Thinking about shaking things up in your career path and pursuing opportunities in a different city? According to the Forbes annual rankings of the best cities for businesses and careers, economies are booming in mid-size cities across the South and Pacific Northwest. If you’re ready for a change of scenery, these are the best cities to get a fresh start.
1. Seattle, WA
Seattle is currently ranked as the best city for business. The high cost of living is balanced out by the hefty salaries in major industries like clean energy, aerospace and defense, and life sciences. The population is young, educated, and leans progressive. The gorgeous natural scenery of the region doesn’t hurt either and draws in transplants and tourists alike.
2. Raleigh, NC
The capital city of North Carolina and part of the state’s “Research Triangle,” Raleigh is home to one of America’s most productive research parks and several top universities, including Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Residents enjoy a reasonable cost of living with all the perks of big city life and competitive salaries in education, healthcare, and the tech industry.
3. Portland, OR
With countless coffee shops, breweries, and dispensaries popping up around Portland over the past few years, there is no shortage of career opportunities in the city’s CPG industry. Portland is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the country for workers because of its continuous economic growth. It’s a fantastic place to land a position in manufacturing, recreation, or tech.
4. Denver, CO
Looking for a city with a thriving cannabis industry, an outdoorsy population, and plenty of job opportunities? Denver is home to many tech, telecommunications, and aerospace businesses, and when workers are off the clock, they have year-round access to the mountains for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. The city’s central location also makes it a hub for distribution and affordable air travel.
5. Charlotte, NC
After New York City, Charlotte is now ranked as the second largest banking center in the U.S. In addition to a growing financial sector, there are plenty of motorsports and energy companies based in Charlotte. The low cost of living and starting a business there make it especially attractive for recent graduates and entrepreneurs. Home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, the city is also a fun destination for sports enthusiasts.
6. Dallas, TX
People are flocking to Dallas, and the job opportunities in tech, financial services, and defense are likely a factor in the city’s net migration of 13,510 people last year. The Dallas/Fort Worth airport is also known as “inland port” and major employer. But Dallas isn’t just for people seeking traditional employment — the city is also home to a growing startup scene.
Ready to get a jump on your job search? Explore our job board or speak to one of our Executive Recruiters to discover great jobs in 2018’s best cities to work.
