These 2 NC cities rank among the top places for GenZ professionals. Here’s why.
GenZers looking to kickstart their careers after graduation might do well to consider the Old North State.
North Carolina is home to two of the nation’s best places for young professionals, according to U.S. News’ annual ranking released last week.
Charlotte nabbed the No. 9 spot, while Raleigh-Durham came close behind at No. 11. San Jose, California, claimed the top spot followed by San Francisco (2) and Boulder, Colorado (3).
Rankings were based on job market, desirability and overall cost of living across 150 of the most populous metros in the U.S.
Charlotte, with a metro population of around 2.6 million, is home to major players in the financial industry like Bank of America, the report noted. The median house price is around $406,000, and the median annual salary is in line with the national average: around $58,260. Its population is also growing steadily — by 1% between 2020 and 2021 “due to net migration alone,” the report said, citing U.S. Census data.
The median age is 37.7.
“As a result, new construction in the area has been consistent over the past few years, with more retail stores and restaurants attracting downtown visitors,” its author said.
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The Raleigh-Durham metro area, with a population of around 2 million, was noted for its well-known universities, including Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State.
The median house price is slightly higher than Charlotte’s — $436,000 — as is the annual salary, $61,759.
The median age, meanwhile, is slightly lower at 37.5.
“Although it has risen in recent years, the area’s relatively low cost of living helps attract young professionals, since 23.24% of the median household income is needed to cover housing costs,” the report said.
Raleigh’s recognition might not come as a surprise. The city recently was named a top destination for people across several age groups, including Generation Z, millennials and retirees. It also ranked among the best college towns after getting a boost for its activities, public safety and student-related population trends, McClatchy News reported.
List of best cities for young professionals
Here’s U.S. News’ full list of best cities for young professionals in 2023-24:
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