Times are tough for a lot of folks, but especially for those recently entering the job market. Whether exiting college or transitioning out of the military, jobs are difficult to find and living expenses are on the rise. But Generation Y is not completely lost: Many millennials are flexing their research skills to find places to live that provide the best chance at a stable livelihood.
According to Time, while millennials seem to be congregating where costs of living tend to be low, there are other factors influencing their decisions. Places like San Francisco offer some of the highest living expenses in the nation, with the median home value nearly $1 million, but they enjoy low unemployment and a higher-than-average number of job opportunities. Denver; Nashville, Tennessee; and Portland, Oregon, feature average home values below $300,000 and provide great job diversity.
If you're just coming out of the military or are close to transitioning out, pay attention to this list. While it may be extremely tempting to return home right after getting out, where you are is as much a factor of your future success as what you're doing.
The following cities feature qualities like job diversity, low unemployment and plenty of job opportunities. Be aware of high costs of living and the specific industries located in each city.
1. Arlington County, Virginia
- Millennials % of total population: 39%
- Median home price: $505,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,996
2. Alexandria City, Virginia
- Millennials % of total population: 34%
- Median home price: $465,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,966
3. Orleans Parish, Louisiana
- Millennials % of total population: 30%
- Median home price: $140,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three Beds): $1,190
4. San Francisco
- Millennials % of total population: 32%
- Median home price: $950,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $2,657
5. Denver County, Colorado
- Millennials % of total population: 33%
- Median home price: $270,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,409
6. Montgomery County, Tennessee
- Millennials % of total population: 31%
- Median home price: $128,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,016
7. Hudson County, N.J.
- Millennials % of total population: 31%
- Median home price: $330,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,643
8. New York County, N.Y.
- Millennials % of total population: 32%
- Median home price: $850,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,852
9. Multnomah County, Oregon
- Millennials % of total population: 28%
- Median home price: $270,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,359
10. Davidson County, Tennessee
- Millennials % of total population: 29%
- Median home price: $160,000
- Average monthly apartment rent (three beds): $1,131
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