Gen Y keeps Austin young

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin’s young adults and recent college graduates looking for a place to put down roots and start a career may not have to look far.

Kiplinger.com compiled a list of the 10 U.S cities that offer exceptional opportunities to young adults, and Austin made the list.

The top 10 cities were selected based on factors such as large percentages of people younger than 35 (members of Gen Y), cost of living and rental costs, culture, nightlife and traffic issues.

Austin topped the list in terms of Gen Y residents, with 30 percent. Other perks of the city included living costs below the national norm and having the fourth-lowest jobless rate among cities with populations of one million or more.

Austin’s rich culture, which the website described as “exceptional,” was also a factor – Austin City Limits and South by Southwest were cited as special attractions for young adults aside from the hundreds of bars and music venues.

Being home to one of the largest universities in the country and the capital of Texas -- coupled with the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” philosophy -- is a natural draw for the young adult.

“There is certainly more than enough to keep the recent grad busy,” said Kiplinger.com’s assessment of Austin.

Long, hot summers, accelerating urban sprawl, and limited public transportation were listed as Austin’s drawbacks, although it was noted that the average commute only lasts about 23 minutes.

Houston was also included on the list for its big-city feel and small-town price tag. The city is home to 25 Fortune 500 companies ’ headquarters, and its varied economy and diversity (more than one million of Houston’s inhabitants were born outside of the U.S) make it a great environment for any young adult.

Heat (“oppressive”) was a key drawback for young adults looking at Houston as a possible future home, along with bad traffic, pollution and a high crime rate.

Other cities on the list include Charlotte, N.C, Chicago, Ill., and, of course, New York, N.Y.

The full slideshow of Kiplinger’s Top 10 city picks is available here .