Finding a workplace with the right benefits and the possibility for career advancement were once the main reasons for job switching. However, in the months leading up to the pandemic, unemployed people looking for the right position made up only 3.6% of the population.
Covid spiked unemployment rates 10.4% between March and April of 2020. This created a limited job market with millions of laid-off workers worldwide scrambling for work.
Although October 2021 brought unemployment rates to 4.6%, the lowest percentage in almost two years, Americans are continuing to search for a place with a thriving job market. Below is a list of the top five cities to work in right now and the reasons for their popularity.
Houston
During a time of uncertainty, everyone is looking for a stable environment. Houston, while one of the 20 most populated metro areas in America, is the second most affordable. Unemployment rates are down to 6.2%.
With the pandemic diminishing income averages, Houston allows those who earn less than the average median household income to buy and rent homes in the area.
When it came to the job market, Houston was the second-fastest-growing tech hub in the States throughout the pandemic. This tech hub continues to allow relocated IT workers and software technicians to find work.
Similarly, doctors, nurses, and others in the healthcare field can take advantage of the Texas Medical Center. Not only does it employ around 106,000 workers at the largest medical center in the world, but it’s in the top ten largest business districts in the US.
For other workers, from engineers to educators, the Port of Houston is one of the most active job hubs in the world. Operating off numerous business partnerships, this port contributes to millions of available jobs. However, the best part is that the state and city don’t tax salaries!
San Francisco
San Francisco may not have as much rapid job opportunity growth as Houston, but with a 4.0% unemployment rate below the average of 4.6%, this California city’s job market is up. The 0.6% difference means finding a job here is easier than in most parts of the country.
In Silicon Valley, anyone from software architects and engineers to developers and data scientists can prosper. As a flourishing tech hub encompassing multiple software, technology, and internet companies, Silicon Valley allows experts and rookies to develop hands-on experience and gain connections.
More importantly, San Francisco is a great place to start a small business. Not only is it ranked the one of America’s happiest cities due to its considerate customers and helpful employees, but government programs can increase company success rates.
New York
The pandemic laid the city that never sleeps to rest. However, nothing could keep The Big Apple down for too long. With some of the most iconic and historic buildings including the Empire State, Woolworth, and Chrysler buildings, New York has mesmerizing views that draws workers and residents to it.
Anyone who works around this giant hub of a city can vouch for its convenience when it comes to recreational activities. On lunch breaks, employees can run errands at centrally located stores like Macy’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Trades Joe’s, or can head to one of many local bars or restaurants for a quick lunch.
For stores, cinemas, or anything else located farther than walking distance, the city has the MTA New York City Transit conveniently positioned around almost every block. This makes up for this busy city’s lack of available street parking while improving functionality and convenience.
Atlanta
Atlanta, ranked the 15th best city to work and live in, has seen an employment rate slightly above the US average since the beginning of 2021. Over 4,000 jobs were added in September alone, making Atlanta’s employment rate skyrocket.
The larger portion of 300,000 available positions is sitting in metro Atlanta, currently awaiting the right employee. Within 2021, Atlanta has seen business services take the lead in employment with over 38,900 positions.
The leisure and hospitality division, including restaurants, hotels, and other recreation businesses, came away with over 27,200 jobs. Education and health services followed with almost 20,000. As these positions gain momentum, strengthening the economy, jobs continue to open for newcomers.
Looking to set up a business? Leasing office space in Atlanta is highly affordable, ranging from an average of $22 to $33 per square foot per year.
This metro area, being the ninth largest in the US, stretches across 14 counties, giving its residents more business areas and career opportunities. Within this area, one can find any business from small coffee shops to Fortune 500 company headquarters like Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and 16 others.
Seattle
Seattle, WA, is number eight on both the list of best cities to find a job in the country and top US cities to launch a tech career.
Seattle consists of larger well-known tech companies like Amazon and Tableau Software, consisting of over 45,000 and 2,000 employees, respectively. Other smaller companies like Getty Images and Big Fish Games include over 500 employees each.
Employees in these and any other occupation can enjoy no state income tax in the Emerald City. While neighboring states like Oregon have a 10% state tax, Seattleites’ full paychecks go right into their pockets.
To add to this, hiking trails, evergreen forests, and three separate national parks attract nature lovers. From a high population of residents moving closer to nature and tourists looking to take in the sites, Seattle’s natural beauty can draw traffic straight to your business.
After the pandemic, many have placed finding the right job in the right city on the top of their priority list. If that sounds familiar, any of these top five cities to work in can be the right fit for you.