As the Class of 2025 enters the workforce, many graduates are weighing a key decision: Which are the best cities for college grads in 2025? 

To help guide that choice, CoworkingCafe’s updated 2025 study ranks the best U.S. cities for recent grads based on eight key metrics — including job availability, median income, affordability, and quality of life. To ensure a fair comparison, we categorized the cities into three population sizes: large, mid-sizedand small cities. 

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Scottsdale remains a standout in 2025, ranking #9 among the top mid-sized cities for recent grads — down from #6 last year — yet still supported by a solid share of degree holders, a strong median income for graduates, excellent employer-based health insurance coverage and a vibrant lifestyle, highlighted by plenty of leisure establishments and coworking spaces.

Here are the main highlights for Scottsdale: 

Employment Metrics (ranking #10 among mid-sized cities) 

  • 62% of residents aged 18–34 in Scottsdale hold a bachelor’s degree, up from 57% in 2024, ranking 5th among mid-sized cities for educational attainment
  • 6% of all jobs in the metro are entry-level graduate positions, placing Scottsdale 33rd for early-career job access.
  • The unemployment rate for young adults (ages 20–29) is 5%, up from 4% in 2024, ranking 31st among mid-sized cities. 

Lifestyle Metrics (ranking #10 among mid-sized cities) 

  • Scottsdale offers 468 leisure establishments per 100K residents, ranking 15th among mid-sized cities for dining, entertainment and social options
  • Coworking space density stands at 11 per 100K residents, the 9th highest among all mid-sized cities, supporting a flexible and modern work environment 

Financial Metrics (ranking #13 among mid-sized cities) 

  • The median income for college graduates aged 25+ increased by nearly $6,400 in the past year, up to $90,421 — the 8th highest among mid-sized cities.
  • Regional price parity is 105.5, meaning local prices are about 5.5% higher than the national average, placing 36th among peer cities
  • 73% of young adults have employer-based health insurance, ranking Scottsdale 11th among mid-sized cities 

Nationally, the new wave of college grads is finding opportunity across all city sizes — from major hubs like Atlanta and D.C. to mid-sized standouts like Arlington, VA and St. Louis, and small cities such as Cambridge and Ann Arbor, which combine strong salaries with livability. 

Read the full analysis and methodology here: https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/the-best-cities-for-recent-grads/.