These 10 Cities Are America’s New Employment Hubs

By Linda Mohamed Updated Jan 20, 2020

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Introduction
10. Boise, ID
9. Portland, ME
8. Tempe, AZ
7. Boston, MA
6. Chandler, AZ
5. Fremont, CA
4. Austin, TX
3. San Francisco, CA
2. South Burlington, VT
1. Scottsdale, AZ
Honourable mentions

These 10 Cities Are America’s New Employment Hubs main image

Whether you want to start 2020 with a career change post-MBA or are thinking of going to b-school, your location is sure to play a key role in your job hunt.

Luckily for you, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed now is a great time to be looking for a new job, as national employment rates have remained high, following on from last year’s winning streak.

You might be unsure whether to relocate after your MBA, or you might be struggling to decide on a school – and who can blame you, there’s endless possibilities out there. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Here are WalletHub’s top 10 US cities to get a job in 2020, and the closest top-tier business schools according to QS rankings.

10. Boise, ID

If you enjoy spending time outdoors – just think rivers, mountains, deserts, lakes and canyons – but aren’t ready to give up the vibrant city feel, then Idaho’s capital might just be the place for you. Ranked one of the top 20 best places to live in the US, Boise is rich in history, culture and nightlife, and also home to a booming Downtown area full of small businesses and mid-rises.

Biggest industries: Tech Investment; High-tech; Manufacturing.

Top MBA programs in the region (West): Stanford Graduate School of Business (#1); Haas School of Business (#6); UCLA Anderson School of Management (#9)

9. Portland, ME

With a lively mixture of the arts, a great food scene and beautiful natural scenery, Portland, Maine, is a very desirable city to relocate to. Its Downtown, including the Old Port and the Arts District, is a unique blend of urban flair and historical landmarks guaranteed to make you fall in love with the Northeastern lifestyle.

Biggest industries: Tech; Fashion; Media; Food and Beverage.

Top MBA programs in the region (Northeast): The Wharton School (#1=); MIT Sloan School of Management (#3); Harvard Business School (#4)

8. Tempe, AZ

Located between the city of Phoenix and the rest of the East Valley, Tempe is a vibrant college town home to Arizona State University. With a laid-back but energetic atmosphere, Tempe is the perfect place for music, food and sports lovers who also enjoy outdoor activities.

Biggest industries: Education; Investment; Management.

Top MBA programs in the region (Southwest): McCombs School of Business (#18); Texas A&M University (#33); W.P. Carey School of Business (#41)

7. Boston, MA

Boston is a leader in higher education, as it is home to some of the world’s most notorious educational institutions. But it’s not just that: with major annual events, art museums, galleries, sports and religious landmarks, The City on a Hill is the ideal place to have a fresh start and make the most out of everything it has to offer.

Biggest industries: Education; Finance; Professional and Business Services; Information Technology.

Top MBA programs in the region (Northeast): MIT Sloan School of Management (#3); Harvard Business School (#4); Questrom School of Business (#15)

6. Chandler, AZ

Chandler is a popular suburb in Metropolitan Phoenix, home to an extremely diverse local community. While it is a hub for tech and innovation, it’s also a city full of artistic and cultural experiences, vibrant nightlife and a thriving culinary scene. Its Downtown area in particular offers a friendly and casual atmosphere that is hard to resist.

Biggest industries: High-Tech; Manufacturing; Finance.

Top MBA programs in the region (Southwest): McCombs School of Business (#18); Texas A&M University (#33=); W.P. Carey School of Business (#41)

5. Fremont, CA

Fremont has received national recognition for its high quality of life and environmental consciousness, and it’s ideal for both young professionals and families. Aside from lively local culture, the city is also close to natural landmarks such as Mission Peak Regional Preserve and Lake Elizabeth, offering workers an ideal escape after intense workweeks.

Biggest industries: Tech; High-Tech; Information Services.

Top MBA programs in the region (West Coast): Stanford Graduate School of Business (#1=);Haas School of Business (#6); UCLA Anderson School of Management (#9)

4. Austin, TX

Named the Live Music Capital of the World®, Texas’ capital is undeniably an attractive destination to relocate to. Austin is one of the country’s most vibrant hubs of entertainment, culture, arts, cuisine and the outdoors; a city with as much personality as its people. No more convincing required.

Biggest industries: High-Tech; Biotech; Finance; Entertainment.

Top MBA programs in the region (Southwest): McCombs School of Business (#18); Texas A&M University (#33)

3. San Francisco, CA

With its iconic Golden Gates, San Francisco is as welcoming as it looks. With its culturally rich neighborhoods, beaches, parks and wine counties, it’s hard to get bored in this city. It’s also the commercial and financial center of Northern California, making it an ideal location for those looking to liven up or kick-start their career.

Biggest industries: High-Tech; Tech; Financial Services; Tourism.

Top MBA programs in the region (West Coast): Stanford Graduate School of Business (#1=);Haas School of Business (#6); UCLA Anderson School of Management (#9)

2. South Burlington, VT

On the shore of Lake Champlain, South Burlington is a dynamic city despite its small size. Downton is walker friendly, with access to many scenic parks and an up-and-coming brewing culture it’s the ideal place for those who crave a more laid-back and offbeat lifestyle.

Biggest industries: Retail; Healthcare; Tech Services.

Top MBA programs in the region (Northeast): The Wharton School (#1=); MIT Sloan School of Management (#3); Harvard Business School (#4)

1. Scottsdale, AZ

Located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and near the picturesque McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale is one of the country’s most desirable cities to live, visit and do business in. Nicknamed ‘The West’s most western town’, it features restaurants, retail centers, art galleries and museums, and it is guaranteed to fill you with excitement at the prospect of experiencing it all.

Biggest industries: Tourism; Healthcare; Transport and Aviation.

Top MBA programs in the region (Southwest): McCombs School of Business (#18); Texas A&M University (#33=); W.P. Carey School of Business (#41)

Honourable mentions

Aside from its top cities list, WalletHub categorized locations based on the amount of job opportunities they offer. Among the top five, we can find Charleston (SC), Orlando (FL), Columbia (SC), Salt Lake City (UT), and Cincinnati (OH).

You can’t say you aren’t spoilt for choice.

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Written by

Linda Mohamed

Linda was a Content Writer at TopMBA, creating content about students, courses, universities and businesses. She recently graduated in Journalism & Creative Writing with Politics and International Relations, and now enjoys writing for a student audience.