There are various reasons to relocate, and many of them depend on your current stage of life. Retirees, for example, are typically interested in proximity to family, financial perks, weather, and access to healthcare facilities. Young people, on the other hand, have different priorities, often focusing on career opportunities and affordability.

“When I think about the best cities for young adults, I start with what recent high school and college grads actually value: access to jobs, reasonable housing costs, walkable or active social scenes, and the ability to build independence without being financially stretched from day one,” says Danielle Andrews, realtor with Realty One Group Next Generation. But where exactly are these young person-friendly spots?

After speaking to a couple of real estate experts—on top of doing our own research—we found that larger urban metros, as well as suburban communities within driving distance of big cities, are the best bet for this particular age group, defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as people ages 18 to 34. Read on to discover, in no particular order, eight of the best cities for young adults.

#5 on the list...Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With a median age of 34, Pittsburgh is a relatively young city, and one with an impressive job market. In fact, WalletHub just named it one of the best cities to find a job in 2026; top industries in the area include artificial intelligence, energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and healthcare.

The list of reasons to move to Pittsburgh continues with a relatively low cost of living, access to the outdoors (Frick Park, Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the National Aviary, and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail), and affordable housing. If you’re looking to buy, the average home value is about $230,000, and the average rent for all bedrooms and all property types is about $1,500.

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Travel + Leisure | Lydia Mansel