If you're looking to launch a career, don't set your sights in California or New York — at least, that's what WalletHub advises.
The personal finance website analyzed 182 cities on 26 metrics to determine the best and worst places to start a career in 2023. Their methodology weighted professional opportunities — including availability of entry-level jobs and monthly average starting salary —- and quality of life — including average commute time and housing affordability.
Here are the 20 best and worst cities to start a career, according to WalletHub:
Best cities:
1. Atlanta
2. Orlando, Fla.
3. Salt Lake City
4. Columbia, S.C.
5. Tampa, Fla.
6. Charleston, S.C.
7. Miami
8. Austin, Texas
9. Minneapolis
10. Pittsburgh
11. Wilmington, Del.
12. Tempe, Ariz.
13. Denver, Colo.
14. Seattle
15. St. Louis
16. Scottsdale, Ariz.
17. Portland, Maine
18. Boise, Idaho
19. Richmond, Va.
20. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Worst cities:
1. New York City
2. Gulfport, Miss.
3. Newark, N.J.
4. Detroit
5. Santa Clarita, Calif.
6. North Las Vegas, Nev.
7. Shreveport, La.
8. Moreno Valley, Calif.
9. Oxnard, Calif.
10. Yonkers, N.Y.
11. Long Beach, Calif.
12. Bridgeport, Conn.
13. Pembroke Pines, Fla.
14. Glendale, Calif.
15. Anaheim, Calif.
16. Chula Vista, Calif.
17. Cape Coral, Fla.
18. Hialeah, Fla.
19. Garden Grove, Calif.
20. Montgomery, Ala.