As a big foodie, I’m also a huge travel bug. Just say ‘road trip’ and I am up for the adventure, day or night (literally)! Even Dr. Seuss gets it, just think about his book “Oh The Places You’ll Go”! That man loved to travel too (the food was a big part of his destination point, I assume). I decided to share with you the locations I am considering when planning my big career move upon graduation this year. If you are not thinking about it yet, you might like to check out the estimated rent and popular foods in each of these unique locations! Did I mention these places are all in high demand for the recent college grads? Well, they are! If you ask me, just base your decision off of your favorite food, that’s how I’m approaching the post-grad life and that big woo-woo decision.
Dallas, Texas
Upon checking, 1-bedroom apartments have a median of $880 a month in this city. As they say “Everything’s Bigger in Texas”, this is definitely a place to go after the graduation. Start your new career in this southern state, where it’s always warm, dry, and sunny. Be sure to consider it’s highly rated BBQ. And don’t forget to bring an appetite, you surely gonna need that.
Seattle, Washington
A 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle has an average price of $1,320 a month, which is not that bad for a city that fosters Starbucks (duh)! If you weren’t aware, Seattle is famous for it’s delicious Salmon too, not to mention the city’s high demand for the recent college grads, like me and you. Ultimately, if you don’t mind 152 days out of the year having rainy weather, this is definitely a place for you.
Providence, Rhode Island
With 1-bedroom apartments having an average rent of $1,000, there’s no seeing where your career will take you. Providence is filled with original food trucks and funky restaurants you’ll be wanting to try. While you’re there, be sure to explore their famous Donut Shops, which are the integral of Providence. YUMM!
New Orleans, Louisiana
In New Orleans, an average 1-bedroom apartment will cost you around $800 a month. New Orleans is famous for its seasonal costumed parades, gatherings and street parties. NOLA and YOLO are common acronyms there, all for a reason. So, it’s definitely a switch up when it comes to parties, music, events, food, and culture. You’re sure to fall in love with the gumbo, a traditional dish in the south.
Charleston, South Carolina
Apartments in this city have an average rent of $1,256 a month. Charleston is located right on the water, which has amazing perks of its own. Tons of new bars and restaurants have been opening up all over Charleston over the past couple of years.
If you can’t control yourself around Southern food, this is the place for you. Besides, there will always be an opportunity to go lay out on the beach, relax and catch some sun.
Chicago, Illinois
$1,070 is an average rent price for a 1-bedroom apartment in this city. Chicago is hiring recent college grads that are eager to learn and start their careers, especially in such industries as tech and IT, healthcare, education, and nonprofit. With the career opportunities, available there, this is one of the top places to develop your professional identity. Should I even mention Chicago as THE ultimate destination for deep-dish pizza? Also, don’t forget to check out Chicago’s famous landmarks, Crown Fountain and The Bean!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The average rent for a 1-bedrooom apartment in Philly is only $960 a month, you can never go wrong with that. Philadelphia has a bunch of companies offering a variety of entry-level careers for recent graduates in healthcare, financial services, hospitality and retail, manufacturing and IT. Could you imagine your daily lunch being a Philly cheesesteak, done hundreds of different ways? You can also run up the the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just like Sylvester Stallone in the movie “Rocky.”
Wherever you end up, just remember to capture all the delicious foods you try. Building your food memories is something worth considering. Also, congratulations, fellow foodies! You are on your way to success. Good luck on taking those small steps in conquering your big dreams. And remember what Dr. Seuss suggests, “Oh The Place You’ll Go”, meaning they better be foodie-friendly.