The 25 best states to live for 20-somethings, where jobs are booming and rent is affordable

Hillary Hoffower

Jul 6, 2019, 18:30 IST

The 25 best states to live for 20-somethings, where jobs are booming and rent is affordable

Young millennials can make adulthood easier by living in an affordable place that offers room for job growth and fun activities.
MoneyRates.com recently ranked the best states for young millennials to live by weighing a variety of factors, from nightlife to median rent.
Midwestern states like North Dakota and Nebraska dominated the rankings.
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It can be daunting for a young 20-something to transition into adulthood, but living in the right location can ease the process.

MoneyRates.com recently ranked the best states for young millennials to live in, including Washington, DC. It grouped eight sets of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau into three major categories - job market, affordability and access, and lifestyle, awarding each state an average ranking in each category.

Turns out, Midwestern states like North Dakota and Iowa have the most factors that appeal to millennials. Nebraska, for example, has a higher proportion of young adults than places like New York and California, according to the report.

Below, see the ranking of best places to live for young 20-somethings. We included the unemployment rate for those ages 20 to 24, the median rent, and the number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita.

25. Florida — Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville, have become hubs for millennials.

24. Texas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston appeal to young adults looking to work for small businesses.

23. Indiana — Indianapolis thrives on a growing tech scene and investments in public infrastructure.

22. Virginia — Virginia Beach and Richmond have both seen an uptick in millennial migration.

21. North Carolina — Raleigh and Charlotte have plentiful job opportunities and high pay.

20. Alaska — Alaska has nine military bases, attracting young-adult soldiers.

19. Rhode Island — Rhode Island has jobs, culture, and numerous James Beard restaurants.

18. Oregon — Portland has many neighborhoods, a relatively affordable cost of living, and a booming economy.

17. Colorado — Millennials have been flocking to Denver for its high-paying jobs, reasonable commutes, weather, and activities.

16. Massachusetts — Tech and life sciences fuel much of the economy.

15. Vermont — Vermont recently offered Americans up to $10,000 to move to the state and work remotely.

14. Utah — Millennials are migrating to Salt Lake City to buy homes.

13. Oklahoma — Oklahoma City is a boomtown for millennials, partly because of a high increase in wages.

12. Nevada — Las Vegas has cultural attractions, low taxes, and natural beauty.

11. Missouri — St. Louis boasts affordable homes for millennials.

T10. Minnesota — Minnesota has a lot to offer active young adults, from biking trails to lakes.

T10. Idaho — Idaho Falls is attracting millennials with its restaurant scene and recreational activities.

8. South Dakota — Sioux Falls is a top city for young professionals.

T7. Wisconsin — Madison is the top city in the US where women are most successful.

T7. Kansas — Wichita has been undergoing a downtown renovation over the past decade.

5. Wyoming — Wyoming's economy thrives on the conservation and extraction industries.

4. Montana — Montana offers plenty of opportunities for young entrepreneurs as well as proximity to nature.

3. Iowa — Iowa has one of the largest proportions of young adults in its population.

2. Nebraska — Nebraska has a higher proportion of young adults than places like New York and California.

1. North Dakota — North Dakota is a magnet for young adults, thanks to its business and pleasure offerings.

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