scorecardThe 25 best states to live for 20-somethings, where jobs are booming and rent is affordable
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The 25 best states to live for 20-somethings, where jobs are booming and rent is affordable

25. Florida — Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville, have become hubs for millennials.

The 25 best states to live for 20-somethings, where jobs are booming and rent is affordable

24. Texas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston appeal to young adults looking to work for small businesses.

24. Texas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston appeal to young adults looking to work for small businesses.

Unemployment rate: 6.7%

Median rent: $987

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 2,681

Source: Chron

23. Indiana — Indianapolis thrives on a growing tech scene and investments in public infrastructure.

23. Indiana — Indianapolis thrives on a growing tech scene and investments in public infrastructure.

Unemployment rate: 7%

Median rent: $793

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 971

Source: Curbed

22. Virginia — Virginia Beach and Richmond have both seen an uptick in millennial migration.

22. Virginia — Virginia Beach and Richmond have both seen an uptick in millennial migration.

Unemployment rate: 5.4%

Median rent: $1,179

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 165

Source: Time

21. North Carolina — Raleigh and Charlotte have plentiful job opportunities and high pay.

21. North Carolina — Raleigh and Charlotte have plentiful job opportunities and high pay.

Unemployment rate: 5.6%

Median rent: $861

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 680

Source: The News & Observer

20. Alaska — Alaska has nine military bases, attracting young-adult soldiers.

20. Alaska — Alaska has nine military bases, attracting young-adult soldiers.

Unemployment rate: 11.8

Median rent: 1,201

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 157

Source: Mic

19. Rhode Island — Rhode Island has jobs, culture, and numerous James Beard restaurants.

19. Rhode Island — Rhode Island has jobs, culture, and numerous James Beard restaurants.

Unemployment rate: 6.5%

Median rent: 941

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 239

Source: Inc

18. Oregon — Portland has many neighborhoods, a relatively affordable cost of living, and a booming economy.

18. Oregon — Portland has many neighborhoods, a relatively affordable cost of living, and a booming economy.

Unemployment rate: 6.4%

Median rent: $1,079

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 933

Source: Business Insider

17. Colorado — Millennials have been flocking to Denver for its high-paying jobs, reasonable commutes, weather, and activities.

17. Colorado — Millennials have been flocking to Denver for its high-paying jobs, reasonable commutes, weather, and activities.

Unemployment rate: 4.1%

Median rent: $1,240

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 762

Source: Denver Post, SmartAsset

16. Massachusetts — Tech and life sciences fuel much of the economy.

16. Massachusetts — Tech and life sciences fuel much of the economy.

Unemployment rate: 3.7%

Median rent: $1,208

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 754

Source: Curbed

15. Vermont — Vermont recently offered Americans up to $10,000 to move to the state and work remotely.

15. Vermont — Vermont recently offered Americans up to $10,000 to move to the state and work remotely.

Unemployment rate: 4.6%

Median rent: 950

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 104

Source: CNN

14. Utah — Millennials are migrating to Salt Lake City to buy homes.

14. Utah — Millennials are migrating to Salt Lake City to buy homes.

Unemployment rate: 4.9%

Median rent: $986

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 168

Source: CNBC

13. Oklahoma — Oklahoma City is a boomtown for millennials, partly because of a high increase in wages.

13. Oklahoma — Oklahoma City is a boomtown for millennials, partly because of a high increase in wages.

Unemployment rate: 6%

Median rent: $780

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 402

Source: Business Insider

12. Nevada — Las Vegas has cultural attractions, low taxes, and natural beauty.

12. Nevada — Las Vegas has cultural attractions, low taxes, and natural beauty.

Unemployment rate: 5.5%

Median rent: $1,051

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 657

Source: SmartAsset

11. Missouri — St. Louis boasts affordable homes for millennials.

11. Missouri — St. Louis boasts affordable homes for millennials.

Unemployment rate: 6.2%

Median rent: $800

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 634

Source: Riverfront Times

T10. Minnesota — Minnesota has a lot to offer active young adults, from biking trails to lakes.

T10. Minnesota — Minnesota has a lot to offer active young adults, from biking trails to lakes.

Unemployment rate: 4.7%

Median rent: $939

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 946

Source: SmartAsset

T10. Idaho — Idaho Falls is attracting millennials with its restaurant scene and recreational activities.

T10. Idaho — Idaho Falls is attracting millennials with its restaurant scene and recreational activities.

Unemployment rate: 3.5%

Median rent: $822

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 335

Source: Local News 8

8. South Dakota — Sioux Falls is a top city for young professionals.

8. South Dakota — Sioux Falls is a top city for young professionals.

Unemployment rate: 7.2

Median rent: $722

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 325

Source: Business Insider

T7. Wisconsin — Madison is the top city in the US where women are most successful.

T7. Wisconsin — Madison is the top city in the US where women are most successful.

Unemployment rate: 4.8%

Median rent: $819

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: $2,785

Source: SmartAsset

T7. Kansas — Wichita has been undergoing a downtown renovation over the past decade.

T7. Kansas — Wichita has been undergoing a downtown renovation over the past decade.

Unemployment rate: 5.9%

Median rent: $815

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 335

Source: Smart Growth America, The Wichita Eagle

5. Wyoming — Wyoming's economy thrives on the conservation and extraction industries.

5. Wyoming — Wyoming

Unemployment rate: 6.7%

Median rent: $832

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 163

Source: SmartAsset

4. Montana — Montana offers plenty of opportunities for young entrepreneurs as well as proximity to nature.

4. Montana — Montana offers plenty of opportunities for young entrepreneurs as well as proximity to nature.

Unemployment rate: 5.5%

Median rent: $759

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 547

Source: ABC Fox Montana

3. Iowa — Iowa has one of the largest proportions of young adults in its population.

3. Iowa — Iowa has one of the largest proportions of young adults in its population.

Unemployment rate: 5%

Median rent: $760

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 944

Source: Money Rates

2. Nebraska — Nebraska has a higher proportion of young adults than places like New York and California.

2. Nebraska — Nebraska has a higher proportion of young adults than places like New York and California.

Unemployment rate: 4.6%

Median rent: $801

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 551

Source: Money Rates

1. North Dakota — North Dakota is a magnet for young adults, thanks to its business and pleasure offerings.

1. North Dakota — North Dakota is a magnet for young adults, thanks to its business and pleasure offerings.

Unemployment rate: 3.6%

Median rent: $785

Number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs per capita: 419

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