College graduates AI swiping white-collar roles are turning their tassels and looking for cities with ample job opportunities. But popular hotspots like New York City and Los Angeles might not be their best bet — they might kick off their adult lives in less glamorous cities.
The top 10 best big U.S. cities for recent college graduates dropped—based on starting salary and housing metrics—and some attractive metros didn’t make the cut. According to recent reports from Glassdoor and Redfin, Washington, DC, ranks No. 1 for budding professionals; The median annual early career income in DC remains at $79,857, the median price of a starter home is $320,000, and monthly rent is about 34% of income.
While housing costs are high in the U.S. capital, the study offers a strong entry-level job market and culture around every corner.
The other cities that made the list may come as a surprise to some — namely, the fact that Omaha came in second. While the Midwest city’s median annual early-career income is slightly lower than others, at $59,123, the median price of a starter home is just $195,000. In addition to more affordable homeownership, the report notes that Omaha is a hub for major companies like Berkshire Hathaway, and offers a better work-life balance than other fast-paced cities.
“I’m currently helping a young couple move from North Carolina to Omaha,” Justin Gomez, a Redfin Premier agent in Omaha, said in the report. “People move here from different parts of the country because there’s a great community for the younger crowd … and with many homes selling for less than $300,000, younger grads actually have a shot at buying a home.”
Boston came in third, thanks to the list’s highest early career earnings of $80,026 and ample job opportunities. And Texas’ biggest cities are also major hubs for young workers, with Dallas, Houston and Austin earning spots on this year’s list. More than Fortune 500 companies are flooding into the tax-friendly southern state, bringing with them junior-level jobs—and the cities have no shortage of entertainment for Gen Xers. Meanwhile, buzzy spots New York City and LA didn’t even make the list this year.
The American dream of landing a college dropout in a high-paying job and settling down at home is increasingly out of reach — so some are uprooting their lives for greener pastures in the concrete jungle.
The Midwest has grown in popularity due to its good affordability; The cost of living in this area can be at least 30% cheaper than in large coastal cities like New York City and L.A. In fact, seven of the 10 most accessible metros for young homeowners are in the Midwest, according to the 2025 Consumer Affairs Analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Financial Examinations Council (FIEC data).
