Minneapolis Among America's Best Cities For College Grads

You're fresh out of college, cap in hand, and suddenly that whole "find a job and plant some roots" thing feels less like a dream and more like trying to herd cats. It's tough out there, I get it.

I still remember that overwhelming feeling right after graduation. For those of us in radio, they pretty much drilled it into our heads: "Expect to move, and move a lot." I actually got super lucky, landing a gig in my home state after a very brief stint in Iowa.

And I have some awesome news for you too! Turns out you might not have to pack up your entire life and move across the country for your first gig. A new study just dropped putting a Minnesota city on the map as one of the absolute best in America for grads.

Also See: What Salary Do You Need to Be in Minnesota's 1% Club?

So, who's behind this fantastic news? CoworkingCafe. They put out their results yearly, diving deep into the top U.S. cities where first-time job seekers can find not just career growth, but also an environment that actually supports all their big ambitions. They analyze everything from employment opportunities to day-to-day living costs.

What's super interesting is how this year's results compare to the last two. Much larger cities were totally dominating before, but this year, CoworkingCafe reports a huge shift toward mid-sized cities and emerging tech hubs. These places are offering way more affordable living without sacrificing those solid career opportunities.

So, what Minnesota city made the list, where does it land, and what's the actual best city for grads overall?

Taking the number one spot in the entire country? Atlanta! This city remains competitive, thanks to its relatively stable affordability. According to the results, Atlanta's appeal gets an even bigger boost from its incredibly dynamic cultural scene and vibrant economic vitality.

Washington, D.C. made the biggest upward movement compared to last year, climbing from #7 all the way to #2. It has one of the highest percentages of bachelor’s degree-holders in the 18 to 34 age group and saw a huge jump in median income for those with a bachelor’s degree, which helped it surge, even though the city is pretty pricey.

Minnesota City Among The Best Places for College Grads:

Minneapolis was named the third best city in America for grads! How cool is that? Compared to last year, Minneapolis is making some seriously impressive gains, reflecting a rock-solid combo of affordability, economic stability, and tons of room to move up.

And if you're considering tech, Minnesota is where it's at. CoworkingCafe says that Minneapolis's tech sector is exploding, with a projected 20% increase in tech roles by 2025.