The 10 Best Places to Live in Your 20s
If you’re in your 20s, it’s time to start thinking about moving. Where should you go? What city is the best for young people just starting out? We’ve got the answers for you and don’t be afraid to visit before the move. (Also, we compiled 10 Things You Must Consider When Deciding Where to Live In Your 20s)
Here are the 10 best places to live in your 20s:
1. Austin, TX
Austin, Texas is the perfect place to be in your 20s. It’s a rapidly growing city with plenty of job opportunities, and it’s also home to a vibrant nightlife and music scene. Plus, the weather is great all year round. But what really sets Austin apart from other cities is its unique culture. The city has a focus on sustainability and is known for being extremely welcoming to newcomers. Whether you’re looking for a job in tech, or you just want to enjoy the good food and live music, Austin is the place to be in your twenties.
Are you considering a move to Austin, TX but need more convincing? Check out our in-depth article “10 Reasons to Move to Austin, TX in Your 20s: Job, Cost, Outdoors, Music & More” to learn about the many benefits of living in this vibrant city. From job opportunities and affordable cost of living to outdoor activities and a thriving music scene, our article covers all the key factors that make Austin a great place to live in your 20s. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover all that Austin has to offer!
Making friends in a new city can be challenging, especially in your 20s. Be sure to checkout our comprehensive guide, we explore the best ways to make friends in Austin, from joining clubs and organizations to participating in community events and taking advantage of Austin’s social scene.
2. Nashville, TN
Nashville is a great place to live in your 20s for a variety of reasons. First of all, it’s an incredibly musical city, so if you’re looking to pursue a career in music, there’s no better place to be. There are also a ton of great bars and restaurants, so you’ll never get bored of the nightlife scene. And if you’re into country music, Nashville is definitely the place to be – it’s sometimes referred to as the “Country Music Capital of the World.” But even if you’re not into country music, there’s still a lot to love about Nashville. It’s a friendly and welcoming city, and there’s always something going on.
Checkout our comprehensive guide, we explore the best ways to make friends in Nashville, from joining clubs and organizations to participating in community events and taking advantage of Nashville’s social scene.
3. Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon is the perfect place to live in your 20s. For starters, the city has a young and vibrant feel, with a diverse population and plenty of activities to keep you busy. But what really makes Portland stand out is its commitment to sustainability. From extensive bike lanes to an extensive public transportation system, Portland is serious about reducing its carbon footprint. And if you’re looking to get involved in the local food scene, you’ll find no shortage of farmers markets and organic food options. In short, whether you’re looking for culture, nightlife, or just a friendly community, Portland has everything you need to make the most of your 20s.
If Portland Oregon, making our top 10 places to live list isn’t enough, go check out our article “Reasons to move to Portland, OR in your 20s.”
4. Denver, CO
If you’re looking for a place to put down roots in your 20s, you couldn’t do much better than Denver, Colorado. The Mile High City has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a night on the town. And with a population of over two million people, you’re sure to find some like-minded individuals to share your experiences with. Here are just a few of the reasons why Denver is the perfect place to live in your 20s.
For starters, Denver is an incredibly diverse city, with something to offer everyone. (It can even be a great place to meet someone) If you’re into the outdoors, you can take advantage of the Rocky Mountains that are right in your backyard. Or if you prefer the city life, there’s no shortage of nightlife options, including some of the best bars and clubs in the country. And if you’re looking for a more creative scene, Denver’s art and culture scene is thriving. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something to love about Denver.
In addition to being a great place to live, Denver is also an affordable city. Unlike some other major metropolitan areas, Denver’s cost of living is relatively low, making it a great place to live on a budget. And because it’s such a popular destination for young people, there are always new apartments and roommates available, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a place to live.
5. Seattle, WA
Seattle is a wonderful place to live in your 20s for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s a relatively affordable city, especially compared to places like San Francisco or New York. And, even though the cost of living is rising, there are still plenty of ways to save money if you’re willing to live in a smaller apartment or house. Secondly, Seattle is a great place to find a job. The unemployment rate is low and there are plenty of opportunities in a variety of industries. And, if you’re looking for a more creative or unconventional job, you’ll likely find it here. Finally, Seattle is just a great city to live in. It’s got everything you could want – good food, great coffee, beautiful scenery, and friendly people.
6. Minneapolis, MN
If you’re looking for a city that has it all, Minneapolis is the place for you. From world-class museums to a vibrant nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone in Minneapolis. And if you’re in your 20s, there’s no better time to experience all that the city has to offer. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should call Minneapolis home:
For starters, Minneapolis is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country, including the University of Minnesota. So if you’re looking for a challenging academic environment, you’ll find it in Minneapolis.
In addition to being a great place to get an education, Minneapolis is also a great place to start your career. The city is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, as well as a thriving start-up scene. So whether you’re looking for a big company or a small start-up, you’ll be able to find it in Minneapolis.
And finally, Minneapolis is just a great place to live. The city has a strong sense of community, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re looking for an exciting nightlife or a quiet afternoon in one of the city’s many parks, you’ll be able to find it in Minneapolis.
7. Chicago, IL
If you’re looking for a city that has it all, look no further than Chicago, Illinois. From world-class museums and architecture to delicious deep-dish pizza and some of the best sports teams in the country, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. And in your 20s, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of all that Chicago has to offer. You can explore all of the different neighborhoods, try out new restaurants and bars, and meet new people from all over the world. There’s always something going on in Chicago, so you’ll never be bored. And whether you’re looking for a job or an internship, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in this vibrant city.
8. Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is often thought of as a stuffy, bureaucratic city, but there’s much more to it than that. If you’re in your 20s and looking for a place to live that’s exciting, vibrant, and full of opportunity, D.C. is the place for you. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making the move to our nation’s capital. First, D.C. is a great place to network and meet new people. If you’re looking to make connections in your chosen field, there’s no better place to be than D.C., where you’ll find people from all over the world working in government, diplomacy, media, and more. Second, D.C. is home to some of the best museums and cultural institutions in the country, so you’ll never be bored here. From the Smithsonian museums to the National Zoo, there’s always something new to explore in D.C. Finally, D.C. is an incredibly diverse city, with people from all walks of life call it home. Whether you’re looking for great food, interesting people, or a vibrant nightlife scene, you’ll find it all in Washington D.C.
9. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is a great city for young people. It’s full of opportunity, culture, and things to do with friends. Plus, the weather is pretty great. Here are four reasons why you should live in Atlanta in your 20s.
First, Atlanta is a major city with a lot of opportunity. If you’re looking for a job (Click here for knowing when you should quit your job), there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find something in Atlanta. The city is also full of different cultures and experiences. You can go to the High Museum of Art, or explore the city’s nightlife. There’s something for everyone in Atlanta.
Second, the cost of living in Atlanta is relatively low. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to live comfortably in the city. There are also a number of affordable housing options available.
Third, the weather in Atlanta is pretty great. The summers can be hot, but they’re also perfect for swimming and spending time outdoors. And the winters are mild, so you won’t have to deal with too much snow or ice.
Fourth, Atlanta is a great place to meet new people. There are always events and activities going on, and you’ll meet lots of new friends if you move here.
Overall, Atlanta is a great city for young people. If you’re looking for an exciting place to live with lots of opportunity, then you should definitely consider moving to Atlanta in your 20s.
10. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA is the perfect place to be in your 20s. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into the outdoors, nightlife, culture, or just want to be in a place with great food. The Bay Area has it all, and there’s always something new to explore. Plus, the weather is perfect for spending time outside all year round. If you’re looking for a place to start your career, there are plenty of opportunities in the Bay Area. And if you’re just looking for a place to have some fun and meet new people, you’ll find no shortage of that here either.
So, whether you’re just starting out in your 20s or you’re looking for a change of scenery, one of these ten places should be perfect for you. All of them offer plenty of opportunity, culture, and things to do. And the best part is, they’re all affordable cities with great weather. So what are you waiting for? Start packing!
FAQ
What are top 5 best and most affordable places to live in your 20s and why?
- Austin, Texas: Known for its vibrant music and cultural scene, Austin also boasts a thriving tech industry, making it a popular destination for young professionals. With a cost of living lower than other major tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle, Austin offers a good balance of affordability and job opportunities.
- Durham, North Carolina: Durham is home to a vibrant arts and food scene, as well as a thriving startup community. With a relatively low cost of living, it’s a popular destination for young professionals and has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare and technology.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: Minneapolis is known for its strong job market, particularly in healthcare and finance, and a high quality of life. With a relatively low cost of living, and a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, it’s a popular destination for young people looking for a balanced and affordable lifestyle.
- Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake City offers a thriving job market, particularly in tech and outdoor recreation, and a relatively low cost of living. With its proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities, it’s a popular destination for young people looking for an affordable, active lifestyle.
- Raleigh, North Carolina: Raleigh is another North Carolina city that offers a strong job market, particularly in tech and healthcare, and a relatively low cost of living. With a vibrant arts and food scene, it’s a popular destination for young people looking for an affordable, culturally rich lifestyle.
What are the best states to live in 2023?Â
Determining the best states to live in is subjective and depends on individual priorities, such as cost of living, job opportunities, access to healthcare, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. That being said, some states that are often considered among the best to live in include:
- Colorado: Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and thriving job market, particularly in tech and healthcare.
- Utah: With a strong job market and a relatively low cost of living, Utah is a popular destination for young professionals and families.
- Minnesota: Offers a high quality of life, strong job market, particularly in healthcare and finance, and access to outdoor recreation.
- Massachusetts: Known for its strong economy, particularly in tech and education, and access to world-class healthcare and cultural attractions.
- North Carolina: Offers a strong job market, particularly in tech and healthcare, and a relatively low cost of living, making it a popular destination for young professionals and families.
Note that these are just a few examples and other states may also be great places to live based on individual priorities.
How to know if the city is vibrant cultural scene, with opportunities for entertainment, arts, and dining?
Here are some ways to determine if a city has a vibrant cultural scene with opportunities for entertainment, arts, and dining:
- Research online: Look for information on the city’s website, blogs, and online forums to get a sense of the cultural offerings in the area. Check websites for local museums, theaters, music venues, and festivals to get a sense of the cultural scene.
- Look for a diverse range of cultural offerings: A vibrant cultural scene will often have a diverse range of options, from classical music concerts to modern art exhibitions.
- Read local publications: Check out local newspapers and magazines to see what cultural events and attractions are being highlighted.
- Ask around: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who live in or have visited the area about their experiences with the cultural scene.
- Explore the city: Take a walk or visit different neighborhoods to get a sense of the cultural offerings. Look for art galleries, theaters, music venues, and other cultural institutions.
- Talk to locals: If you’re considering a move, take the time to talk to local residents to get their perspective on the cultural scene.
- Use social media: Look for social media posts from people in the area to get a sense of the cultural offerings and the level of excitement about them.
Advice before you leave
One piece of advice that I have for any 20-something looking for a place to live is travel to the city before you move! In this article, “Best Places to Travel in Your 20s in the US,” we discuss some places we believe you need to travel in your 20s.