Making the Move: To a Big City...and Beyond!

The DC area is a great city for recent college grads because there are a ton of jobs and plenty of other millennials who are new in town. While it can be a little overwhelming to relocate directly from a sleepy college town to our nation’s capital, there are nearby areas that make DC living a little more manageable.

A handful of Northern Virginia neighborhoods, such as Courthouse, Clarendon, Rosslyn, and Ballston are all just a short metro ride from DC, yet offer slightly reduced housing costs and a more welcoming vibe. Bars and restaurants are regularly filled with those under the age of 30, so it can make for an easy transition after four years in school.

Interestingly, in a recent study conducted by Homes.com, only 8% of respondents chose DC as the most desirable city for a future move. If survey respondents were given the option to move to a zipcode just outside the district, giving them access to all the benefits without the sky high cost of living, it’s possible the DC area would have ranked higher on the list.

America’s best metropolises have become magnets for people looking to find a great job and start a new life. Big city living may cost more, but it's hard to deny the incredible sense of connectivity and purpose that comes from being in the center of it all.

So, if DC wasn't the nationwide favorite, are you curious which spot was voted the most desirable city for a future move?

When given six options of up-and-coming cities, Denver, CO was rated #1 by 40% of respondents. Miami, FL was #2 with 22%, and Los Angeles, CA was #3 with 15%. No matter what you’re looking for in terms of culture, jobs, people, weather -- there is a big city that can work for you.

The decision to move to a big city can be challenging, but the opportunities you’ll find are endless. Moving to an urban area like our nation’s capital grants exposure and experience found nowhere else. Big cities are alive, and there’s always something new happening around every corner.