5 Best Places To Live For Computer Science Graduates

 Anyone fresh out of school and looking to find their first job in the computer science field is generally asking themselves one question: “Where can I go to have the best chance of landing a job quickly without selling myself short.” Whether looking to join a bustling IT community, an area rich with mobile developers or searching for a location that’s in need of IT support, it can sometimes be difficult to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of particular areas in relation to your chances of success.

Based on recent job growth, average salaries, future growth potential and the cost of living, here is a list of the five best places to live for computer science graduates:

5. Baltimore, MD

Coming in last on the list, this city has benefited greatly from an increase in federal spending. Over the last 10 years, it has seen an incredible growth of 38.8 percent in tech jobs. 

This makes the median salary of $95,000 very attractive for fresh graduates looking to get their foot in the door while receiving a wage that is more than fair for someone with little experience in their field. Although not nearly as attractive as it’s neighbor — Washington, DC — it can be a great stepping stone.

4. Salt Lake City, UT

Although many may overlook a city like Salt Lake City believing it wouldn’t be a great place for a future in computer science, an influx of several large companies from Silicon Valley has made it an excellent place to work and live. With industry giants like social media king Twitter, gaming giant Electronic Arts and diverse companies like Adobe flocking to the city because of lower taxes and a better-educated and multilingual workforce, this city has seen an increase in tech employment of 31 percent over the last 10 years. In just the last two years alone, tech employment in this region has grown nearly 8 percent. Combined with affordable housing and a comfortable cost of living, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place for any budding computer science major.

3. San Diego/Southern California

Throughout the last decade, the San Diego region of California has seen a growth of 30 percent in computer science jobs. With a strong growth in biotechnology as well as physical science and life science fields, this beautiful area is a great haven for any seeking a budding career within the less common industries of computer science. This region also boasts a lower cost of living then the often-sought Silicon Valley area. Although Silicon Valley has also seen an increase in jobs of 26 percent over the last two years, the cost of living and the length of commute to work make it much less desirable than the San Diego area.

2. Washington, DC

This bustling computer science metropolis has seen an increase of nearly 21 percent in tech industry employment since 2001. It also boasts an incredible proportion of tech jobs that is 2.9 times the national average. Although this type of growth is largely due to an increase in government spending, it doesn’t mean the area will slow down anytime soon. This makes it an excellent area to get started in the computer science field by offering incredible experience in the fields of computer systems design as well as programming and research and development in the private sector. This region also has some of the highest average wages available at nearly $100,000 a year. To those seeking longevity within the industry, this is very attractive.

1. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

The metro area of Seattle has proven itself as one of the largest-growing tech cities over the last few years. With an increase in available jobs of 12 percent, this bustling computer science haven has been more than welcoming to those seeking new jobs.

 With the Puget Sound regions showing an increase in jobs of 43 percent, featuring the presence of tech giants Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing, and having a much lower cost of living than other areas while paying a median salary of $91,000, there is likely no better place to live and work in the field of computer science.