Top 5 Cities in the United States to Find a Job

While the economy might be improving, and the politicians in Washington assure us that there's no better time to get a job than now, for many Americans, finding employment is no easy feat. From low wages, to high living expenses, many cities just don't have a job market that's easy to enter, leaving many to settle for jobs that they either don't like or that don't pay them what they're worth.

But it doesn't have to be that way. On the contrary, we here at Travelers Today have listed, below, the five best cities to find a job, places that balance both a plethora of personal opportunities (including good food, good entertainment, and a good community to start your new life in) with the prices that allow you to take advantage of them, leading to a healthier savings account and a happier family.

5. Washington, D.C.

While, perhaps, not the cheapest place on the list, Washington makes up for its expenses with a high median income and lots of work opportunities. From a low unemployment rate of just around 5% last year, to an incredibly high jobs-postings rate (110 jobs advertised per 1,000 people), a job in D.C. will not be a difficult thing to come by. It's also one of the most beautiful places in the country (especially in the spring-time, when the cherry-trees blossom) making the city perfect for young professionals or recent college grads looking for an attractive new home.

4. Austin, Texas

Another high-cost high-income option, Austin's main draw is its growth, both in terms of population, employment, and industry, which outpaces almost every city in the country. Indeed, as great as Austin is now, with a population growth of about 6%, and new companies (including the likes of Google and Apple) setting up offices every day, the job market is just going to get better with age. Plus, it's one of the best places for young people to live period. From an unbelievable live-music scene, to more bars and restaurants than you can imagine, Austin is THE hot destination for millenials, an added bonus in any job-search.

3. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

Okay, technically these are two different cities. But, because their proximity, similar character, and relative isolation (let's face it, if you're going to work in Minnesota you're more likely than not going to work in one of these two places), we're counting them as the same. That being said, with high population growth (just around 4% last year), higher-than-average job payouts (with a median around $30,000) and high quality of life, the twin cities are the perfect place to settle down and start a family. Bottom line: Consider working here if you're in it for the long haul.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Another two-in-one, the combo of Dallas and Fort Worth are especially remarkable for their low costs, especially in comparison to their respective sizes and the opportunities they present. Indeed, median rent in Dallas, the more expensive of the two locales, was only about $800 a month last year, especially low considering that the burgeoning tech industry and low unemployment rate (just around 6%). Fort Worth has tons of opportunities too, and even lower prices, making it all the more attractive. Add to that all of the fun things to do in the Dallas area (including attending the symphony, walking through dozens of local parks and gardens, or seeing the legendary Cowboys play a football game) and the case for Southern living is made all the more compelling.

1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

However, that pales in comparison to the excellent value to be found in the number one city on the list, Oklahoma City, one of the best up-and-coming job markets in the country. From its low unemployment rate (around 4.7 %) to its high-percentage of jobs per person (about 70 listings per 1,000 people), Oklahoma City has lots of room for new workers. Plus, cost of living is as low as it can get, with an average single-bedroom apartment averaging just over $650 a month. Finally, living in the city is not as bad as you think. Sure it gets hot, but the protypically American charm found in this touchstone of plains-state good-naturedness makes it all worthwhile, meaning it won't be long before the city really starts to feel like home. In other words, relocating to Oklahoma City is not just a financial move: it's ultimately a lifestyle choice that wil pay out in spades as you and your family grow older.