
Starting a New Career? Move to Cedar Rapids
So you've graduated college? Or, are you're looking for a career change as we exit the COVID pandemic? Here's a tip: Move to Cedar Rapids or Des Moines. Why? They're two of the best places in Iowa, and the U.S. to start a career according to a new study done by WalletHub. It's also worth noting, unemployment in Iowa remains low at 3.7%, as of March 2021.

Cedar Rapids is a great place to start a career, as is our capital
The study puts Des Moines as the top city in Iowa to work in, ranking them at #54. Cedar Rapids landed at #109. The study ranked the top 182 cities overall. Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are the only Iowa cities to make the list, though Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska all have two cities that make the list. The only Midwestern state with more than two on this list was Missouri, which had three.
So... Why Cedar Rapids or Des Moines for starting a career?
The study looked at some of the basics someone new to a career would need to succeed including average starting salary, most entry-level positions, affordable housing, and people aged 25-34. Cedar Rapids ranked #1 in most affordable housing, while Des Moines was #2.
Get outta your folk's basement and move to the Midwest
If you're already in Iowa and looking for a career change without a huge scenery change, the Midwest is full of great cities to work in according to the study, with Madison, Wisconsin ranking the highest at 16th. Omaha, Nebraska ended up in the 32 spot on the list.
Best of the best
The top 5 cities on the list overall are Salt Lake City, Orlando, Atlanta, Austin, Columbia (South Carolina). The top Midwestern city is Overland Park, Kansas which was #8 on the list.