cities

If you’ve ever wondered where all the tech jobs are hiding, spoiler alert: they’re not evenly spread across the map. Certain cities have quietly (or loudly) turned into full-blown tech magnets, pulling in developers, engineers, and startup dreamers like it’s their full-time job—because, well, it kind of is.

Money talks—and in some American cities, it shouts. Average salaries can vary wildly depending on where you live, and some places reward workers far more than others. From tech-fueled hubs on the West Coast to bustling business centers in the Midwest and East, certain cities consistently rise above the rest when it comes to earning power.

We looked at job growth, average salaries, major industries, and lifestyle perks to rank the best US cities for young professionals.

My husband’s job is transferring him to California and we have to move. My neighbor says it’s a huge mistake financially. What should we do?