10 Best Cities To Live In Post-Grad School

By Danielle Wirsansky on February 25, 2016

This article is brought to you by Kaplan, the leader in test prep for over 90 standardized tests, including the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.

Figuring out your post graduation plans can sometimes be the most frightening thing about your final semester of grad school. There are so many options, so many prospects, and so many paths to explore. How do you choose?

Deciding where you want to live can really help you to focus and narrow down specific opportunities. What if you like a job offering in one city but can’t stand the weather? What if you want to live in a specific city, but there aren’t so many job openings in what you are interested in?

You are not even limited to one state or one country: the world is open to you now. So here my recommendations are the 10 best cities to live in post-grad no matter what you are looking for.

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1. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is more than just the home to the popular reality TV franchise, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” It is a big city that due to its southern charm can also feel quaintly like home. It has a lot of tourist traps, but sometimes even those can be great experiences for people who live in the city, like the aquarium.

The city is thriving, meaning it will be easier for you to find a job and fit in. There is a great mix of culture and history and there is something going on every week. You will never run out of things to do or places to explore!

2. Jacksonville, FL

While not well known, it is actually the largest city in the United States (land wise at least). It is a city on the up and up. The downtown is reviving itself and there is a vibrant and developing art and culture scene. The city is so big you can choose whether to live in an urban, suburban, or rural area and still be in range of whatever you job you are looking for. And Jacksonville is on the coast, so there are miles upon miles of beautiful beaches for relaxing.

3. Asheville, NC

Asheville is a beautiful city among the mountains of North Carolina. Some of its titles include “Happiest City in America” and “Beer City USA.” It has got a burgeoning art scene as well as being located along the Blue Ridge Mountains which can be enticing if you are an avid lover of nature (though you can still appreciate them regardless).

It’s accessible to other major cities like Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC as well. Some of the best universities in the country are also accessible from Asheville so if you decide to get a second graduate degree, you will have some really great and close options.

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4. Charleston, SC

It’s low country, which in the South, means it does not have a big city feel. It is a place where time has slowed down (or maybe even been forgotten). It’s got a slower pace of life which might be a relief or comforting after the lack of time all students suffer from while in grad school.

This is the best place to live where you are still in a city but there are no skyscrapers. Charleston is about celebrating history, culture, and tradition. As long as you’re open to what the city has to offer, the residents in turn will welcome you to the city with open arms.

5. Chicago, IL

Chicago is a big city where you get to live a big city life while still being able to afford it. One of the greatest things about living there is that you do not have to go broke to do so, which is especially great for newly graduated young adults (who may or may not have student debts). The city is beautiful and, for a big city, clean. The seasons change clearly and magnificently. There is also a hotbed of culture and art and activity. You will never be bored in the Windy City.

6. Detroit, MI

While Detroit has a bad reputation, the city is striving to clean up its image and prove that it’s a city worth moving to. Detroit’s got a rich and varied history: It was the first city to have a paved road and it was also the city that provided 75 percent of alcohol contraband during the Prohibition Era.

You’ve got easy access to Canada for an “international” vacation too. If you’re looking to live somewhere urban as well as find a community you can really invest in to help make a difference, then Detroit is for you.

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7. Stony Brook, NY

This is a hidden gem on Long Island. It’s a little, posh city with an old town feel. It’s densely foliated and secluded, but it’s only an hour train ride away from New York City. It’s got something to offer anyone interested in leaving in the Northeast. It’s charming and peaceful but is close to many cultural and artistic resources. It’s also got a wealth of resources for those interested in nature and other outdoor activities.

8. Miami, FL

If you love warm weather, Miami is for you. It’s got pristine beaches and warm weather year round. It’s also got an emerging art scene among the best and most progressive in the nation. It’s no big deal to walk around the city in your bathing suit; no one will bat an eye.

The people of Miami have Miami pride and it can feel hard to feel like you belong. But once you find your way, you’re in, you’ve got it. Be ready to be embraced by a whole city excited to have you once you know the way of life down there.

9. Seattle, WA

Those who love cold weather will feel right at home in chilly Seattle. It’s got stunning mountain views and waterways. It rains a whole lot but all this rain leads to gorgeous summers. Washington state has also voted to legalize marijuana, and for some people, that is definitely a plus. The art scene is one of the best in the nation. It’s a great place to live for those that love an urban environment but also appreciate the chance to escape it and appreciate nature.

10. Houston, TX

Houston has a thriving job market and a relatively low cost of living, which is great for a young adult fresh out of school. In fact, it is supposed to be the #1 city for job creation in the entire U.S and the unemployment rate there is significantly lower than the national rate.

It’s the center of the lucrative oil and gas industries as well as a massive hub of international trade and business. Housing in Houston is affordable too since the housing bubble didn’t hit the city the same way it hit the rest of the nation.

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