Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
For those of you who may have checked out the latest edition of the Brazen Community Newsletter there was a link to another top list of places where generation Y folks would fit well. Two cities that I have lived in are on the list and I find it amusing, yet semi-confusing how these lists are accurately compiled and how most Gen Y’ers feel about them.
I’m going out on a limb and stating that cost-of-living compared to the availability of living wage jobs with a mixture of culture and diversity makes the best city for a Generation Y person such as myself. Boston rocks, but it is expensive as sin to live in and the jobs for a creative person aren’t so easy to come by. Worcester, a city further down the list that I happen to live in now is cool too; plenty of culture, diversity and things to do, but no jobs! Most people in Worcester need to travel outside of the city to Boston or the burbs.
I say the best place to live is the place I haven’t lived yet where I find a kick ass job and can afford my own place and go out for an art show, hip-hop concert and good meal every once in a while. I’d also like to be able to walk around safely and ride my bike places! That’s what I want.
Any suggestions?
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
Comments
07.02.09
Portland: jobs w/addidas, nike, w+k; slow food movement, art scene, awesome micro-brews, and a bit of rain. My choice if I ever decide to leave sunny SoCal ;-)
07.02.09
Well I'm going to school in philadelphia and I heard it's pretty affordable down there and it's trendy with a ton of art. Like the city supports graffiti projects on buildings. Urban Outfitters also has it's HQ there. Talking about Boston, I grew up here but I never had to deal with living expenses since I live in my parent's home but I can imagine trying to find a cheap apartment or something, probably impossible.
07.02.09
I grew up in Honolulu and I can tell you that there are no jobs to be had, the cost of living is ridiculously high (a gallon of milk costs $7-no joke) and most people I know can't wait to move away.
I now live in another city on that list, Seattle, and it's great. Lots of high-paying jobs, especially in the tech and bio-engineering industries, moderate rents, lots of open space and decent nightlife. The one downside is that people aren't especially friendly which makes dating somewhat challenging.
07.02.09
Soon I'm moving to Oregon and although it's not on the list, I can imagine it's a much better place for me as a Gen Y-er than here in Arizona which is very much a retirement state. Seriously, sometimes it feels like the only way I'm going to get a hot date is if I decide to date men in their 50s (and older) which, I have....but, I'm looking forward to being around more people in my age group (it's a college town I'm moving to).
07.02.09
Corvallis? Eugene? Salem? Portland? Ashland? or Klamath Falls?
07.02.09
I'm headed to the University of Oregon so Eugene.
07.02.09
Pittsburgh! It was rated the most livable city once again by the Economist. The housing crisis didn't happen here, rent is ridiculously affordable, we have the best sports teams in the nation, and more cultural opportunities than most cities of this size.
I moved to Pittsburgh from the Philadelphia region for school, and when I graduated I had no intention of leaving!
07.02.09
I think it's a pity Las Vegas won't ever make it onto one of these lists. Sure I'm biased because my parents are there, I went to UNLV for undergrad, and I'll be spending a lot of time there this fall. Yeah, the unemployment and foreclosure rates are some of the highest in the country. But the stats don't tell the real picture for well-educated millennials who are in short supply. A new 4-bedroom home in a beautiful community can be had for $135-$150K. With the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit in effect, every realtor in Las Vegas should be launching a nationwide millennial recruitment campaign. And while hospitality, service, and construction jobs have disappeared, Nevada has funneled its TARP money into the creation of thousands of Southern Nevada green jobs tapping young professionals in a variety of fields. There are ridiculous incentives to recruit and retain public school teachers. When the multi-billion dollar City Center project opens at the end of 2009, another thousand jobs will be added, with thousands more projected for 2010. A thriving indie music and theatre scene has cropped up in the last few years. There are amazing trails for hiking and biking. Year round sun. Oh yeah, and no state tax!
07.02.09
This sums it up -> The best place to live is the place I haven’t lived yet where I find a kick ass job and can afford my own place and go out for an art show, hip-hop concert and good meal every once in a while
I would love to live in lots of the places on that this, but I've recently learned the hard way that housing, jobs, and culture all matter in choosing a place to live. No jobs and high rents can make the must cultured places unattainable for everyone.
07.02.09
I'll pose this question; which cities have a diverse enough economy where you have the option to work for a small to medium sized business, or even a start up compared to getting stuck in the cubicle hells of mega-corporations?
07.02.09
@JR
Seattle!
Tech start-ups are everywhere and they often operate in turn of the century buildings downtown.
07.02.09
Madison! Not only were we recently named the best city to find a job in by Forbes magazine, but the cost of living is far from exorbitant. The people are friendly, and for its size, the food, music scene, and night-life are great. It's a gorgeous city, and the university draws a light of intelligent, motivated people here.
And, we're the headquarters of start-ups like Jellyfish.com and have a burgeoning medical technology and stem cell industry.
07.02.09
I'm taking notes! :-) Keep 'em coming.
Rep your city!
07.03.09
Madison is also home to start-ups like Brazen Careerist and Alice.com! Sure the winters are tough, but you can't beat this place in the spring and summer.
07.03.09
I feel like Madison is like Oz.. honestly I'm fascinated by it. Seems like it's got a lot of what I love in cities and a whole bunch of unique stuff that other cities can't claim.
There are certainly plenty of respectable sources that say it's the place to be! Maybe that's my next destination!
07.03.09
@D. Healy, I fear no winter after the one we just had in New England! Bring it on! It's awesome seeing people coming out of harsh winters in the Spring. We're like kids again.
07.03.09
@JR if you ever want to visit "OZ" the Brazen crew would happily take you in for a weekend. I would recommend doing it in the summer or during football season.
07.03.09
Thanks Dan, that'd be awesome! I'll be in touch about that.
07.03.09
What about Killeen Texas, El Paso Texas, Sierra Vista Arizona, Savannah Georgia, Lakewood Washington, Colorado Springs Colorado, Fayetteville North Carolina, Hopkinsville Tennessee, Phenex City Alabama, Barstow California or Watertown New York?
These places are already crawling with Milleniels, but I guess the Army wouldn't be considered a choice employer.
07.03.09
If ever you wanted to cross over the 49th parallel, you could come on over to Vancouver.
You can go skiing, hiking, canoeing and snowboarding probably all in the same day. We have mild weather, with waaaaaay too many coffee shops.
There's lots to do in the city, great patios, theatre, great concerts, tons of art galleries.
Other awesome Canadian cities: Ottawa (pretty, quiet and government-y), Calgary (prairies and cowboys), Montreal (Tres french), Toronto (urban sprawl).
Job markets vary. We're sort of becoming the technology hub over here in V-city, mind, the economy is taking a toll on us. Lots of trades jobs as well.
07.05.09
Based on your criteria listed above, do not come to San Diego. One minor detail that the article didn't list about San Diego: We have NO water! We have been in a drought for as long as I can remember and the city just issued new watering regulations (certain days based on if your house number is odd or even for a certain amount of time) so, let your investment in a lawn die, and of we have cut back on firefighting helicopters so it'll be a fun fire season. Also, terrible public transportation and if you want to ride a bike you take your life in your own hands here. The arts are struggling (why am I not dancing anymore? oh that's right cause the ballet companies can't pay you!). Cost of living is expensive.
07.05.09
@JRandom42 This is a blanket statement across the board for what makes a good city for Gen Y folks... but I really do prefer urban areas with relatively liberal values, or at least a very diverse political scenery. I may be wrong, but aren't military-centric towns and cities pretty conservative? I can see those being good places for people with that sort of world view.
@Mehnaz My best friend and his fiance have been in Canada for over 7 years. Part in Sacville, NB and they're in Halifax, NS now. I'm going up at the end of the month and they said that the creative economy is somewhat volatile which is unfortunate, but they both speak highly of Toronto. I like Montreal too. Will have to try Toronto soon.
@Kristina I always feared so much of what you mentioned was true. I'm a pretty big fan of organic gardening and environmental thinking, so I think the artificial green landscaping would get under my skin!
07.05.09
@The Sassy Sexpert and @The Office Newb I have always been fascinated by Portland and Seattle. Something about the Northwest is appealing. Can't figure it out. May be the weather.
@Kyle Harris Good luck in Philly. I know a lot of people love it there. I love the culture. Not a fan of the crime rate, but you can't have it all I guess. As for Boston, people scrape and make it work, but it'd be nice to have more disposable income rather than seeing my old landlord who doesn't fix the plumbing problems get richer.
@Kelsey Halling Pittsburgh is another city I've never been to but have heard LOTS of good things about!
@Alexia Vernon Being a big MMA fan, I'd love to move to Las Vegas to work for Zuffa, but I can't foresee moving out there for any other reason. The heat is crazy and I really don't like anything about gambling culture.
@Ellen Nordahl and @Dan Healy, Madison is at the top of my list. Sounds right up my alley as far as what I'm used to and what I wish I could experience.
All of these suggestions are awesome. Great food for though! Now for finding the good job and getting out there. Stay tuned!
07.09.09
Portland is a great place to begin your life as a Generation Yer but it is by far no where to grow old, past 30.
07.09.09
Bret, Portland is a place I'm dying to visit. I love some of the cultural and urban stories I've heard about it. Also, any sustainable city has my heart.
Not to mention the wine... oh Pinot Noir!
07.10.09
All about Philly. Moved her from the West and have found a stimulating job and unforgettable people. Centrally located, culture infused, and there are young professional groups abound. YPN (Chamber of Commerce), YIP (Young Involved Philadelphia), Young Friends of _______ (insert cultural institution here), etc.
07.10.09
Montreal. I wouldn't dream of leaving this city again. There is no shortage of young people, culture, action, adventure and excitement.
07.10.09
So glad to hear of your great experience in Philly Nelly. I want to go back again sometime soon and really get to see more of the city.
Eitan, I've been to Montreal once, but seriously I've heard it's such an amazing city to live in from MANY people.
Thanks again for suggestions. Keep them coming if you have more ideas!
07.15.09
The best city for a creative or entrepreneurial twenty-something, is hands-down Madison, WI. From cost of living to sports, to views, to activities, to music and arts, Madison has it all:
1) Cheap housing: Great apartments/houses of all sizes and locations, starting at $500/month.
2) Cheap entertainment: $3-5 drinks of all sorts at some of the coolest, most comfortable bars around, all with that famously laid-back Midwest attitude.
3) Food: Some of the most surprisingly delicious ethnic food I've ever seen, in addition to the tried and true bar food around...including the famous deep fried cheese curds. All of which come at prices you will not believe until you see for yourself. And in the case of a special occasion, Madison's upscale food scene is second-to-none, including the nationally recognized French restaurant, Le'Toille.
4) Creative Community: From arts to startup biotech to startup infotech to music, Madison's creativity will shock new visitors. Government and University resources infiltrate the community, leading to new jobs and creative ways to make a living for all, regardless of interest.
5) Weather: Winters suck...I will not deny this. But they put hair on your chest. And more importantly, they make the sunset view from the Terrace overlooking the Lake all that much sweeter, come May/June.
07.15.09
haha Jesse, you're making me want to relocate like.. yesterday! I can't wait to get out to Madison and see what all the hubub is about. Maybe even meet some potential future employers!
07.15.09
Why is this website so American-centric?! Sydney is a beautiful amazing place to live ^_^
07.21.09
@Lisa, I recognize plenty of cities outside of the USA as good places to live, but finding work abroad and living abroad seem less than easy for most people. Although it is an ultimate goal of mine to live and work abroad for a few years at least.
@pmoorhouse I'm going to Halifax in two weeks. Do you keep an open house or office? I'd love to swing by or link up in town!
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
|
|
|
