Hartford Named Number 1 U.S. City for New College Grads

[HartfordTycoon]

Hartford is the top city for new college graduates to live in America -- beating out Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlanta -- thanks to its lower cost of living and entry-level job opportunities, according to a ranking from Apartments.com and CareerRookie.com.

Hartford Business Journal

I actually agree with this designation and methodology. I've been saying for years to anyone who would listen that Hartford has many desireable amenities for those newly entering the work force. For a city/region of our size our economy is huge and our cultural offerings immense and diverse. Our cost of living is substantially lower than other Northeastern cities and the cost to purchase a first home is much lower here than in Boston, NY, or NJ. We have the same drawbacks as any other urban area in the country such as blight and crime but that is typical and should be addressed but not exaggerated or dwelled upon.

We need to realize what a good thing we have going for ourselves in this region and figure out how to take it to the next level and turn the negative perception around. Job number one for this region should be figuring out how to attract young professionals to the area. If we need to make Downtown Hartford an even bigger entertainment destination then we need to go for it. Keep the focus on housing Downtown. If we can attract new college grads then in the long term that means more families and overall population growth which will mean overall economic growth.

[The Voice of Reason]

Hartford is the top city for new college graduates to live in America -- beating out Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlanta -- thanks to its lower cost of living and entry-level job opportunities, according to a ranking from Apartments.com and CareerRookie.com.

Hartford Business Journal

I actually agree with this designation and methodology. I've been saying for years to anyone who would listen that Hartford has many desireable amenities for those newly entering the work force. For a city/region of our size our economy is huge and our cultural offerings immense and diverse. Our cost of living is substantially lower than other Northeastern cities and the cost to purchase a first home is much lower here than in Boston, NY, or NJ. We have the same drawbacks as any other urban area in the country such as blight and crime but that is typical and should be addressed but not exaggerated or dwelled upon.

We need to realize what a good thing we have going for ourselves in this region and figure out how to take it to the next level and turn the negative perception around. Job number one for this region should be figuring out how to attract young professionals to the area. If we need to make Downtown Hartford an even bigger entertainment destination then we need to go for it. Keep the focus on housing Downtown. If we can attract new college grads then in the long term that means more families and overall population growth which will mean overall economic growth.

Well said!

The thing is that I honestly think we have some of the political pieces in place right now too.

Pedro seems decent, and panagore is a monster.

look at all the co-operation that has happened in the city lately to come up with great plans for long ranging projects... I quilt, Hub Hartford, One City....

I would love to see Malloy try and help capitalize on Hartfords current position as a place of interest. He should foster jobs by offering up land for apartment buildings, and really just do anything he can to get these buildings started as to capture these young people NOW, not 5 yrears from now when the deman might have shifted FAR from here.

how do you create Jobs? you build stuff.

I ask you if the state ponied up 20 million in order to get two parcels developed into 100 apartments each (payment would not happen untill construction was half done) how many jobs would be created? short term there would be immediate construction jobs as well as design work and interior design work, and moving companies would get work, and the new residents would spend money creating jobs in new downtown eateries and other service industry related retail. the buildings would have maintenance people and security people and doormen and parking garage attendants....

The interesting thing is that while the 200 short term construction jobs might go away at some point say 5 years from now, Cigna and ticket network are just as likely to do layoffs in 5 years.

BUTTTTTTT... the newly standing buildings will still be standing, still paying taxes, still employing the maintenance, security parking people. there would be a permanent increase of workers, and much of this comes from growth. Why do you think cities like Boston and NY are always so desirable? because they are constantly making room for new people and therefore construction jobs and growth in general. Construction and maintenance is the cornerstone of most local areas economic strength. the recession was caused by a lack of building and now its faltering because the boom supremely overbuilt. so even with a rising population, America still does not quite need to build more houses or condos yet.

[Theophrastus Bombastus]

Actually, it says "Hartford-New Haven" is #1 (aren't those technically 2 different demographic markets?)

[HartfordTycoon]

Actually, it says "Hartford-New Haven" is #1 (aren't those technically 2 different demographic markets?)

They are right now but the more people see them marketed and publicized together the better. They are about 30 minutes apart and in almost any other major metro area would certainly be linked. The more we can do to integrate the two cities and Springfield the greater the potential that they will be actually recognized as one metro area in the future as they should be. That's why the rail project could be such a huge game changer. We have to get people thinking and behaving as if this is all one region. If you live in Hartford and there is something you want to do in New Haven or Springfield one day saying it's too far is probably the lamest excuse you could come up with. In a city like Houston it would still be within the city limits.

[beerbeer]

Hartford/New Haven are often considered one media market or DMA. The ABC station is in New Haven while CBS is in Rockville, Fox is in Hartford and NBC is in New Britain.