So, you’ve just finished college and now you’re out in the big bad world, job hunting. Although there has been an increase in jobs for graduates over the last few years, not all US cities have got the same awesome prospects. In fact, some cities should be avoided at all costs if you’re about to kick start your career. Here are the 9 worse US cities to start your new career.
Detroit
With the highest unemployment rate in the whole of the US, this city in Michigan is quite possibly the last place you want to go to start your career. Detroit is seriously lacking in the entry level jobs, with just 33 available per 10,000 residents. That’s a lot of competition for each role! Not only that but the salary ranges aren’t great here either. The average annual income is just $26,119 which is barely enough to start paying off those tuition fees. It is one of the worst US cities in terms of professional opportunities and it also has a pretty poor quality of life score. Want to kick start your new career? Don’t move to Detroit, Michigan.
Fresno
Everyone wants to move to California! There’s sunshine, sea and plenty of opportunities… Well, unless you move to Fresno, of course. This city has the second highest unemployment figures in the whole of the US and trying to find a job here is going to be tricky. There are apparently only 7 entry level jobs available in Fresno, per 10,000 residents. If you thought competition in Detroit was difficult, try moving here. This city is also the worst in the US when it comes to professional opportunities and the quality of life score isn’t up to scratch either. The average monthly salary for new starters is a pitiful $1,861. So much for plenty of opportunities in Cali!
Toledo
There is something very strange about Toledo in Ohio, and we can’t quite put our finger on it. The growth of the population is completely stunted here, having the lowest growth figures in the whole of the US. There are also very few people with a degree in the area, which you would think made it easier to get a job. Wrong. There are only 18 entry level jobs available per 10,000 people living in Toledo – making it one of the worst on our list. Add that to terrible professional opportunities and a poor quality of life, and you’ll see why college graduates aren’t all flocking to move to this Ohio city.
Columbus
If you’re thinking of moving to the state of Georgia in order to start your career then you may need to rethink. In fact, there’s a couple of cities in Georgia to make it onto this list, with Columbus being the first. There are only 7 entry level jobs available per 10,000 people living in this city, and it is the ninth worst in the country in terms of professional opportunities. The average starting salary is $2,138 per month, which isn’t exactly impressive either. Maybe that’s why everyone in Georgia moves to Atlanta, in order to get the best jobs.
Stockton
Back to California again, only this time we’re in the city of Stockton. This city has the third highest unemployment rate in America and only sees just a paltry 9 entry level jobs open up, per 10,000 residents. There’s nothing much to see or do here, making the quality of life one of the worst in the US too. Very few parks, recreation establishment and leisure facilities play a big part in a lack of professional opportunities and a poor quality of life. We’d recommend steering clear of Stockton if you’re hoping to start a new (and exciting) career.
Cleveland
When it comes to average annual income Cleveland ranks as the second worst in the whole of the United States; not a good start for someone trying to carve out a new career in the city. There are also only around 40 entry level jobs per 10,000 residents which means you’ll all be fighting for a lowly paid job. Doesn’t sound like fun! When it comes to quality of life and professional opportunities this city in Ohio is also lacking; 137th and 139th place respectively. Overall, this isn’t going to be the best place for anyone to start a new career.
Augusta
Back to Georgia – we told you this state had a couple of cities on the list. Augusta may be a beautiful city to look at, but it’s one of the worst for starting a new career. There are supposedly just 15 entry level jobs for every 10,000 residents, although it does have some redeeming features. According to a study this city is pretty good for those who want to set up a new business, and it has plenty of bustling entrepreneurial activity. Perhaps if you’re new career is working for yourself then this is the place to go. However, you won’t get very far trying to work for someone else in Augusta.
Modesto
Oh no, not California again. We might as well just write off this entire state when it comes to starting a career. Modesto has an extremely high unemployment rate and very few leisure or recreational facilities; which is unusual for Cali. There are 13 available entry level jobs for every 10,000 people and the average monthly salary is just $1,908. It may not be the best place to start your career but it’s ranked pretty high for its weather. Great vacation spot if you want to catch some rays during some downtime, not such a great spot for those wanting to start a new career.
Mobile
Last up on our list is this city in Alabama. According to recent studies there are just 12 entry level jobs per 10,000 residents and there’s barely any single people in Mobile either. Doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun for a young person wanting to start their new life and career somewhere. The quality of life in this area isn’t exactly something to write home about either, scoring the second lowest in the whole of the United States. Unless you’re old, retiring and married, this is probably not the place you want to live.
