Atlanta Remains Best City in the U.S. for Starting a Career

Atlanta Skyline from Marietta

May 16, 2023


Atlanta remains a top city for graduates to start their careers, according to recent national studies. WalletHub, a personal-finance website, conducted a study titled “2023’s Best & Worst Places to Start a Career” and ranked Atlanta as the best city in the country for launching a career. The study analyzed 180 U.S. cities based on 26 indicators, including affordable housing, entry-level job opportunities, and starting salaries. Notably, this study focused solely on the City of Atlanta and did not include other cities in the metropolitan area.

This latest recognition adds to Atlanta’s streak of positive rankings. Last year, Money magazine named Atlanta the “Best Place to Live in the U.S.” due to its thriving job market and commitment to equality. Additionally, ApartmentAdvisor ranked Atlanta fourth in its “Best Cities for College Grads” list, highlighting the city’s affordability, vibrant nightlife, strong economy, and creative scene.

Despite the region’s rising cost of living and soaring home prices, Atlanta continues to receive accolades. In 2022, a poll conducted among organizations worldwide identified Atlanta as the top target for global real estate investment in the United States. The Economist declared it the “most livable” city in the country, while CommercialCafe recognized it as the best city for young adults. The National Association of Realtors also named Atlanta the “top real estate market to watch” for 2023 and beyond.

Overall, these rankings solidify Atlanta’s reputation as an ideal destination for recent graduates and young professionals to launch their careers, attributing its success to factors such as job opportunities, affordability, and quality of life.