Top 9 Cities to Thrive in Your 30s, as Recommended by Real Estate Pros

The city we live in impacts every aspect of our personal and professional lives — from access to jobs and health care to how likely we are to own a home and find a partner. Today, people in their 30s make up a considerable part of our country’s population, which also applies to expats. Accessibility to air travel, flexible work arrangements, and the availability of digital nomad visas have allowed many young professionals to move abroad.

As the life of an average 30-year-old has changed dramatically over the last 40 years, certain cities provide more opportunities than others. Key factors considered include cost of living, access to quality and affordable education and child care, high salaries, jobs, generous parental leave, recreational opportunities, and a good work-life balance.

01 of 09: Denver, Colorado

About a quarter of Denver’s population is between 27 and 42 years old, and the city was the second most popular destination for millennials in 2019. With a lively craft beer scene, easy access to various outdoor activities, proximity to the mountains, an international airport, and a strong workforce, the Mile High City is a magnet for young people.

“Tech and energy jobs are pulling young workers into Colorado from many areas of the U.S., and once they arrive, they generally put down permanent roots,” Gretchen Rosenberg, CEO of Kentwood Real Estate, noted.

She emphasized that while first-time buyers may find the Denver city market expensive — the median home value in February 2023 was $560,000 — plenty of affordable options exist in the city’s suburbs. Another reason to consider buying a first home here? Rosenberg added, “Property taxes are generally more reasonable than many other cities of similar size. Denver is a great choice if someone is looking for fun, sun, and spectacular mountain views.”

02 of 09: New York City, New York

“One’s 30s are for exploring all that life has to offer while growing a career. There’s no better city in the world than New York City to accomplish that,” emphasized Matthew Hughes, a Manhattan broker with Brown Harris Stevens.

The diversity and top-notch entertainment in New York are unrivaled. According to a survey by MoneyNerd, the Big Apple is also among the top five cities in the world for work-life balance, ranking the highest in job opportunities and average salary. Despite its notoriously pricey real estate market, this shouldn’t deter first-time buyers.

Hughes noted, “While it can be expensive, we have many beautiful and residential neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx at more reasonable rates compared to Manhattan. Given how resilient residential real estate has been in New York City, I firmly believe there is also no better place to invest.”

03 of 09: Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is frequently recognized for its excellent work-life balance and high standard of living. Residents earn an average of $82,191 annually and consistently rank high in happiness ratings, according to recent statistics. The city also boasts a robust health care system, ample job opportunities across multiple sectors, and impressive infrastructure, not to mention its safety.

If you appreciate the outdoors, Zurich is an ideal location. Popular recreational activities include hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and skiing. Furthermore, its central position makes it easy to fly to other significant European cities.

Additionally, the majority of the region’s population was between 30 and 39 years old in 2021.

04 of 09: Austin, Texas

Austin has emerged as a preferred destination for individuals in their 30s. The median age here is 35.8 years, and the Texas capital was among the top cities that attracted the most millennials in 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The city’s vibrant offerings include music, comedy, food, art, sports, and nature, making it a compelling choice.

For those seeking permanence, the city’s real estate market has remained relatively affordable.

“Austin is an ideal place to own a first home because there are options available at every price point within a reasonable distance from city amenities,” explained Millheiser from Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. With a median home value of $561,613, prices in nearby suburbs average around $350,000.

05 of 09: Copenhagen, Denmark

Young people are drawn to Copenhagen for various reasons. The Danish capital is known for its safety, excellent health care, affordable public transport, and high-quality education. Danish citizens report being among the happiest in the world, likely due to the comparatively light working hours averaging just 25.9 hours per week with 25 days of vacation annually (excluding public holidays).

New parents in Denmark enjoy substantial parental leave by law, with 52 weeks allotted, while child care is subsidized, capping kindergarten tuition at around $590 in Danish krone. In their leisure time, Copenhagen residents often explore the city’s numerous parks, museums, and restaurants. Additionally, Copenhagen is bike-friendly, promoting an active, environmentally conscious lifestyle.

06 of 09: Vancouver, Canada

Recognized as one of North America’s most livable cities, Vancouver provides many advantages for young adults in their 30s: superior health care and education, low unemployment rates, safety, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Furthermore, Canada’s generous parental leave is a significant consideration for those planning to start a family. The picturesque views of the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean are an added benefit.

“Vancouver is evolving into a tech hub, featuring both startups and established players like Microsoft, E.A., and Amazon,” noted Jonathan Cooper, president of Macdonald Real Estate Group.

07 of 09: Portland, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most desirable regions for those in their 30s, accounting for nearly a third of Portland’s population.

“Portland is pet-friendly, bike-friendly, and kid-friendly… Access to the mountains, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon coast is just one to two hours away. There’s a vast array of outdoor adventures waiting, from fishing and camping to hiking and skiing,” stated Kathryne Psihogios from Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Unlike many major cities on the West Coast, Portland’s real estate market favors first-time buyers, with millennial homeowners increasing by 146 percent in the last five years.

“Depending on budget, there are several neighborhoods in Portland that are appealing to buyers in their 30s. For those with larger budgets, the inner core — Irvington, Laurelhurst, Alameda, Hawthorne, and Sellwood are desirable areas. However, many first-time buyers have more limited budgets and often seek locations such as Cully and Roseway, which offer older bungalows and craftsman homes, as well as Parkrose and Argay Terrace in outer Northeast Portland, known for their mid-century properties on larger lots,” explained Aimee Virnig, principal broker at Windermere Real Estate.

08 of 09: Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm consistently ranks as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world, thanks to its stable economy, excellent public transportation, numerous parks, and superior health care and education systems. As the residence of the Swedish royal family, the city also features many historical landmarks and cultural institutions for enthusiasts of history and art.

“Stockholm is enveloped in natural beauty, with a plethora of parks, lakes, and forests offering opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and many outdoor activities,” stated Anders Elbe from Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty. “In winter, you can enjoy ice skating, skiing, and other cold-weather sports.”

As a stable real estate market, investing in Stockholm presents a strong opportunity for wealth building, with the median price for a single-family home hovering around 6.8 million SEK (approximately $659,000 USD).

09 of 09: Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., has transformed into a vibrant hub for young people, with neighborhoods emerging throughout the city. The primary allure for individuals in their 30s is a strong and stable job market, which significantly contributes to a high quality of life. Residents enjoy diverse activities year-round — spending summers at Maryland, Virginia, Delaware beaches, and winter fun in West Virginia and Pennsylvania with ideal snowboarding and skiing conditions.

“It’s hard to imagine a more ideal place to buy a first home than Washington, D.C., particularly in your 30s,” Andrew Pariser, a broker at Long & Foster Real Estate, remarked. “Considering future resale value, this being the nation’s capital means real estate prices are less susceptible to fluctuations seen in other regions of the country.”