In 2025, Atlanta climbed back to the number one spot among large cities, thanks to strong employment and financial metrics.

Key findings: 

• Employment category: The 50.50% share of population with a bachelor’s degree places Atlanta in the ninth spot for this metric. The city also has 5.91% graduate jobs per total jobs.

• Financial category: The city’s median income grew by $2,287 in the span of a year, now reaching $82,201 – the seventh highest among large cities. While the 63.75% share of population with employer-based health insurance places it 14^th.

• Lifestyle category: The lifestyle category is where Atlanta shines best – with 733 leisure establishments (up 8 from 2024) and 23.69 coworking spaces per 100K residents, the city ranks second and first among large cities for these metrics.

From skyline giants to rising regional stars, each U.S. city offers its own distinct mix of opportunity, ambition and lifestyle. So, for the class of 2025, the question isn’t just what to do next, it’s where to begin. As this year’s grads step into the workforce, they’re entering a job market transformed by innovation, shifting priorities and new pathways to success. Some will chase momentum in big cities where industries never sleep, whereas others may find their future in mid-sized or small cities where growth is accelerating and the community feels closer. The landscape is wide open — and, more than ever, where you start can shape where you go.

CoworkingCafe continues this series to explore some of the top U.S. cities where first-time job seekers can find not only career growth, but also an environment that supports their ambitions. Below, we’ll dive into the factors that make these cities stand out, such as employment opportunities, day-to-day costs and lifestyle offerings to helping the grads of ‘25 navigate their first steps into the professional world. Compared to 2024 and 2023, when cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C. were dominating the rankings, this year sees a shift toward mid-sized cities and emerging tech hubs that offer more affordable living while still providing strong career opportunities.

With so many factors at play, choosing the right city isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we’ve broken down key insights and trends to guide this decision-making process. Whether it’s access to coworking spaces, strong local economies or vibrant social scenes, the cities featured here offer a solid foundation for the next generation of professionals. Let’s take a closer look at where the class of 2025 can start this exciting journey.

You can read the full analysis here: https://www.coworkingcafe.com