A New Beginning in 2025? 10 US Cities Are Your Best Options – Forbes

A recent study by Rocket Moving analyzed the 50 largest cities in the US to determine which are the best for workers looking to start fresh. The analysis identified the top ten cities based on eight factors: job growth rate, personal income, cost of living index, median home price, monthly rent, safety index, air quality index and job vacancies.

These factors were selected to provide a comprehensive view of each city’s economic health, financial stability, affordability, safety and overall quality of life. Scores were scaled from 0 to 100 for ease of interpretation, with the final ranking reflecting a city’s overall suitability based on job opportunities, income potential, cost of living, safety, environmental quality and housing affordability. Here are the top ten cities if you’re looking for a fresh start:

1. Austin, Texas tops the list. Austin had the highest combined score of 99.43, led by its impressive job growth rate of 4.6 percent and the most job openings at 13.8 million, according to the report. “With an annual personal income of over $2 million, Austin offers the highest earning potential among the top cities. Although it has a slightly above-average cost of living index of 93.0, Austin balances this with affordable housing prices and a strong safety index of 58.75, making it an ideal location for those looking for both financial stability and stability of lifestyle.’
2. Orlando, Florida, takes second place. Orlando had a combined score of 96.86, the report said. “The city stands out for its abundance of job opportunities, totaling 9.7 million – the second highest after Austin. Although Orlando’s cost of living index is higher at 102.3, the city compensates with moderate housing costs and a personal income level of $1.59 million, making it a strong contender for those looking to start fresh in a vibrant city with a growing job market.”
3. Reno, Nevada, is third. Renault has a combined score of 92.57. The survey found it had the highest rate of job growth among the ten largest cities at 5.1 percent. “Reno also offers a balanced air quality index of 42.1 and a relatively low cost of living index of 101.3. Despite its modest personal income of $216,888, Reno’s affordable rent of $1,571 and strong job market make it an attractive option for newcomers.”
4. Sacramento, California, is in fourth place. With a combined score of 89.42, the analysis found Sacramento had the highest personal income of $3.2 million and the highest cost of living index of 134.5 among the top cities. “Sacramento has the most job openings at 17.9 million, highlighting its strong labor market despite higher costs. However, the city’s median home price of $806,674, the highest on the list, may be a barrier for those looking for more affordable living options.
5. Overland Park, Kansas secures the fifth position. With a composite score of 88.00, Overland Park offers the lowest cost of living index of 87.7 and the most affordable median home price of $232,507, according to the survey. “With a solid safety index of 75.27, the highest among the top ten, and a reasonable job growth rate of 2.9%, Overland Park is ideal for those who prioritize safety and accessibility.”
6. Albany, New York, follows closely behind in sixth place. With an overall score of 85.97, Albany stood out with a strong number of job opportunities, matching Orlando with 9.7 million open positions, the report said. “Albany’s median home price of $452,823 and rent of $1,408 make it one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast in the top rankings. However, a higher cost of living index of 125.1 slightly detracts from its overall appeal.
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is seventh. The report revealed that Pittsburgh had a composite score of 83.11, featuring a balanced approach with a moderate cost of living index of 99.0 and a median personal income of $903,980. “Pittsburgh offers a strong safety record with a safety index of 61.65, second only to Overland Park, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize safety along with affordability.”
8. Fayetteville, Arkansas, ranked eighth. With a composite score of 82.92, the study shows Fayetteville has one of the lowest home prices at $209,299 and the most affordable rent at $1,250 among the top cities. Fayetteville’s safety index of 69.15 is also notable, according to the findings, positioning it as a safe and affordable option for people looking to start over in a smaller but vibrant community.
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is in ninth place. Oklahoma City had a combined score of 81.79, offering a low cost of living index of 86.0 and affordable housing at $210,097, the data showed. “Oklahoma City has a healthy job opening balance of 1.7 million and a job growth rate of 2.7 percent.” Despite its lower safety index of 50.73, Oklahoma City remains a viable option for those who prioritize cost-effective living.
10. Fargo, North Dakota rounds out the top ten. Fargo received a combined score of 80.73. “Despite having the lowest personal income at $57,873, Fargo makes up for it with the best air quality index of 37.0, indicating a healthier environment,” the report shows. “Fargo’s cost of living index of 94.6 and the most affordable rent of $1,015 make it an attractive option for those looking for a clean and affordable city to get a fresh start.”

“Starting fresh in a new city involves balancing a number of factors, from job opportunities and income potential to affordability and safety,” says Christopher Vardanian, CEO of Rocket Moving. “High incomes and a booming job market can make a city attractive, but they often come with a higher cost of living, especially in housing. Conversely, cities with more affordable living options may offer fewer jobs or lower wages, highlighting the importance of weighing personal priorities. The key takeaway is that the best city to start over isn’t just about one factor – it’s about finding the right mix that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs,” he concludes.