
Quality of Life rank: #20
Portland is aÌý, and home toÌýaÌý. This New England city hasÌý. Make sure to take a walk alongÌý, the center of the arts district.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 56.97
Professional Opportunity rank: #22
Quality of Life rank: #8
The Steel City is both affordable andÌý. It has aÌý, a high number of residents in their 20sÌýand the unemployment rate for residents with a bachelor’s degree is 2.4%.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 57.05
Professional Opportunity rank: #7
Quality of Life rank: #41
This central Florida town is only a short drive to Clearwater Beach, one of theÌý. For afterwork activities, go dancing inÌý, grab a beer inÌýor ride roller coasters atÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 57.13
Professional Opportunity rank: #23
Quality of Life rank: #4
Minneapolis offers young workers job opportunities and a low cost of living in a community bustling with arts, cultureÌýand plenty of outdoor activities. It's also a great placeÌý andÌý. Ìý
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 57.13
Professional Opportunity rank: #8
Quality of Life rank: #37
The availability of jobs and low cost of living make Grand Rapids a good placeÌý. There’s no a shortage ofÌý for fun and food. TryÌý for a cup of joe, try a croissant fromÌýÌýor grab a beer at the renownedÌý Ìý
Ìý
WalletHub score: 57.82
Professional Opportunity rank: #17
Quality of Life rank: #10
This North Carolina city regularly ranks highly forÌý HousingÌý, which makes appealingÌýfor thoseÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 57.85
Professional Opportunity rank: #16
Quality of Life rank: #12
People all over the U.S. are flocking to Denver, which has low unemployment andÌý. The number of people moving to Denver has madeÌý, but the mixed with the mountain view make it worth it. There’s alsoÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 57.98
Professional Opportunity rank: #5
Quality of Life rank: #34
Columbia, home of the University of South Carolina, has low unemployment and a cost of livingÌý. The student population and residents keep a wide selectionÌýÌýfull every night.Ìý
Ìý
WalletHub score: 60.24
Professional Opportunity rank: #6
Quality of Life rank: #5
Austin, famous for hosting theÌý, isÌý for young workers. It's also one of theÌý in the country, probably because they offer doughnutsÌý24 hours a day and have tons ofÌý.
Ìý
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WalletHub score: 60.41
Professional Opportunity rank: #10
Quality of Life rank: #2
Tempe is home to Arizona State University,Ìý. The university also offersÌý. For those who want to get out of town, Phoenix is only a 20-minute drive.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 60.70
Professional Opportunity rank: #4
Quality of Life rank: #19
The economy is doing well in Charleston, withÌý. This area saw a 198% increase in computer and science degrees over the past five years, which is six times faster than the national average. This expansion has led to a lack of affordable housing in the city, so prepare for traffic.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 65.04
Professional Opportunity rank: #2
Quality of Life rank: #11
The Home Depot, Ernst & Young and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention areÌý. While, this southern city is significantly more affordable than metro areas like Chicago, New YorkÌýand San Francisco. It also has no shortage of food and entertainment options inÌý.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 66.33
Professional Opportunity rank: #1
Quality of Life rank: #6
Job growth, affordable housingÌýand an expanding downtown are attractingÌý. TheÌý district is a popular spot for young renters who want to live in a neighborhood with character.
Ìý
WalletHub score: 67.83
Professional Opportunity rank: #3
Quality of Life rank: #1
Both quality of life and job options rank high in Salt Lake City. Housing is relatively affordable, theÌýÌýand there isÌý in this mountain town. Salt Lake City is close toÌý and numerousÌý.
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