5 Affordable Yet Cool Cities to Live In
Kiplingers Magazine recently published a list of American
cities where one can find still find reasonable rents, but that are enjoyable to
live in.
While many young people aim to launch their careers in the largest cities like
Washington, DC or Los Angeles, many may find a better deal by looking beyond the
larger urban centers. The five locales listed below all possess a cost of living
that is at or close to the national average for students and young wage earners:
Athens
The state-chartered University of Georgia is centered in this college town and
is responsible for its unique appeal to young graduates and its subsequent
growth. The city offers free wireless 'net access downtown, and the
aforementioned school and two area hospitals help keep the city's unemployment
rate impressively low.
Where: Downtown, West side, Five Points Cost: 650-750 dollars per month for a
one-bedroom apt., or 750-850 dollars for a 2-bedroom apt.
Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital and Georgia's most densely populated city, as well as
being the center of the ninth most populous metropolitan area in America. It
ranks fourth among American cities for wi-fi access, and is #3 in the number of
Fortune 500 companies located in its metropolitan area, after New York City and
Houston.
Where: Midtown, Virginia Highlands, East Atlanta Cost: 600-900 dollars per month
for a 1-bedroom unit, 800-1,350 dollars for a 2-bedroom
Austin
The capital of Texas, Austin is the state's fourth most-populous city and the
16th largest in America. The city was ranked as the #2 Best Big City in "Best
Places to Live" according to Money magazine in 2006. Many graduates each year
from the computer and science programs at The University of Texas at Austin
provide a steady source of young, talented, and driven employees that help to
fuel the city's technology and defense industries.
Where: Downtown, S. Austin Cost: 500-800 dollars per month for a 1-bedroom apt.,
700-1,200 dollars for a 2-bedroom
Denver
The Denver Metropolitan Area has more federal workers than any other such area
except for Washington, D.C. Among many attractions are a good light-rail system
and a top-20 ranking for free wireless Internet access.
Where: Lower Downtown (LoDo), Highland, West Highland Cost: 700-800 dollars per
month for a 1-bedroom unit, 900-1,200 dollars for a 2-bedroom
Minneapolis
The most populous city in Minnesota, Minneapolis adjoins Saint Paul, the state's
capital. Availability of wireless Internet access, transportation solutions,
medical trials, expenditures on university research, advanced degrees held by
the work force, and energy conservation are so far above the national average
that in 2005, Popular Science magazine named Minneapolis the "Top Tech City" in
America.
Where: N. Loop, NE, Uptown Cost: 600-700 dollars a month for a one-bedroom unit,
800-1,100 dollars for a 2-bedroom
About the Author:
Matthew Paolini is a consultant with Citybook Online Yellow Pages in Tampa, FL.
