The 10 best places for young adults

[Cougar]

Seattle makes #8 per Puget Sound Bizjournal!

What makes it attractive;

Young adults are attracted by Seattle's image as a hip center of high-tech activity. The robust nature of the local economy doesn't hurt, either. Just six markets added jobs at a faster pace than Seattle between 2006 and 2007. Per capita income is well above the national average.

A point of concern;

Seattle is getting pricey. Rent runs about 10 percent higher here than in the typical metropolitan area.

Quick stats;

Metro population: 3,309,347
Annual rate of population growth (2000-07): 1.2%
Annual rate of job growth (2002-07): 1.9%
Unemployment rate for young adults: 7.6%
Householders younger than 25
who earn $75,000-plus: 12.7%
Median monthly rent: $758

#1 Raleigh
#2 Austin
#3 Washington DC
#4 Las Vegas
#5 Phoenix
#6 Salt Lake City
#7 Charlotte
#8 Seattle
#9 Orlando
#10 Houston

So young folk, are they right?

[Alan]

I've lived in Raleigh and Austin. While I agree that Austin is a great place for young people, Raleigh is not. Raleigh is a great place for older married people.

As far as young people go, I'm going to say Austin > Seattle > Raleigh.

As far as RE prices go Seattle > Austin > Raleigh.

[WestSideBilly]

What are Phoenix and SLC doing on that list?

Alan, when were you in Raleigh? I have a couple of young single friends that moved there in the last two years, and both love it. Lots of growth, still affordable. Of course that might be a case of relativity, as they left a craptastic midwest town to go there.

[Alan]

It's been seven or eight years since I've been in Raleigh.