Economic data just underscores the average American’s opinion that it’s tough to find a job. The fact still remains, however, that every day there are millions of companies in the U.S. who need new staff to perform critical duties. It may be more of a challenge than ever to get the attention of a potential employer, though finding a job is a lot easier when you live in one of the 10 best places to find a job.
10. New York City
New York is the city that never sleeps. Unlike the cities where streets slow down at 2am, New York runs 24 hours. It’s no surprise that its transportation sector is the source of so many jobs. The workforce required to keep trains, buses and planes operational in such a busy global hub, is increasing highly specialized. The timing couldn’t be better.
As older workers retire, those entering transportation agencies will be able to provide new skills that were not needed in the past. Of course, New York is most famous for its abundance of financial companies. Wall Street continues to create securities jobs despite forecasts that have indicated otherwise. Investment bankers and traders are not the only professionals who are drawn to this vibrant job market. There’s an expanding need for those familiar with regulatory and compliance issues.
9. Atlanta
Atlanta has been associated with real estate for at least a decade. It makes perfect sense that a city that draws Americans in search of affordably priced plots of land would have a strong construction industry. Construction companies don’t just need skilled laborers. They hire administrators, support staff and engineers. You can’t talk about Atlanta though, without bringing up CNN. The media powerhouse is not only in the business of delivering the news, it’s a major tourist attraction.
8. Boston
Boston is synonymous with education. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher education, it’s a city full of history. It’s one of the best places to find a job. Needless to say, Boston’s colleges are always recruiting. As they accept larger numbers of foreign students, programs related to international exchange programs need coordinators. Hardly a city that can be narrowed down to just a few industries, research driven technology companies, however, continue to consider Boston an ideal location.
7. Chicago
The most dynamic city in the Midwest, Chicago remains a hot job market for the approximately 2.7 who reside there. Home to the Chicago Tribune, like New York, Chicago is a city tied to famous publications. It’s also a magnet for young professionals with financial degrees. A city that has one of the least competitive job markets in the country, it’s no wonder that so many people flock here annually despite its harsh winter weather.
6. Minneapolis / St. Paul
Minneapolis/St. Paul gets its share of snow too. Low temperatures shouldn’t frustrate you from taking advantage of the superior lifestyle the Twin Cities offer. Established brick and mortar companies are nested here. You’ll also find an interesting selection of small marketing and technology ventures that have been popping up recently.
5. Miami
If you really can’t take snow and ice, nothing beats Miami. A locale that was once associated with retired seniors, the young 20’s and 30’s crowd has made it their favorite place to sunbathe and party. Finding work in a city known for its tourism is a no brainer. Miami is a city of large and glamorous hotels, where hospitality jobs that call for polish and people skills are abundant.
4. Los Angeles
The heart of the world entertainment industry, Los Angeles offers long and short-term opportunities to anyone interested in a show business career. The Los Angeles School District, however, is one of the biggest job markets for educators in the country. LA also offers a host of work opportunities to those interested in entertainment and contract law.
3. Denver
One of the few large American cities surrounded by mountains, Denver has a rustic beauty as well as an interesting range of established companies. The job landscape is broad and always growing. You can work for an area ski resort, a consulting firm, or even bank, and all of them might be in the same area. People are friendly and choices are abundant. Recent transplants agree that Denver is one of the best places to find a job.
2. Dallas
Dallas, Texas conjures up images of cowboys and ranches. While it does have its share of both, it’s also a culturally diverse city that offers a host of cosmopolitan pleasures. Dallas has some of the nation’s most healthy employment figures and many large companies are moving their operations here. Some large Fortune 500 companies based here are: AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. The downtown area is growing rapidly and has been creating new jobs.
1. And the winner is . . . Houston
Houston is another Texas city that has become a gathering place for Americans in search of more space and work opportunities, and it doesn’t disappoint. It is economically growing faster than any other city in the US while other cities are in decline. Jobs in the oil industry in Houston are plentiful and the economy here revolves around it.
Additionally, Houston has one of the top Medical Centers in the nation, increasing the demand for nurses and medical professionals. Statistics support the opinion that Houston is one of the best places in the U.S. to relocate to. It’s also one of the best places to find a job. To top it off, Houston offers one of the lowest cost of livings for major metros in the US.