Baltimore Makes the Top 2 of the 10 Best Cities for New Graduates

In a story by Colleen Kane, CNBC.com, from May 15, 2012, Baltimore takes the second spot in the nation for best cities for the newly graduated. Falling just behind Austin, Texas, which is one of three cities from that state to make the list.

The data used originally came from Rent.com, which compiled this list based on unemployment rates, mean annual income, cost of living and rental inventory for the metropolitan areas. The unemployment data, from March 2012 was given double consideration because finding a job would be a top priority for graduates.

In Baltimore, the unemployment rate was listed at 7.1%. The cost of living index was 119.4 and a mean annual income level of $50,750 was shown.

With the top industries in Baltimore being manufacturing, financial service, business service, and health care there are career options for graduates to enter a variety of fields. And Baltimore City offers a diverse web of neighborhoods with folks from all walks of life so one can easily find a place to feel at home.

The surrounding counties add superb opportunities for suburban and even rural living environments. Many people live in the areas south and southwest of Baltimore City and commute to their jobs in Washington, D.C. which was also listed, coming in at number 10. With the lowest on the list unemployment rate of 5.5%, but significantly higher cost of living index of 140.1, Washington, D.C. also offers a slightly higher mean annual income of $62,890. This helps to make it attractive to those looking to get into the fields of government, professional and business services.

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Steve Kimmey helps clients find homes for sale in Baltimore and surrounding communities.