Atlanta has been named the top city in the United States for recent college graduates, according to new rankings from CoworkingCafe, a website that analyzed cities based on job opportunities, income levels, and unemployment rates for young professionals.
The ranking focused on large cities with populations over 400,000 and considered key factors including the unemployment rate among workers aged 20 to 29, the number of jobs suited for recent graduates, and the median income for those with college degrees. Atlanta ranked first overall, ahead of Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Austin.
CoworkingCafe highlighted Atlanta’s affordability—slightly below 1% over the national average—as well as its “dynamic cultural scene and economic vitality” as major advantages for young professionals starting their careers.
According to the data, recent graduates in Atlanta earn a median income of $82,201, while the unemployment rate for 20- to 29-year-olds stands at 6.6%.
Elsewhere in the Southeast, Nashville ranked No. 13 and Charlotte followed at No. 14. Other regional cities such as Birmingham (No. 17), Knoxville (No. 36), Huntsville (No. 41), and Chattanooga (No. 46) also performed well in the mid-size city rankings.
In Georgia, Augusta ranked No. 76, Columbus came in at No. 81, and Macon placed No. 91 among mid-size cities. For small cities, Athens was ranked No. 39, Savannah at No. 57, and Albany at No. 102.
Arlington, Virginia was named the best mid-size city for recent grads, while Cambridge, Massachusetts took the top spot among small cities.
The full rankings reflect a broader trend of Southern cities rising in appeal due to affordability and growing economic opportunities for young professionals.
Related Topics:
