As a 21 year old, let me tell you this: being in your twenties is weird, man. Some of your friends are getting married and having kids, while others still have to ask their parents if they can go out on Friday. Most of us will have started working or studying to earn a degree by this point, and some of us are desperately trying to hold everything together while doing both.
For most of us, our twenties are a transitional period, during which we slowly transform from hapless, awkward teenagers to (hopefully), confident, functional adults. This is when we start testing out our wings, and seeing just how close we can fly to the sun before we get burnt. By the time thirty comes around, we’ll probably have plenty of amusing stories to tell, and as likely as not some sad ones too.
In this flurry of undercooked meals and overdue rent, some of us are going to start thinking of moving away to find the fortune and favor we spent our teen years dreaming about. Of course, a lot of those rose-colored hopes are going to gradually dull in color, as we gain a more mature, realistic outlook on life; but that time isn’t here yet. We’re in our twenties, and we want to find a place to make our own.
Finding the right city
The process of finding a new city to call home is a long and trying one, if you do it right. To choose the right one, you’re going to need to take a lot of different factors into consideration and spend a lot of time thinking. After all, you might be living in this city for years! To help you make the right choice, I’ve put together a list of cities that I think are ideal for people in our age group.
So what makes a city right for this list? Well, there are a lot of important factors to consider. Job availability, cost of living, public transportation availability and available attractions all play a part in deciding whether or not a city is ideal for people in their twenties. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a city where a young adult can not only survive, but thrive.
There’s more to consider than just the mundane practicalities; the right city has to be a place where you can enjoy yourself, not just get by on a day to day basis. You have to find a place in which you can pursue your passions and hobbies, as well improve yourself mentally and physically. Now, with these sidenotes out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the best cities for people in their twenties!
Tampa, Florida
First up, we have the warm, sunny city of Tampa, FL. This balmy southern paradise is well known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and immaculate city streets, but did you know it’s also a great place for 20-somethings to live? That’s right! Tampa FL boasts a long list of attractive perks that make it great for anyone in our age group seeking a place to live.
So what makes Tampa such a great place to live? Let’s start with the practical benefits. The cost of living in Tampa is below average, due in large part to its median home price, which, according to the top real estate agents in Tampa, is exceptionally low. Many other necessities and commodities are also cheaper, such as fuel, food and utilities, making this great for people with limited financial stability (like, let’s face it, us).
One thing that isn’t limited, however, is job availability in Tampa. The job market is red hot, and regardless of whether you have already chosen a field or have any technical certifications, you won’t have much trouble finding work. Unemployment rates are low, and the potential for upward mobility is high.
Despite these practical upsides, Tampa is also a very laid back city. There are a plethora of things to see and do, from fascinating museums to uplifting art galleries and raucous clubs and bars. Long story short, if you move to Tampa, boredom is something you won’t have to worry about.
Houston, Texas
Maybe Florida just isn’t the place for you. As a native Floridian, I can tell you, the state isn’t for everyone. If you are looking for somewhere with the weather and pace of Florida but can’t stand the snowbirds and tourists, you might find it in Houston Texas. Houston is quite a bit bigger than Tampa and has a more metropolitan atmosphere, but it shares the slowed-down pace and relaxed vibe.
There are plenty of practical positives too; for starters, Houston has a great job market. The city has fantastically low unemployment rates, and the job market is bringing in people from across the country to work in a variety of lucrative jobs. Many positions offer great benefits as well the chance for upward mobility and a long term career.
As far as housing is concerned, the situation is great for young adults. Rent costs are well below the national average, as are home prices. A quick chat with a few of the top real estate agents in Houston reveals that home prices are slated to increase in the coming years, making this a great place to invest in real estate as well.
As far as culture and attractions are concerned, Houston is far from coming up short. Houston is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with a wide variety of top-notch bars and clubs where residents can make merry and let loose on the dance floor. For a more cerebral leisure activity, you can also visit one of the many museums and art galleries scattered throughout the city.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Further north than the previous two entries on this list, the city of Bentonville isn’t as widely known as Tampa or Houston. But don’t let that turn you away; tucked away in the foothills of the Ozarks, Bentonville makes up for its lack of household name status with an overwhelming list of positive attributes that make it the perfect place for any ambitious young person.
The city of Bentonville is best known as the place where the multinational Walmart supermarket first began, as well as the location of their national headquarters. With such a large corporation located within the city limits, jobs are understandably plentiful. The demand for workers has drawn employment seekers from all over the country, making Northwestern Arkansas one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S.
With its local economy thriving as it is, housing is surprisingly affordable in Bentonville. The top real estate agents in Bentonville can tell you that the median home price is below the national average, as is the median monthly rent costs. And, given the rapid growth of the region, investing in this area is a sure bet.
Don’t let its practical upsides fool you; Bentonville has plenty of things to do in your off-hours. Clubs and bars are a dime a dozen, as are museums and art galleries. There are a wide variety of restaurants as well, so your leisure time won’t be spent hungry!
Conclusion
For us twenty-somethings, moving to a new town is a big thing. It represents a chance to strike out on our own, and make it on our own. Without the safety net of our parents, family and friends, living alone in a new city can be a daunting step. We all take some hard knocks and learn a few difficult lessons during this time, but that’s ok. It’s all part of the learning process.
The most important thing to remember is that the little setbacks and big, seemingly devastating disasters, really aren’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. Sure, it seems like the end of the world right now; but give it a few years and you’ll wonder why you were so distraught. Keep at it, don’t give up, and trust yourself. You’ll make it. You’ve got this!
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