Young professionals have some of the most freedom to choose where they live, especially now that many companies have embraced remote work. Often, they don’t have to consider whether their city is a good place to raise children, and many want the experience of living far from where they grew up. So what makes certain cities more appealing to young adults just entering the workforce or early in their career?

To come up with our Best Cities for Young Professionals ranking, we looked at data and real user ratings for 228 American cities, which we define as urban areas with over 100,000 residents. We considered the percentage of residents between 25 and 34 Years Old, Cost of Living, Access to Bars/Restaurants/Coffee Shops, and more to figure out which cities are best for twenty- and thirty-somethings. Here are Niche’s top 10 Best Cities for Young Professionals in America for 2022!

#1. Cambridge, MA

• Median rent: $2,221
• Percentage of younger residents: 
  • Ages 18-24: 20%
  • Ages 25-34: 28%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A
• Outdoor Activities: A+

#2. San Francisco, CA

• Median rent: $1,895
• Percentage of younger residents: 
  • Ages 18-24: 7%
  • Ages 25-34: 23%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A+
• Outdoor Activities: A+

#3. Seattle, WA

• Median rent: $1,614
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 11%
  • Ages 25-34: 24%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A
• Outdoor Activities: A+

#4. Washington, D.C.

• Median rent: $1,541
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 11%
  • Ages 25-34: 23%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A+
• Outdoor Activities: A

#5. Arlington, VA

• Median rent: $1,970
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 8%
  • Ages 25-34: 25%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A
• Outdoor Activities: A

#6. Boston, MA

• Median rent: $1,620
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 15%
  • Ages 25-34: 24%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A+
• Outdoor Activities: A+

#7. Berkeley, CA

• Median rent: $1,722
• Percentage of younger residents: 
  • Ages 18-24: 25%
  • Ages 25-34: 18%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A
• Outdoor Activities: A+

#8. Minneapolis, MN

• Median rent: $1,027
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 13%
  • Ages 25-34: 22%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A
• Outdoor Activities: A

#9. New York City, NY

• Median rent: $1,443
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 9%
  • Ages 25-34: 18%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A+
• Outdoor Activities: A+

#10. Pittsburgh, PA

• Median rent: $958
• Percentage of younger residents:
  • Ages 18-24: 17%
  • Ages 25-34: 22%
• Nightlife: A+
• Diversity: A
• Outdoor Activities: A-