Houston is the best city to launch a career, according to a new report by Bankrate.com.
The study reviewed the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. based on several factors a young person should consider when starting their career including: the job market, potential for long-term career-building, affordability and lifestyle for recent college graduates.
Houston made the top spot on the list due to high scores earned for career potential, job market and affordability for new graduates.
The metro area’s drawback, however, is its lower score for lifestyle -- "particularly in arts, entertainment and recreation," according to the rankings.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Washington, D.C., Milwaukee and Dallas-Fort Worth complete the top five metro areas.
“Many eager new grads think they have to head to New York or Silicon Valley to make it big,” says Sarah Berger, The Cashlorette at Bankrate.com. “There are plenty of cities that offer solid job markets and long-term career growth, without breaking the bank or sacrificing a good quality of life.”
The Riverside-San Bernardino metro area of California was rated the worst place to start a career.