Tampa is one of the top cities for college grads, according to new study

Tampa is one of the top cities for recent college grads, according to a new report by Apartment Advisor. The annual Best Cities For College Grads for 2024 is “informed by a range of economic and desirability indicators.” The rankings provide a resource for college seniors as they consider where to live after graduation.

For the 2024 Best Cities for College Grads report, the editors analyzed 98 major cities in the U.S. and calculated scores for Opportunity, Cost of Living, Mobility, and Entertainment based on a range of factors. The final ranking for each city was determined by a weighted average of those scores, with the highest final score considered the “best.”

Tampa is celebrated for its job opportunities and entertainment options

Data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau, C2ER (The Council for Community and Economic Research), Walkscore, Yelp and ApartmentAdvisor. The detailed methodology can be found here.

“Besides its average of 240-plus sunny days per year and proximity to the ocean (and all the water sports that come with it), Tampa also presents a favorable business climate,” writes Lilly Milman. “…leading to a growing number of employment opportunities in recent years due to its burgeoning tech scene and dominant defense and security and financial services industries.”

Tampa scored high for overall job opportunities, nightlife, and entertainment options. Amalie Arena certainly assisted in elevating those scores as its one of the top performing venues in the country.

More Tampa accolades:

• Money names Tampa one of the best places to live in America
• Tampa International Airport is the best large airport in America
• Tampa’s MICHELIN Guide Restaurants
• The best Riverwalk in America
• 3 Tampa neighborhoods named best in America
• Oxford Exchange is a top brunch spot in America
• Tampa is home to the best BBQ spot in Florida
• Tampa Convention Center nominated for best in Southeast