7 Cities Where Millennials Can Still Live the American Dream

An uncertain economy has made life difficult for millennials. Here is a list of seven cities where it is best to be a millennial right now.

1. Seattle, WA:

Seattle is a thriving city for millennials. Since 2009, wage growth increased 4.4% and the median salary for millennials is $44,000 per year. Factoring in commute time, which is only 24 minutes on average, Seattle also leads the way in technology,  with Microsoft and Amazon calling this area home. Too, Seattle is known for its exciting nightlife and clean environment. With a city population of 620,000 people, it is a perfect size.

2. Dallas, TX:

Dallas has a 6.5% unemployment rate and the average rent stands at $1,314/ month. As of 2010, 35% of households in the Dallas metro region had a child under 18, one of the largest proportions in the country. Dallas is also home to 7,000 restaurants and has a sizeable art district. Too, the area is home to SMU, and other notable universities for millennials furthering their education. 

3. Minneapolis, MN:

Minneapolis has seen a wage increase of 3.3% since 2009, and its median pay for millennials is $42,000. The average commute time is right at 20 minutes, and 23% of employees are millennials. Known for its frigid winters, Minneapolis is also renown for its progressive and creative culture. Nearly 40,000 people live downtown, making it a place of nonstop entertainment and excitement.

4. Athens, GA:

Athens is the perennial college town, home to the University of Georgia. Unemployment is 6.5%, and the average rent price is $798/month. The median home price is $174,900. Athens also has a culture steeped in nature and sports. With a population of 117,000+, it is on the smaller side of cities. But this is not necessarily a bad thing, with its beautiful environment and relatively young population.

5. Ithaca, NY:

Ithaca is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. It has a 6.5% unemployment rate and the average rent price is $1,034/month. The coolest thing about Ithaca is that 16.5% of commuters walk to work. The average income for city residents is $50,000. The city is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, and is known for its numerous outdoor activities. With a population of 30,000+, it is on the small side, but ripe with opportunities for millennials.

6. Oklahoma City, OK:

Oklahoma City has an unemployment rate of 4.5% and an average rent price of $707month. With a population of close to 520,000 there are numerous opportunities for millennials. OKC is also home to the University of Oklahoma and other colleges. It is home to four professional sports teams and its downtown area, known as Bricktown, has become a cultural beacon of its own.

7. Phoenix, AZ:

Phoenix has an unemployment rate of 7.2% and a rent price of $834/month. While the Phoenix housing market has seen a steady decline recently, the city is home to the largest number of households with children under 18. It is a great family friendly city. With a population of almost 1.5 million people and its arid climate, it offers plenty of all around opportunities for millennials.