What are the best cities to move to?  Maybe you’re like me and you just randomly google it every now and again when you’re restless.  Maybe you have a few job options.  Maybe you’re looking for an adventure or a change of pace.  Well, since I’m not ready to move, I thought I’d help you – so here’s a quick list to get you started on your search for the best cities to move to, based on your stage of life.

THE BEST CITIES for Young Professionals

This is what Forbes ranked the top 4 cities for young professionals.  And if you’re a young person looking for the best cities to move to while balancing income, rent and your social life, I’ve jotted down a few quick facts to help you narrow your search.

  • Seattle, Washington. Home to the oldest continually operating farmer’s market in the States, which warms my heart.  If you love seafood, Seattle offers some fantastic choices.
    • Median salary for college grads with 0 to 5 years’ experience: $58,500
      Median rent (shared 2 bedroom) as a share of median salary: 17%
  • Austin, Texas. I’m not surprised at this at all. Not only is Austin statistically one of the sunniest cities in America, Austin’s become a gem in the food scene. There’s also a large selection of museums.
    • Median salary, recent grads: $51,800
      Median rent as a share of median salary: 16.1%
  • Salt Lake City, Utah. Home to the first Kentucky Fried Chicken, Salt Lake City might not have come to mind first but still garners a place on the Best Cities to move to for young professionals.
    • Median salary, recent grads: $50,500
      Median rent as a share of median salary: 12%
  • San Francisco, California. I don’t think I really need to explain the draw to California. Warm air, beaches, winding drives and hopping city life – while the rent is higher, the median salary is also higher, so depending on your job hunt this could be a perfect place for you.
    • Median salary, recent grads: $68,400

Median rent as a share of median salary: 26.5%

THE BEST CITIES for Raising a Family

Forbes comes in again to rank the best cities to raise a family in. So if you’re weighing location, recreation and schooling more than rent, fear not – here’s a few descriptions of the area, plus the facts Forbes used to rank these cities.

  • Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sitting on the Grand River, Grand Rapids boasts large gardens, sculpture parks, and a great art collection. Take the kids on a walk, finish with dinner and grab a draft brew for dad at one of the many breweries the city is known for.
    • Median Income: 65 Cost of Living Index: 6 Housing Affordability: 7 Commuting: 22 Pct. Owning Homes: 5 (75%) Crime: 27 Education: 35
      President Gerald Ford’s hometown is home to several furniture makers. The public school system is supplemented by several charter schools.
  • Boise, Idaho. Rivers, mountains, lakes and canyons — if you’re an outdoorsy type, you’ll love this place. But fear not, Boise has easy access to more urban pastimes too.
    • Median Income: 64 Cost of Living Index: 44 Housing Affordability: 34 Commuting: 23 Pct. Owning Homes: 29 (69%) Crime: 5 Education: 1
      Life is good for many families in the Pacific Northwest’s third largest city, with lower costs and less crime than the region’s two biggest metros, Seattle and Portland. And there’s the local powerhouse football team, the Boise State Broncos.
  • Provo, Utah. Its Peaks Ice Arena hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. Apparently, no major metro area has a lower crime rate than Provo.  It’s also had a history for job growth within the city.
    • Median Income: 33 Cost of Living Index: 10 Housing Affordability: 54 Commuting: 34 Pct. Owning Homes: 59 (65%) Crime: 1 Education: 11

 

We know there’s a lot more that you’ll base your moving decisions off of than a list on the internet, but it’s always a fun place to start!  And if you’re looking to buy and need a mortgage, give us a call – We’re faith and family oriented, just like you.  We’d love to help you find the perfect home!

 

Best,

Audrey

The Christian Mortgage Mom

Audrey