A number of factors go into choosing a new city to call home — affordability, quality of life, and availability of jobs are some standard things that young people take into account when considering a move.
Still, there are some elements of city living that many surveys don't address. How much would a pint of beer in San Francisco cost? Are there a lot of coffee shops in Pittsburgh? Could I go see a concert in Dallas?
News organization Vocativ just released its second Livability Index, which ranks the 35 best US cities for people under 35. It based the ranking on traditional data, like unemployment rates and average rent, but also included "softer" data points that would be relevant to people in their 20s and 30s.
Cities were chosen based on a number of factors, including youngest population, most single people, lowest average rent, and cheapest gas, electricity, food, and public transportation. Vocativ also factored in the availability of coffee shops, cheap takeout restaurants, and music venues per capita, as well as the prices of beer, cigarettes, and marijuana.
#35 Garland, TX
This Dallas suburb has sunny weather, little crime, and affordable housing and gas.
A relatively new transit system can bring you into the city with ease.
Source: Vocativ Livability Index
#34 Fort Wayne, IN
Everything is cheap here, from the apartments in converted buildings to the groceries and gas. A bottle of domestic beer will only cost you $3 in a Fort Wayne bar, though this Midwestern city isn't known for its entertainment options.
Source: Vocativ Livability Index
#33 Baton Rouge, LA
This college town has lots of singles under the age of 35, and the energy industry supplies lots of jobs to recent grads. Gas is very cheap, and a cab costs less here than in any other city on the index.
Source: Vocativ Livability Index
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