One of the most liberating realizations of recent grad-dom is that as soon as you leave campus, you are free to look for a job anywhere in the country—or just move to a new city without one if you’ve got the gumption. Of course, your decision about where to settle down (at least temporarily) after graduation will be complicated by a number of "x-factors," like where your boyfriend or girlfriend lives, how much of a mama’s boy/girl you are, and what you can afford. But there’s also something to be said for taking a risk on a town that appeals to your gut instinct, or one that serves as a hub for the industry you want to join.
[Photo by wwworks]
To help you brainstorm the Big Move, we've talked to recent grads across the country and trolled the 'net for both census data and meaningless trivia to bring you:
Note: Needless to say, rental prices vary drastically within cities. We have provided the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment in each city to serve as a quick barometer of the housing market/cost of living. However, there are a ton of factors that influence this number, so take into account the context. For example, a one-bedroom in New York will probably be a lot smaller than a one-bedroom in Atlanta or Houston, and in all cities costs vary significantly as you move between neighborhoods and/or share with roommates.
#10: ATLANTA (pop. 2,836,658)
[Photo by justjennifer]
A sprawling metropolis with a southern swagger, ATL is where pop culture phenomena are made. Coca-Cola ships out its sweet elixir by the truckload, and music industry players (especially R&B and hip hop) scour clubs for the next big thing. Despite a slow, Southern pace of life, the city has plenty of ways to keep recent grads occupied at night, including bar-heavy Buckhead and lounge-heavy downtown. If you ever get bored, leaving town is an easy option—Savannah and Charleston are just a road-trip away, and Delta's Atlanta hub is the busiest airline hub in the world, offering (affordable) flights to almost anywhere.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Big business (e.g., Coca Cola, Home Depot, Delta)
Climate: Semitropical, with long and humid summers (Winter—45°F, Summer—78°F)
Transportation: The MARTA train system gets mixed reviews but is functional for most major areas. However, a car certainly adds a ton of convenience.
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $773*
Closing Time: 2:30AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Braves; NFL—Falcons; NBA—Hawks; NHL—Thrashers
Famous Foodstuffs: Fried chicken, sweet tea, and Krispy Kreme
You'll love it if… you want a city where affectation will get you smacked the F up
You'll be miserable if… you hate traffic and R&B
Best Thing Ever: Affordable housing still exists, and there’s a possibility that it's really just like
this
Worst Thing Ever: Never-ending urban sprawl
TESTIMONIALS
The city gives a person in their 20s the freedom to do whatever they want. Even if you have an entry-level job that doesn’t pay much, you can afford to pay rent with enough cash left over to enjoy any type or nightlife of adventure you choose. There’s a very metropolitan scene that helps transplants from other cities find a niche, plus plenty of Southern culture to embrace. You can wear a t-shirt nine months of the year, which is nice for relaxing in Piedmont Park or cruising the younger Virginia Highlands, Midtown, Little 5 Points, or Buckhead neighborhoods looking for solid grub or your next date. — Brian K., Sales
Atlanta…where do I begin? I guess that depends on the mood I am in. Atlanta has become the melting pot of the South, bringing together all sorts of young people and satisfying the uniquely blended interests that result. On any given day I can throw on my skinnies and join the hipsters at an indie concert in Little Five Points, or find my favorite flip flops and polo and join the more preppy folk in Buckhead to listen to a live cover-band. When I'm feeling earthy, I pack a bag and head to the not-so-far mountains with my dog and some friends for a weekend hike. Or, if I'm itching for some culture, I'll stop by the acclaimed High Museum to view some of the world's finest art. It’s truly impossible for any young person with an appetite for life to regret moving to this gem of a city. —Rebecca S., Lawyer
Gradspot.com Rating: 68/100
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#9: LOS ANGELES (pop. 3,834,340)
[Photo by kentmercurio]
Everyone in LA thinks his or her life is like
Entourage, and for a select few, that’s actually true. Others do their best to fake the funk, talking their way into various parties and hoping against hope that they are seconds away from "blowing up." But LA stands as a testament to the idea that weather really does matter—people are happy, beautiful, and relaxed. They leave work early and go to the beach year-round. So can anyone really blame them for loving their mirage of a city?
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Entertainment
Climate: Not too hot, not too cold, but just right all year (Winter—58°F, Summer—75°F)
Transportation: Car culture rules
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $1435*
Closing Time: 2AM (but many after-hours spots keep going ‘til 6 in the mornin’)
Professional Sports: MLB—Dodgers, Angels of Anaheim; NBA—Lakers, Clippers; NHL—Kings, Anaheim Ducks
Famous Foodstuffs: Burritos; Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles; the latest celebrity diet fad
You'll love it if… you're a laidback, sun-loving cat who just wants to chill
You'll be miserable if… you're obsessed with ideals of authenticity and don’t embrace casual friendships
Best Thing Ever: A-list celeb sightings ain't a thang
Worst Thing Ever: People rarely act their age
TESTIMONIALS
Tons of people in their 20s (youth is good and welcoming), and there are a lot of different areas to fit your style (i.e., Santa Monica is for chill or fratty people, Hollywood is for the party folk, Los Feliz/Silver Lake for alternative folk). There's also a LOT of outdoors stuff in close proximity to the city (beach, hiking, skiing not to far) and a lot of opportunities for day trips. — Melissa, Talent Agent's Assistant
LA's a terrible place. It's a city designed based on its fair weather, and, as fate would have it, all of its citizens are fair weather in their friendships and fandom. It's a city so phony that it's not even cool to be depressed in it! People pretend they're happy and relaxed, they leave work early and aggrandize their jobs to the point where they seem to earnestly believe that the job of 'Storytelling' is more honorable than a career in politics or public service. — Teddy, Writer's Assistant
Gradspot.com Rating: 70/100
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#8: DENVER (pop. 588,349)
[Photo by joka2000]
If you're someone who needs open space, Denver is a great launching point for all sorts of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to skiing and snowmobiling. But it's not just an oversized ski town. Big business, Coors Brewing Company, and the largest population of federal employees outside of Washington, D.C., all call the "Mile High City" home, and downtown Denver has seen successful revitalization efforts in recent years. On top of all that, it was the site of what was arguably the best season of
Real World in recent memory, so you can't discount that.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Energy, government, and finance ("Wall Street of the Rockies")
Climate: Fair amount of precipitation, including snowfall from October to April (Winter—31°F, Summer—72°F)
Transportation: A light rail connects downtown with the suburbs, but you’ll want a car to explore the great outdoors.
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $973**
Closing Time: 2AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Rockies; NFL—Broncos; NBA—Nuggets; NFL—Avalanche
Famous Foodstuffs: Steak
You'll love it if… you want every weekend to be an outdoors adventure
You'll be miserable if… the thought of going for a hike makes you want to die
Best Thing Ever: Rodeos
Worst Thing Ever: Insanely slow drivers
TESTIMONIALS
Denver's a great getaway from the fast pace life of the Northeast. The people tend to be friendlier and more at ease. The close proximity to the Rockies, coupled with 300 days of sunshine per year, enables me to go skiing and golfing on a daily basis during the fall, winter, and spring. Denver is hands down the biggest sports city in the nation and probably the biggest party city in the nation. It is the only city in the country where you can watch box lacrosse in a sold out stadium of 20,000 people, or on TV, and be drinking a beer knowing that you are in a city that drinks more beer than any other city in the country. — Dolan, Student
Denver is the gateway to the mountains, and no matter what time of year, the skiing, hiking and climbing are all good ways to meet new people from all over the US and experience the great outdoors. Boutique shopping in Boulder, Cherry Creek, and Denver are some of my favorite Saturday activities, and there are great restaurants all over the city. I like the high energy, driven mentality that surrounds the streets of Denver. - Abby, Real Estate Agent
Gradspot.com Rating: 72/100
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#7: HOUSTON (pop. 2,208,180)
[Photo by rwhitlock]
The Texan credo of "bigger is better" certainly applies in H-Town, where you can hop in a car and go to the awesomest strip malls in the world. If cowboy hats, leather boots, and gun stores give you the creeps, then stay home. But the open-minded are rewarded with great restaurants, a relaxed vibe, and some unique offerings, like the laidback Rice University area and NASA's headquarters. Plus, who wouldn't want to live in a place that nicknamed itself “Clutch City”?
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Oil, energy, biomedical, aerospace
Climate: Hot, humid summers and temperate winters (Winter—55°F Summer—84°F)
Transportation: This is Texas, son! Fill ‘er up with diesel.
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $778*
Closing Time: 2AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Astros; NFL—Texans; NBA—Rockets; NHL—Aeros
Famous Foodstuffs: Tex-Mex and barbeque
You'll love it if… you're looking for Texas swagger, hospitality, and an unpretentious nightlife scene
You'll be miserable if… you're a tree-hugging liberal who thinks everyone should drive a Prius
Best Thing Ever: Drive-through liquor stores, drive-through pharmacies, drive-through dry cleaners…
Worst Thing Ever: Living in an "oil town"
TESTIMONIALS
Houston is a best-kept secret for recent grads.There are great career opportunities for young professionals, and it is easy to find your perfect niche no matter what your interests are. I think my favorite thing about life in Houston is the quality of life: anyone can really live it up in style and experience the cool things the city has to offer. A wonderful balance of business, culture, and leisure. — Sara P., Law Student
Houston is a fantastic city to live post-college for two reasons. First, as a big city, it has everything you could possibly want: great concerts, restaurants, bars, and international airports. Plus, it's a 45-minute drive to the beach. Secondly, it is a less expensive place, compared to other big cities around the country, to buy a house, party, drive... What more could you want? — Dan, Software Start-up
Gradspot.com Rating: 78/100
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#6: BOSTON (pop. 599,351)
[Photo by oscalito]
If you like sports and fratty behavior, Beantown may be the place for you. With tons of history and a recent spate of championships, the town's sports teams drive the daily conversation, which generally involves the use of strange accents. Moreover, "America's College Town" is packed with students who populate the bars and/or drink terrible beers in dorm rooms throughout the city. Though not always the most vibrant of cities, Boston is very livable. There are some wonderful museums and historical sites, and few things beat a run or walk along the banks of the Charles River in spring.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Consulting and venture capital
Climate: Four distinct seasons with cold winters (Winter—30°F, Summer—72°F)
Transportation: The “T” system and buses will get you most places, but most lines shut down by 12:30-1AM. A commuter rail serves the ‘burbs. (Subway fare: $1.70)
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $1343*
Closing Time: 2AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Red Sox; NFL—Patriots; NBA—Celtics; NHL—Bruins
Famous Foodstuffs: New England Clam Chow-dah
You'll love it if… you're a beer-swilling, sports-loving type with a blue-collar streak (aka you like Dunkin Donuts more than Starbucks)
You'll be miserable if… you hate being cold and can't stand college students (because they remind you of all your regrets!)
Best Thing Ever: The Boston Marathon
Worst Thing Ever: Red Sox fans
TESTIMONIALS
Boston's a walkable city, and in under an hour you could wander from an Italian pastry shop in the North End, past Faneuil Hall and the State House, through the Boston Common, to a second dessert (and retail therapy) on Newbury Street. It's extremely green as far as cities go, and for 20-somethings who pride themselves on being fit there's no shortage of scenic running routes—from the Charles River to Fort Independence in Southie. It also caters to the thrifty grad—it was the birthplace of Filene's Basement, the Haymarket farmer's market has deals like 10 limes for $1, and there's a Dunkin' Donuts on practically every block. — Defne, Non-Profit
Boston is an unreal city for a young person because it has a strong historical and cultural identity that the leveling effects of time and the inanities of popular culture can't change. So, even though they city has the vibrancy and nightlife of a place with thousands of college clowns, the amateurs and poser kids can't wreck it, no matter how hard we try. What still counts is Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Larry Legend, and all the Good Will Huntings at the local Dunkin' Donuts. That gives you a stability and a sense of a place that's real and beyond your own time and world. — Chris, Law Student
Gradspot.com Rating: 81/100
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#5: SEATTLE (pop. 594,210)
[Photo by ngader]
The Pacific Northwest often gets a bad rap as a place where ugly, granola-eating freaks get rained on a lot, but those who live in Seattle have compelling evidence that it's a perfect city for recent grads. The surrounding area is beautiful, offering great skiing in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, as well as tons of hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering opportunities (there’s even a biking terrain park underneath the freeway). Tech geeks, beer nerds, and outdoors mavens live together amiably, chilling at the incredible REI flagship store and thinking about what it would be like if Kurt Cobain were still alive.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Big-biz technology and tech-related venture capital
Climate: Generally cool with lots of rain (Winter—41°F, Summer—65°F)
Transportation: Hop in the whip and prepare for traffic
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $1108*****
Closing Time: 2AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Mariners; NFL—Seahawks; NBA—Supersonics
Famous Foodstuffs: Fresh fish
You'll love it if… you're a tech genius who moonlights as an extreme skier
You'll be miserable if… you're like Missy Elliott and "can't stand the rain"
Best Thing Ever: Some of the freshest coffees in the world
Worst Thing Ever: Traffic jams
TESTIMONIALS
Seattle is a city of unique character. You feel it when riding your bike along Lake Washington, or grabbing a fresh coffee at one of the local shops, or grubbing some incredible local seafood eats, or skiing in the Cascades, or at a show in one of the local venues. The feeling makes you want to be there, continue to be there, because being part of a community like Seattle is just something that feels good and right. But really, you won't know what it's like until come here.... — Charlie F., Microsoft
Sick of the hipsters in Brooklyn, Portland, and San Francisco? Seattle has a noticeable dearth of the long-haired, intentionally short-trousered type. And no, we aren't quite like the characters from Grey's Anatomy
, either—much fewer monologues, and the ferry system (albeit an extensive one) typically only plays a role in the lives of retirees living a laid-back lifestyle on the islands of the Sound.
What we do have are a number of established, thoughtful neighborhoods, each with their own unique personality, as well as a real-estate bubble that is bursting a little slower than the rest of the nation. Our restaurants are dominated by prominent "big name" chefs; outside of Seattle, brewery and winery tours are a favorite weekend activity.
As for outdoor activities, any day of the year (the water temperature only changes by a few degrees from summer to winter), Seattleites can don a thick wetsuit and surf a three hour drive from the city. In the opposite direction, only an hour from Seattle, is Snoqualmie Pass, where skiing or snowboarding is possible until 10PM any night of the week during winter. — Andrea J.,
Gradspot.com Rating: 84/100
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#4: WASHINGTON, D.C. (pop. 588,292)
[Photo by nubianeagle]
Ever the town for movers and shakers, DC is riding the wave of excitement ignited by the election of Barack Obama. It's often said the dynamics of the town shift according to who’s in office, particularly during the summer when the nation's capital is flooded with party-hardy interns. If you are coming from a large city, D.C. can feel comparatively small and segregated, but it is also rife with young people in politics, academia, and journalism (a plus for guys: women outnumber men by about 5 to 4). Whether Obama will bring a spark of energy to his new home remains to be seen, but you certainly wouldn't be crazy for wanting to find out.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Government, non-profit
Climate: Four distinct seasons with hot summers (Winter—30°F, Summer—80°F)
Transportation: The DC "Metro" system is famously clean and efficient, and it will get you most places you need to go. However, stations close at 3AM on the weekends (midnight during the week) and cabs are expensive, so some complain that going out can be a pain.
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $1100****
Closing Time: Su-Th 2AM, F-Sa 3AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Nationals; NFL—Redskins; NBA—Wizards; NHL—Capitals
Famous Foodstuffs: Chili half-smoke (made famous by Ben’s Chili Bowl)
You'll love it if… you're an aspiring politician or academic who thrives on youthful naïveté
You'll be miserable if… you can't stand arguing and want a "big city" feel
Best Thing Ever: Bountiful green space
Worst Thing Ever: Political blowhards and people who use the phrase "inside the Beltway"
TESTIMONIALS
It's a city where the Saturday night drinking scene can revolve around rousing rounds of "Name That Senator." It's a place where you're forever spotting people you know, either because you met them last night at Local 16, or you saw them that morning on MSNBC. It's full of colorful neighborhoods with eclectic groups of people—everyone from the U street corridor hipsters to the Vineyard Vine-toting prepsters. Mr. Smith went here, Bush left here, and Obama's here now. It's D.C. — Faryl, Journalist
Unless you're a monument-junkie or a Capitol Hill staffer, I wouldn't say DC is the coolest place to live. But it certainly has its perks. Like free museums (with extra emphasis on the word free
), some really good music venues, and a short drive to the mountains. Also, if you like sharing a huge house with four to five other young folks, that's available. And I admit that sometimes I still get excited when I walk by the White House. — Thomas, National Public Radio
Gradspot.com Rating: 85/100
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#3: SAN FRANCISCO (pop. 764,976)
[Photo by iamgenious]
Situated in the beautiful Bay Area, San Fran has a "best of all worlds" vibe that attracts recent grads in droves. Whether running along the waterfront or taking a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Franciscans enjoy their city and its outskirts year 'round. Meanwhile, a thriving arts scene, diverse population, and distinct neighborhoods keep things interesting. The prominence of tech and web companies in town and in nearby Silicon Valley contributes to the youthfulness of the city, but be prepared to fork over a pretty penny to live in California’s most expensive city for renters.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Technology (from computers to health), venture capital
Climate: Four seasons but not too extreme in summer or winter (Winter—48°F, Summer—64°F)
Transportation: BART connects San Francisco with Oakland and Berkley, and a MUNI subway line runs in the city. Not all parts of the peninsula are close to public transportation, but it’s pretty small and getting around with buses and cabs avoids the terror of parallel parking on steep hills.
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $2273***
Closing Time: 2AM
Professional Sports: MLB—Athletics, Giants; NFL—49ers, Raiders; NBA—Warriors; NHL—Sharks
Famous Foodstuffs: Seafood from Pier 39 and Mexican in the Mission
You'll love it if… you've got an "alternative" streak that you want to foster in a city that embraces difference
You'll be miserable if… you're a backwards Republican who despises homeless people, gays, and immigrants
Best Thing Ever: A highly amusing assortment of crazy people
Worst Thing Ever: Walking/biking up hills
TESTIMONIALS
SF is great because it's got plenty going on without being as in your face as New York. There's loads of big street festivals, amazing parks to barbecue in, beaches, and easy access to Tahoe, Vegas, and wine country. There's also a pretty rich bar scene, and really, really good food everywhere. The only downside is that the population tends to be a bit older and it can be hard to find enough eligible people to date who are just out of college. — Sebastian T., Google
Not only does its misty mountainous terrain make it resemble a postcollegiate fairy-tale land, but SF has a distinct charm about it which makes it a great place to nest after graduating. With tons of restaurants and bars, it is a great going-out city, but it's also got the cultural cachet to back up its laid-back California vibe. — Trevor W., Facebook Sales
Gradspot.com Rating: 89/100
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#2: NEW YORK CITY (pop. 8,274,527)
[Photo by joeshlabotnik]
New York City is Mecca for many recent grads looking to live the Twentysomething Dream. "Work hard, play hard" is the motto many live by, putting in long hours at the office and partying when the average person would wisely choose to go to bed. The yearning for success—that old "if you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere" attitude—is almost tangible, and while some feed off the energy, others find it exhausting. The transient hordes and uber-competitive real-estate market contribute to this restless energy, but if you can keep your own goals in sight, New York can be whatever you want it to be. Being bored is not an option.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Finance, fashion, advertising/marketing, and publishing
Climate: Temperate spring and fall; stifling summer exacerbated by crowdedness and scarce air-conditioning; cold winters (Winter—34°F, Summer—77°F)
Transportation: Subway and cabs are a way of life. Parking fees are sky high and cars are essentially useless within the city. (Subway fare: $2.)
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $1520*
Closing Time: Bars close?
Professional Sports: MLB—Yankees, Mets; NFL—Giants, Jets; NBA—Knicks, Nets; NHL—Rangers, Devils, Islanders
Famous Foodstuffs: Pizza on every block; chicken cutlet sandwiches from the bodega; delicious (but often overpriced) meals of every cuisine imaginable
You'll love it if… you're a motivated, energetic type who doesn’t mind living beyond your means in the name of "being young"
You'll be miserable if… you're a penny-pinching homebody who hates noise, people, and staying up late
Best Thing Ever: 24-hour everything
Worst Thing Ever: Various bridges and tunnels to NJ, Staten Island, and Long Island
TESTIMONIALS
Smart people live in New York. The people here challenge me to know what is going on in the world and in the city on a daily basis. Conversations with friends often involve references to current happenings. Jokes can be politically incorrect because people know what's up and what makes s--t funny. — Sarah, Non-Profit
Living in NYC as a recent college graduate can be difficult, as rent can easily cost more than your net income, but if you manage to find an affordable apartment it is definitely worth it. There are tons of young professionals filling bars at happy hour, and a wide spectrum of good places to go whether you are looking for fine dining or a good spot to get black-out drunk. — Steve, Analyst
Gradspot.com Rating: 92/100
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#1: CHICAGO (pop. 2,836,658)
[Photo by kthypryn]
The jewel of the Midwest combines cosmopolitanism with a refreshing dose of hospitality, catering to those who like city life but don't like the "f*&k you, a*^hole!" mentality of places like New York. There are few big cities that are prettier than Chi-Town, which offers a mix of leafy neighborhoods, an architecturally stunning downtown, and a gorgeous lakefront. Tons of bars, live music, and museums keep recent grads entertained, but beware: the winters are not for the faint-hearted.
KEY STATS
Major Industries: Aerospace, finance, and consulting
Climate: Four distinct seasons, but beware of freezing winters (Winter—28°F, Summer—74°F)
Transportation: The 'L' and buses will get you where you need to go (Fare: $2.25)
Avg. Price of a One Bedroom Apartment: $1029*
Closing Time: Su-F 3AM, Sa 4AM
Professional Sports: MLB—White Sox, Cubs; NFL—Bears; NBA—Bulls; NHL—Blackhawks
Famous Foodstuffs: Hotdogs with the works and deep-dish pizza
You'll love it if… you like your big city flavor tempered with a dash of Midwestern hospitality
You’ll be miserable if… you are suspicious of nice people
Best Thing Ever: The coolest architecture in America
Worst Thing Ever: The wind off Lake Michigan
TESTIMONIALS
The two things that stand out about Chicago for me are sports and the arts. The Cubs, Bears, and Bulls are always on the tip of someone's tongue, to the point where its even annoying if you're not into sports. The concert scene is wicked, especially during the summer when there are lots of festivals going on in the parks, a major highlight being the Pitchfork festival which is two days of chill indie rock. The ringer for me is that you can find cheap housing and beer. I'd pay double in New York for the studio I have in Chicago. — Ben Herzberger, store clerk
No matter what you're in to, this city has it all: from extravagant nightlife, to a relaxing night at a theater, or getting together with your friends to engage in social and sports clubs. The best part about Chicago is everyone in the city is about the same age looking to experience the same thing, a great time. — Kelly H., Teacher
Gradspot.com Rating: 95/100
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More Info
Looking to move to a new city? Be sure to check out these guides on Gradspot.
Sources
* Average rental prices courtesy of Apartments.com and CBCampus.com (
link)
** Average rental price courtesy of Rentbits.com (
link)
*** Average rental price courtesy of MyNewPlace.com (
link)
**** Average rental price courtesy of Rent.com (
link)
***** Average rental price courtesy of ApartmentRatings.com
link)
