Top Cities to Consider for Your Post-College Career

Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

As the post-pandemic hiring frenzy begins to fade for the Class of 2024 college graduates, the job market in the U.S. remains solid with some cities emerging as top rental markets for recent grads. A recent report from Realtor.com has identified the top job markets for college grads based on factors such as job opportunities, rent availability, affordability, and cultural amenities.

The top three markets on the list include Austin, Texas; Bloomington, Minnesota; and Pittsburgh. These cities offer a combination of job opportunities and quality of life that make them attractive options for recent college graduates. However, hiring for 2024 grads is expected to dip by 1.9% compared to the previous year, presenting some challenges in the tech job market.

Tech companies are facing layoffs due to excessive hiring during the pandemic and high interest rates from the Federal Reserve. Consulting firms like EY are also delaying start dates for new grads as demand for their services slows down. The overall number of job openings in the U.S. has decreased, with hiring slipping below pre-pandemic levels.

Realtor.com ranked 313 cities and towns in the 50 largest metro areas to identify the top job markets for college grads. In addition to the top three cities mentioned earlier, Raleigh, North Carolina; Overland Park, Kansas; Richmond, Virginia; and Scottsdale, Arizona also made it to the list. Choosing the right city to live and work in can impact job opportunities and quality of life for recent college grads as they navigate the job market post-graduation.