As a millennial myself and proud resident of the No. 8 city, I'm aware of the numbers of millennials topping off the final days of their college educations and entering the beginning stages of their career.
So where are they choosing to live, or better yet, where should they live?
Niche Ink has published a list of the best cities and neighborhoods for millennials. Factors involved in the study include: data from the U.S. American Community Survey, crime rates from the FBO and types of top entertainment attractions.
While the cities' unemployment rate might be a key factor, I personally still cherish the added variables of the best shopping locations and best cultural attractions. After all, you need to look good at your first job and have someplace to go to keep life exciting.
The list covers the top 25 in all, but here are the top 13:
13. Seattle, Wash.
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the U.S. and just a hair away from Canada, 15% of people in Seattle are between the ages of 25-34. The median rent is $1,033 and residents see $34,199 for a median income. Plus, one side perk is that the city is home to Starbucks and many other top coffee companies, so you will never be far from a cup of coffee.
12. Raleigh, N.C.
Fourteen percent of Raleigh citizens are between the ages of 25-34, and rightly so, since the city boasts an $855 median rent and a median income of $31,899, in addition to a low crime score. The city is home to plenty of museums, Broadway musicals and live concerts.
11. San Jose, Calif.
San Jose has the highest median rent, sitting at $1,454, and the second-highest income of $37,484. This tech city almost sits in the center of the state, allowing people to take a quick drive to San Francisco or head south to L.A.
10. San Diego, Calif.
The crime rate in the city is low, the median income is $30,196 and the median rent is $1,261. And for the millennial who is a huge animal lover, be sure to visit the San Diego Zoo.
9. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
This city boasts just an average crime score, but a $864 median rent and $33,511 for median income. In terms of shopping, the Twin Cities have you covered with the Mall of America alone.
8. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Besides being located in the wonderful Lone Star state, 15% of Dallas is between the ages of 25-34, it has a below-average crime score, a $29,830 median income and $874 median rent. And if those factors aren't enough, your Friday night will always be overflowing with endless options: sports games, fairs and events, that — of course — are bigger and better. But I would be lying if I didn't confess to being extremely biased.
7. Denver, Colo.
Besides being the first city to host a Voodoo doughnut outside the northwest, Denver has a $32,422 median income and $902 median rent, along with a below-average crime score. If you choose to live here you are only a day drive away fresh powder or a picturesque mountain to climb.
6. Boston, Mass.
Boston recorded a $1,163 median rent and a $33,659 median income. As the home of dozens of colleges and universities, including MIT and Harvard, Boston offers a plethora of things millenials like to do.
5. San Francisco, Calif.
San Francisco wields a $1,344 median rent and a $36,119 median income. But those perks aside, the city is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Warf and many more exciting things to occupy your time.
4. Chicago, Ill.
The Windy City recorded an average rent of $931 and a median income of $30,061. For those millennials who love music, it's hard to beat top music festival Lollapalooza.
3. Washington, D.C.
If living in the capital of the U.S. is not enough, Washington, D.C. posted a $1,353 median rent and $42,226 median income, the highest average income.
2. Austin, Texas
As the capital of Texas, this city provides a blend of nature and city life. Austin reported an average rent of $936 and a median income of $30,816. You can spend the day outside in Barton Springs and close your night out on 6th Street with friends.
1. New York City, N.Y.
As the top city for millennials to live in, NYC has a low crime rate, a $1,157 average rent and $31,703 median income. You will never be far from the ball drop on New Year's Eve and only a few steps away from the next famous Broadway musical.
