Best Metro Area for College Grad (live, better, places, population)

[eclipseband7]

Hey guys long story short I found this place while doing a search for a place to live once I graduate from college this year. My background is I'm a mechanical engineering student in Pomona, Southern California, and I'm originally from the Bay Area.

While I love the weather of California, I cannot stand the crowded feeling here in Socal. (Not that Pomona is anywhere near what Socal really has to offer) I am looking for a place that's cheaper to live and more quiet. That being said I like having the opportunity to visit the city for a sporting or entertainment event. From my experience, the Bay Area suburbs were a great place to live but it is very expensive to live in California nowadays.

From what I have heard Seattle, Portland, and Denver all seem like cool places but I'm interested to hear your opinions as I have not really explored the US too much.

As far as Criteria goes I'm looking for
-Weather (Warmer the better )
-Entertainment
-Traffic/Population/Congestion
-Economy
-Family Friendly (Eventually...)
-Young Population
-Scenery/Art

Those criteria might go for generally any college grad but feel free to add any other comments you might have.

Thanks!

[bchris02]

The general consensus for young people.

Tier 1: Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Austin, Boston
Tier 2: Denver, Minneapolis/St Paul, Raleigh/Durham

Unless you are exceptionally qualified, you might be better off looking into the Tier 2 cities I mentioned. Portland and Seattle especially are very flooded right now with young people and job competition can be very stuff. The Tier 2 cities have ample nightlife opportunities but aren't quite as popular as Portland and Seattle, and they have strong economies.

[Austinite101]

Originally Posted by bchris02

The general consensus for young people.

Tier 1: Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Austin, Boston
Tier 2: Denver, Minneapolis/St Paul, Raleigh/Durham

Unless you are exceptionally qualified, you might be better off looking into the Tier 2 cities I mentioned. Portland and Seattle especially are very flooded right now with young people and job competition can be very stuff. The Tier 2 cities have ample nightlife opportunities but aren't quite as popular as Portland and Seattle, and they have strong economies.

I second that.

[BuckeyeBoyDJ]

Atlanta seems to be flocking place for recent college grads. With 5 million people in the metro area it's not going to be quiet by any means but you could always live out in Alpharetta or Roswell or something and have the city a quick drive away.