10 Best Cities for Millennials

As millennials move out on their own and join the workforce, they seem to be flocking to all the same cities. And these cities tend to have something in common: a slew of various activities to keep the fast-moving Gen Yers’ minds stimulated and happy.

As a reputable NYC mover, we know just how exciting moving out (especially on your own for the first time) can be, so we’ve decided to help you sift through all of the cities the United States has to offer.

A recent study conducted by the ranking website Niche.com studied 232 U.S. cities and compiled a heavily-graded list based on millennial-centered factors. Categories included in the grading system: access to bars, job opportunities, affordability, restaurants and cafes and ease of commuting. Although Niche was able to grade 217 of the 232 cities studied, we’ve pulled out the top 10 best cities for millennials for you, right here, to get an idea of where our moving trucks may be taking you to next.

1. Cambridge, Massachusetts

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 27.7%

Millennial Newcomers: 6.9%

Unemployment Rate: 4.4%

Median Rent: $1,612/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: The People’s Republic of Cambridge boasts a growing number of tech and biotech companies for recent graduates from the city’s prestigious schools like Harvard and MIT, as well as an abundance of hip bars and restaurants.

2. Manhattan, New York

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 22.1%

Millennial Newcomers: 3.1%

Unemployment Rate: 5.7%

Median Rent: $1,442/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: The Big Apple is the epi-center of business, including The Fashion District and Wall Street – so it’s no surprise that millennials find themselves staring up at the twinkling lights of Times Square. As the City that Never Sleeps, Manhattan’s world-famous restaurants and nightlife, along with bustling museums and music ventures serves to satisfy every curiosity.

3. Alexandria, Virginia

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 24.4%

Millennial Newcomers: 6.2%

Unemployment Rate: 3.6%

Median Rent: $1,501/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: Just outside of D.C., Alexandria is away from the chaos while still giving its patrons a history lesson – George Washington does have heavy ties to this city, after all! Old Town, in particular, is a quaint, waterfront section of Alexandria with cute shops, fun bars and plenty of restaurants for the local millennial.

4. San Francisco, California

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 21.5%

Millennial Newcomers: 3.1%

Unemployment Rate: 5.2%

Median Rent: $1,488/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: There’s an abundance of things to do in the San Francisco area. A weekend favorite? The Starlight Room for a Sunday brunch drag show.

5. Jersey City, New Jersey

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 22.8%

Millennial Newcomers: 3.4%

Unemployment Rate: 7.3%

Median Rent: $1,174/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: Water and jet skiing coupled with an amazing downtown are favorites for locals. The views of the Manhattan skyline in Downtown Jersey City are out of this world… and the dining spots? Top notch.

6. Seattle, Washington

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 21.4%

Millennial Newcomers: 2.8%

Unemployment Rate: 4.8%

Median Rent: $1,091/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: The coffee. Seriously – with a coffee shop around every corner, and the millennials love of hot, brewed goodness, it’s no surprise that these two make a perfect match. Check out Café Allego, Seattle’s very first coffee shop.

7. Washington, D.C.

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 21.5%

Millennial Newcomers: 3.4%

Unemployment Rate: 7%

Median Rent: $1,242/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: Self-proclaimed “City of Smart People”, D.C. offers millennials interested in politics, international affairs and competitive journalism an environment that can, and will, make their mind works in marvelous ways. And it doesn’t hurt that the restaurant offerings have multiplied.

8. Berkeley, California

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 17%

Millennial Newcomers: 4.3%

Unemployment Rate: 4.1%

Median Rent: $1,298/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: Once you sip a latte at Caffé Strada or a moonlit pint at the Missouri Lounge, you’ll understand why millennials are moving here in droves.

9. Boston, Massachusetts

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 21.5%

Millennial Newcomers: 3.6%

Unemployment Rate: 7.2%

Median Rent: $1,281/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: Home to the Sam Adams Brewery, America’s oldest baseball stadium (Fenway Park) and the bustling shops of Quincy Market, Boston’s millennial-friendliness is obvious.

10. Outer Boroughs of New York, New York

Percentage of Population Aged 25-34: 17.3%

Millennial Newcomers: 1.6%

Unemployment Rate: 6.1%

Median Rent: $1,200/month

Why Millennials Love It Here: Encompassing all five boroughs, New York City is a melting pot for millennials on the move. If the hustle of Manhattan isn’t your thing, parts of Northern Queens offers a more surburban-esque feel while still being close to “the city” – Brooklyn is home to breweries and some of the best outdoor eateries in the country, or you can catch the ferry to Staten Island or a Yankee game in the Bronx. And the best part? In a single day you could easily hit all five boroughs – and don’t forget to try local restaurants in each one.