During the second half of 2025, recession odds decreased with modest job gains. In 2026, job markets are expected to face turbulence due to slowing job gains and stickier inflation, meaning prices and wages are high while slow to fall—but with the right planning, you can still find the top cities hiring. If you’re considering relocating for work this year, check out these 15 best cities for jobs in 2026!
Austin, TX
- Population: 965,872
- Home Price: $358,600 median purchase price; $1,346 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $75,752
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
- 2025 Job Growth: 0.7%
With key industries including financial services, advanced manufacturing, and data management, Austin has a booming job market with plenty to do, making it one of the best cities for young professionals! As one of the best cities for employment, the Lone Star State added more than 18,000 new jobs this year, solidifying Austin’s place among the top metro areas in the U.S. This surge is fueled by a stream of companies relocating to Austin, including major players like Oracle, ZT Systems, and Tesla. Austin’s Silicon Hills region continues to attract powerhouse tech firms, including Google, Dell, and IBM, cementing the city’s reputation as a technology hub. Those working in the healthcare sector can find jobs in Austin through organizations like St. David’s HealthCare, Luminex, and Ascension Seton. Education professionals can pursue careers in the Austin Independent School District or at the University of Texas at Austin. Looking for employment opportunities outside of these fields? Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market are among the largest employers in Austin.
[sc name=”Find Your Store”]Boise, ID
- Population: 228,057
- Home Price: $282,900 median purchase price; $1,009 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $63,778
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
- 2025 Job Growth: 2.3%
As one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest, Boise has been experiencing significant population growth and is surrounded by some of the fastest-growing cities in America. Also known as a rising startup hub, Boise is one of the top cities for jobs in 2026. Some of the biggest employers in Boise include Fortune 500 company Micron Technology and supermarket chains WinCo Foods and Albertsons. Boise has approximately 12 startups per 100,000 people, attracting an educated workforce drawn to tech companies and entrepreneurial pursuits, such as Zennify, Vynyl, and Tackle.io. Additionally, young professionals seeking a mountainous lifestyle will find that Boise offers plenty of outdoor recreation, as well as educational opportunities at Boise State University or various trade and technical schools.
Charleston, SC
- Population: 137,041
- Home Price: $349,000 median purchase price; $1,318 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $72,071
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
- 2025 Job Growth: 3.2%
Charleston, considered one of the best places to live in the South and best cities for year-round weather, seamlessly blends historical charm with an expanding economy, making it a top destination for both romantic getaways and career advancement. The Charleston job market is driven by growth in major industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, life sciences, and advanced logistics. The SC Ports Authority, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, supports as many as 1 in 9 South Carolina jobs. Tech talent continues to flock the region, thanks to the prominent “Silicon Harbor” startup scene, home to top tech companies like Blackbaud, Benefitfocus, and Technica. Healthcare professionals can find abundant opportunities at institutions such as MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Trident Health. Or find jobs in North Charleston at some of the city’s largest manufacturers, including Ingevity and Detyens Shipyards.
Charlotte, NC
- Population: 873,570
- Home Price: $235,000 median purchase price; $1,185 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $65,359
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
- 2025 Job Growth: 2.5%
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the South and one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Charlotte‘s young professionals enjoy a mix of booming industry, affordable living, and career stability. Known as a top city for high-paying finance jobs, Charlotte is home to major banks and institutions like Bank of America and Truist, alongside a growing fintech scene that continues to fuel job creation. The city’s thriving energy sector provides Charlotte jobs in engineering, sustainability, and utilities, including the Fortune 500 company, Duke Energy. Those seeking healthcare careers will find options with two of the region’s largest employers, Atrium Health and Novant Health. Charlotte also supports a rapidly expanding tech and logistics market, thanks in part to businesses like Lowe’s, Honeywell, and Maersk.
Dallas, TX
- Population: 1,338,846
- Home Price: $208,700 median purchase price; $1,111 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $54,747
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
- 2025 Job Growth: 0.6%
Dallas is one of the best places to work in America thanks to its low cost of living, low income taxes, and budding DFW job opportunities. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro is one of the top 50 metropolitan areas and home to thousands of large technology companies, including GDT, Texas Instruments, Pinnacle Group, Omnitracs, and more. With a central location and two major airports—Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Fort Worth Alliance—Dallas is also a major transportation hub. Some of Dallas’ top transportation companies, like Jacobs Engineering Group, Stevens Transport, and Greyhound, offer opportunities to get involved in the city’s booming industry. Young professionals seeking jobs in gas, energy, or technology can apply with several Fortune 500 companies in Dallas, including AT&T, HF Sinclair, and Energy Transfer.
Minneapolis, MN
- Population: 424,536
- Home Price: $268,100 median purchase price; $1,078 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $66,068
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
- 2025 Job Growth: 0.8%
Minneapolis ranks among the top big cities to start a career, offering a combination of opportunities and urban lifestyle. The city’s economy centers around industries like retail, finance, and business operations, which are led by a robust number of Fortune 500 companies—including Target, U.S. Bank, and Ameriprise Financial. Healthcare plays an equally influential role, with major systems such as Allina Health and Fairview Health Services, while nearby Rochester is home to the nationally-recognized Mayo Clinic. Committed to environmental friendliness, Minneapolis offers emerging jobs in cleantech from employers like Xcel Energy and Enspi. Or, if you’re looking for a good place to work in general, consider some of the best companies in Minneapolis, such as Dorsey & Whitney, NMDP, and Luther Auto.
Nashua, NH
- Population: 89,052
- Home Price: $279,800 median purchase price; $1,309 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $73,785
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
- 2025 Job Growth: 2.2%
Recognized as one of the best cities to move to with a high quality of life, Nashua is a great place to live and work, boasting higher job openings than the national average. The city’s economy offers a diverse range of employment options with key industries like advanced manufacturing, information services, and healthcare. Medical professionals are drawn to opportunities in the city’s healthcare industry at facilities like Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. Those interested in aerospace, defense, and advanced security technologies can find work at Nashua’s largest employer, BAE Systems. Or get started with auto manufacturing, repair, and service at local dealers like Peters of Nashua or Toyota of Nashua. With the lack of state sales or income tax helping make this an affordable place to live, New Hampshire’s Gate City could be the city you choose to advance your career!
Nashville, TN
- Population: 667,070
- Home Price: $264,600 median purchase price; $1,170 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,087
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
- 2025 Job Growth: 1.2%
Nashville is a magnetic Southern city, shining as one of the top U.S. metros for job growth and income. Renowned Music City is also an entertainment epicenter, where you can find Nashville careers from venue operators like Opry Entertainment or become a team member at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans (NFL). However, the city’s job market also extends far beyond the entertainment industry. Healthcare dominates the region’s workforce, with major companies like HCA Healthcare, Envision Healthcare, and Vanguard Health. Those interested in government, education, or corporate operations will find job opportunities in Tennessee with the State of Tennessee, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and the recently relocated AllianceBernstein. Between the glitz and glamour are retail and manufacturing jobs in Nashville offered by reliable names like Genesco, SMS Holdings, and Bridgestone.
Omaha, NE
- Population: 479,529
- Home Price: $167,800 median purchase price; $948 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,213
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
- 2025 Job Growth: 0.4%
As one of the best mid-sized cities, one of the best places to live in the Midwest, and one of the most affordable places to live, it’s easy to see why professionals love Omaha. The city boasts a robust corporate landscape that offers opportunities in finance, insurance, and logistics at Fortune 500 companies like Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and Union Pacific. In addition to its corporate sector, Omaha has a steadily growing healthcare industry, with CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine, and Children’s Nebraska supporting thousands of jobs across the region. Those seeking tech jobs in Omaha benefit from its expanding fintech footprint, anchored by companies such as Fiserv and Buildertrend, while those interested in aviation or defense can find work just outside the city at Offutt Air Force Base. Omaha also boasts a steady manufacturing sector, led by firms such as Valmont Industries and Kellogg’s.
Orlando, FL
- Population: 284,817
- Home Price: $262,500 median purchase price; $1,253 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $55,183
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
- 2025 Job Growth: 1.2%
Orlando may be known for its beautiful tropical weather, but it also has a lot to offer to young professionals relocating for work and those seeking to advance their careers. The City of Light’s robust hospitality and tourism industry attracts millions of visitors a year, not only keeping local professionals employed but also boosting Orlando’s economy. Residents can save more of their hard-earned money thanks to the absence of state income tax and a low sales tax, making the cost of living in Orlando more affordable. While tourism-centric companies like Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld are well-known employers in Orlando, residents can find work within other industries. Those seeking aviation careers in Orlando can find them at Orlando International Airport, one of the largest airports in the U.S. and served by more than 30 airlines. There are also numerous opportunities to work in aerospace and defense at companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin—or residents can commute for jobs at the Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX, or Blue Origin. Those looking for manufacturing jobs can check for openings at General Electric and Tupperware.
Portland, ME
- Population: 66,706
- Home Price: $302,700 median purchase price; $1,204 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $61,695
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
- 2025 Job Growth: -0.1%
Portland is a great option for individuals seeking employment in one of the best places to live on the East Coast. The Portland MSA has the state’s strongest market and above-average growth rates. Portland’s East Coast location provides a thriving harbor industry, whose commercial fishing values continue to rise, and is ideal for those looking to get into fishing or aquaculture. Forest City residents can also find employment with some of the biggest companies in Portland, such as animal health company Covetrus, Unum Insurance, or L.L. Bean (headquartered in nearby Freeport). If you’re in tech, Portland is a great place to be, as Maine has seven significant technology sectors, accounting for a projected $1.3 billion GDP and representing 7.2% share of the state’s workforce. Some of the best tech companies in Portland include EnviroLogix, Certify, and Tilson.
Raleigh, NC
- Population: 469,698
- Home Price: $266,900 median purchase price; $1,175 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $69,720
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
- 2025 Job Growth: 1.3%
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Raleigh is expected to see significant job growth by 2032. Education, manufacturing, and trade are major local industries—but the City of Oaks is also an emerging tech epicenter, as Apple and Google joined Red Hat and CentOS in building Raleigh campuses. Nearby North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill aren’t only a few of Raleigh’s largest employers—their graduates also feed into the city’s developing tech market. Research Triangle Park is the second-fastest-growing tech hub in the U.S., offering opportunities across various industries—including biomanufacturing and agricultural biotechnology—at world-class companies like KBI Biopharma and Clean-Volt. Residents can also find Raleigh jobs with businesses like TotalEnergies, one of the largest oil companies in the world, Fortune 500 company Advance Auto Parts, or start-ups like Pendo and Analytics8.
Salt Lake City, UT
- Population: 200,133
- Home Price: $346,100 median purchase price; $1,050 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $63,156
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
- 2025 Job Growth: 1.8%
With a population growth projection of 2 million residents by 2065, Salt Lake City is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.—and its job market is similarly booming. Not only is this a top city for outdoor recreation, but it’s also one of the best cities for remote work, with several major industries in the area providing remote and hybrid opportunities. Key sectors in SLC include software, healthcare, and finance, represented by companies such as Zions Bank, Intermountain Healthcare, and EPAM Systems. Find a career at some of SLC’s best companies, including Dyno Nobel and USANA Health Sciences. For those specifically interested in retail, jobs with Associated Food Stores or Alsco could be ideal. And if you’re looking for tech jobs in Salt Lake City, we’ve got good news for you—tech growth in Utah has increased significantly over the years! The “Silicon Slopes” offer opportunities with companies like QuickBase, Atomic, Artemis Health, and more.
[nearby_stores map=’0′]Scottsdale, AZ
- Population: 254,995
- Home Price: $493,200 median purchase price; $1,452 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $91,042
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
- 2025 Job Growth: 1.5%
Over the years, Scottsdale has proven itself as one of the easiest places to get hired, thanks to its great job market—and 2026 is no exception. This Phoenix suburb boasts great year-round weather, making tourism the city’s main economic driver. That said, aviation is a growing industry, with the Scottsdale Airport bringing nearly $3 billion annually to the economy. Plus, Scottsdale’s job growth rate is expected to exceed the national average over the next ten years, thanks in part to the presence of tech companies like YellowBird, Emerge, and SmartRent. While tech is a significant sector, Scottsdale has more recently seen increased demand for healthcare professionals. In fact, the industry is rapidly growing in Arizona with no sign of slowing down, with Scottsdale’s largest employers including HonorHealth and Magellan Health. Yet another reason Scottsdale is one of the top places for jobs this year is the Talent Accelerator Initiative—a partnership between local employers and college systems like Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College that hires applicants willing to move for work.
Seattle, WA
- Population: 741,251
- Home Price: $713,600 median purchase price; $1,702 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $97,185
- Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
- 2025 Job Growth: 0.7%
Seattle is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S. and best cities to start a career—especially for young professionals seeking new jobs in 2026! This Pacific Northwest city, in addition to having one of the best job markets in the U.S., is ranked as the best city for tech specialists and boasts one of the most talented tech workforces, home to large companies like Amazon, Tableau, and Highspot. Even without its renowned tech scene, several Fortune 500 companies are based in the Emerald City—including Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Weyerhaeuser—offering diverse employment in Seattle. If you work in healthcare, the Advanced Health Institute, Providence, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center employ thousands locally. Seattle also offers diverse job opportunities in industries such as manufacturing and real estate, with companies like Zillow and CBRE.
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Population, housing prices, and median household income data from AreaVibes. Unemployment and job growth statistics from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
