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Your young adult years are some of the best. Whether you’re going to college for the first time or looking for a fresh start somewhere new, knowing the best states to live in for young adults will come in handy.
That said, you’ll find that some states are better than others, even if you’ve had dreams of the California coast or the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The good news is that we’re here to help – read on to discover the best states to live in for young adults.
1. New York
You can’t go wrong with New York. Whether you want to start a family on Long Island or in upstate New York, or you want to work in New York City, there are plenty of opportunities in New York for everyone.
The job market continues to be among the best, salaries are high, and there’s plenty of space to settle down, even if you don’t like city life. What’s more, there are plenty of well-known and respected universities scattered throughout the city and upstate, and even on Long Island.
Ultimately, New York has a little something for everyone, and the only downside is the cost of living, which can be countered through salary.
2. California
California is always going to be the go-to destination for young adults. After all, there’s a reason that people venture out to California from across the country. If you can get past the earthquakes and high cost of living, California is a great place for young adults to settle down, start a career, or start a family – or all three.
What makes California a great place to live is how big the state is and how many different opportunities there are for young adults. Thriving cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego make finding work a breeze, but these cities also have massive suburban sprawls for young families.
The job market in California is also strong, with plenty of opportunities in tech, blue-collar roles, and green energy. Overall, the only downside is the high cost of living.
3. Texas
Texas is a lot like California in many ways. It has a warm climate, plenty of space to settle, and thriving cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Therefore, you have a lot to choose from as a young adult looking to settle down.
Want to start a family? Consider moving to one of Dallas’ suburbs. Planning on getting a job in tech? Move to Houston or Austin and start your career. Overall, the potential is limitless and you can even opt for a more rural life because Texas has a strong economy of ranching, farming, and other types of blue-collar work.
Texas is also favorable for young adults for tax purposes. For example, you don’t have to worry about state income tax, and property tax remains low, so the cost of living is better than that of California or New York.
4. Georgia
Georgia is a Southern state that has a lot going for it if you like the weather. For young adults who can handle the heat and humidity, you’ll find that Georgia has excellent colleges, plenty of thriving cities like Atlanta, and suburbs for young adults looking to start a family.
Overall, if you’re someone who scoffs at the idea of winter, Georgia is perfect for you. Plus, with a cost of living 10% below the national average, getting started in Georgia is easier than in some states like New York or California.
Settle Down in One of the Best States to Live for Young Adults
When you find the city you like, take some time to prepare and settle down. You want to make sure you have a place to stay, a job lined up, and a backup plan.
Also, if you’re moving to one of the best states for young adults to live in, make sure you factor in the cost of the move. For example, moving from New York to California will cost more than moving from New York to New Jersey, especially if you have a car and other personal belongings.
The good news is that you can leverage moveBuddha’s list of interstate movers to find one that fits your budget. This makes moving to new states trivial, which is important for young adults who have enough on their plates already.