UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#7. Cincinnati
You’re probably not surprised to see Cincinnati on this list. After all, the city has graced several similar lists in recent years, and it’s well known as a thriving metropolis. But you may not realize just how cool the Queen City really is — and how perfect it is for new college grads.
Cincinnati’s cost of living is about 3.5 percent below the national average, which is one reason the city scored a spot on our list of the 2018 Best Affordable Places to Live. Plus, Cincinnati’s job market is hot. The city was included on WalletHub’s list of 2018’s Best Places to Find a Job (the website even named Cincinnati the No. 3 city in the U.S. for job opportunities), and Cincy is home to the headquarters of prominent companies like Procter & Gamble, Kroger and Macy’s.
Another major employer is the University of Cincinnati, which adds creative energy to the community with its nationally ranked and internationally renowned UC College-Conservatory of Music. In addition, Cincy has dozens of cool attractions, including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Cincinnati Art Museum as well as downtown’s restaurants, retailers and performing arts venues.
“The Cincinnati region is thriving, both in terms of its highly-esteemed workforce and its distinctive entertainment, cultural and culinary scenes,” says Randie Adam, vice president of marketing and visitor services at the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There is an undeniable spirit of exceeding expectations and making great things happen, which sets the perfect stage for young professionals and recent grads to make a difference. Plus, Cincinnati is truly a fun, vibrant place to live.”
Find out more about why you should move to Cincinnati ASAP.