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I was once given a piece of advice I wish I adhered to prior to graduating from law school; “Study in the city you ultimately want to work in.” The premise of this advice surfaced from the belief that it is easier to land a full-time job after graduation in the same city you attended undergraduate, graduate and post graduate institutions of higher learning. This is because you are more likely to network, intern an ultimately interview with people and companies in the city where your school is located due to access.

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Whether you decide to put down roots in the same city you graduate from or decide to try your hand at a new job in a new city, there are several cities known for being the best cities for new graduates based upon employment rate, cost of living and median income.

According to Forbes.com the top 10 cities for recent college graduates in 2013 are:

Atlanta, GA

Mean annual income: $46,600

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $800

Unemployment rate: 8.4%

Boston, MA

Mean annual income: $57,500

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,590

Unemployment rate: 5.9%

Houston, TX

Mean annual income: $47,500

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $800

Unemployment rate: 6%

Denver, CO

Mean annual income: $50,300

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $970

Unemployment rate: 7.4%

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Mean annual income: $49,800

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $900

Unemployment rate: 5.1%

Seattle, WA

Mean annual income: $54,800

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300

Unemployment rate: 6.7%

Dallas, TX

Mean annual income: $46,200

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $900

Unemployment rate: 5.9%

Raleigh, N.C.

Mean annual income: $45,200

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $800

Unemployment rate: 7.5%

Washington, D.C.

Mean annual income: $62,900

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,600

Unemployment rate: 5.2%

St. Louis, MO

Mean annual income: $44,200

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $960

Unemployment rate: 7%

As this list is based specifically on criteria to assist in landing full time work and making fiscally responsible decisions upon graduation, I would be remiss by not mentioning a major factor which led me to the city I always wanted to live in (which is not on this list), despite the lack of opportunities at that time and that’s passion.

Rashida Maples, Esq. is Founder and Managing Partner of J. Maples & Associates (www.jmaplesandassociates.com). She has practiced Entertainment, Real Estate and Small Business Law for 9 years, handling both transactional and litigation matters. Her clients include R&B Artists Bilal and Olivia, NFL Superstar Ray Lewis, Fashion Powerhouse Harlem’s Fashion Row and Hirschfeld Properties, LLC.

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Life After College: What Are The Best Cities To Move To?  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com