While everyone believes that the city in which they live is the best, the experts contend there are some that are better than others, particularly for job growth, favorable earnings-to-cost of living ratios and a safe and comfortable lifestyle. This Valentine’s Day, ApartmentSearch.com recognizes five of the top fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to Forbes magazine. These are the cities that more of us desire to move to, in order to create a better lifestyle for ourselves:
- Houston, Texas: Houston is the fastest-growing city in the U.S., thanks to a surge in the energy industry and exports. Houston’s job growth outpaces the rest of the U.S. at 4.5 percent, compared to the prior year. The city – known for its friendly atmosphere, rodeos and thriving arts culture – also boasts median annual pay for college-educated workers of $71,900 – the fourth highest in the U.S. among metropolitan areas. Plus – as Houston residents can attest – the cost of living is much lower than many other cities, thanks to affordable apartments and homes.
- Raleigh, N.C.: The unemployment rate in this thriving southeastern city is 4.83 percent while its population grew 1.86 percent in 2014. Plus, median annual pay for its workers is $64,700. We love Raleigh because of its low cost of living, fun things to do and delicious Southern cuisine. The city has a thriving local, craft beer scene, beautiful scenery and hiking trails and residents are fanatic about their favorite college football teams: NCSU’s Wolfpack and the Duke University Blue Devils.
- Seattle, Wash.: More businesses – especially technology startups – recognize that Seattle is a thriving, beautifully-scenic city offering a great lifestyle for its residents. With a low unemployment rate of 4.7 percent and a 3.56 percent job growth rate, people are moving from across the U.S. and the world to live near the home of the infamous Space Needle. The median annual pay here is $72,000 and Seattle boasts some of the best apartments in the country. People who live in Seattle love to live mere miles away from gorgeous scenery such as Mount Rainier and, of course, the Pacific Ocean.
- San Francisco, Calif.: More people from around the world are moving to San Francisco, thanks to its thriving economy and favorable quality of life. Its job growth rate is 3.5 percent, while its unemployment rate is 4.16 percent, lower than many other U.S. cities. The annual median pay of its workers is a whopping $81,700. San Francisco residents are known as some of the healthiest and happiest people in the U.S., thanks to their stunningly gorgeous surroundings, the popularity of walking and biking everywhere and the healthy food they eat. The city is home to numerous public parks, the Golden Gate Bridge and has some of the best restaurants – including organic and vegetarian options – in the country.
- Phoenix, Ariz. : This booming Southwest U.S. city is quickly developing a reputation as a great place to work and live. Phoenix boasts a job growth rate of 2.9 percent – the city created 50,000 jobs last year – and its workers have a median pay of $63,700. More people are moving here because of its stunning mountain views and proximity to national parks. Plus, Phoenix is a short drive to Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Mexico and California.
If you are looking for an apartment in one of the top cities that Americans love, visit www.apartmentsearch.com. Pick your city, price range and desired amenities, and let the site create your own customized list that you can then narrow down by price, area of town, Walk Score and other factors that are important to you. We will even give you up to $200 in rewards when you let your new apartment community know that you found them on ApartmentSearch.
