The post-graduate job search — often filled with unanswered emails and cover letter templates — isn't for the faint of heart. One factor that could make the hunt easier for job seekers? Location, location, location.
Over 90% of job applications submitted by recent graduates didn't get any response from employers, according to research by media company Business.com. In many cases, the only responses applicants received were notices that the positions were filled. In an effort to help new grads find success, coworking space platform CoworkingCafe ranked the best cities for recent college graduates looking to kick-start their careers.
The cities' scores were based on three main categories — employment availability, financial wellness and lifestyle — that relate most to the needs of recent graduates. Unemployment rates, median income and availability of coworking spaces were considered in each city's score.
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Atlanta came in first place, largely due to the prevalence of coworking spaces: 17 per 100,000 residents. Average affordability and widely available healthcare contributed to its top score, even though just 54% of Atlanta's population has a Bachelor's degree, relatively low compared to other top scoring communities. Close behind are San Francisco and Seattle. Despite high costs of living, these cities have two of the highest percentages of populations with bachelor's degrees as well as above-average job opportunities.
When considering individual factors, Washington, D.C., offered the highest overall share of jobs that were accessible with a bachelor's degree, Nashville had the lowest unemployment rate and Memphis ranked first for its affordable cost of living.
See whether or not your state made CoworkingCafe's list of best cities for recent grads:
