San Jose ranks in the top 10 cities for young professionals according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. According to Sue Shellenbarger’s article, “The Next Hot Youth-Magnet Cities,” San Jose ranked #6 on the list of “hottest, hippest destinations for highly mobile, educated workers in their 20s when the U.S. economy gets moving again.” Falling just behind other metropolitan big cities, San Jose appealed to the panel of experts because of the region’s economic strength and popular cultural activities. Being the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose’s strong entreprenuerial spirit and smart venture capitalism has the ability to draw bright, young talent to the area and be a source of employment for any hot job fields. In addition, young professionals also are attracted to the region’s restaurants, cultural life, and access to outdoor activities. With the recent downturn in the real estate market and economy, housing is also more affordable and viable in San Jose.

The panelists based the rankings on criteria that was important to the hip and mobile young professionals including economic diversity all the way to lifestyle. The experts noted that the young professionals are now placing more emphasis on locations where they are more likely to find high-quality, high paying jobs. San Jose placed sixth on the list behind other big city metropolitan areas. Washington, DC and Seattle tied for first while New York City, Portland, and Austin came in just ahead of San Jose. According to the article, young adults between 18 to 29 are the most mobile age group, and their past migration patterns have defined the future of regions.

Top 10 List Hot Youth-Magnet Cities

1. Washington, D.C. (tie)
1. Seattle (tie)
3. New York
4. Portland, Ore.
5. Austin, Texas
6. San Jose, Calif.
7. Denver
8. Durham, N.C.
9. Dallas
10. Chicago

Source: The Wall Street Journal, “The Next Hot Youth-Magnet Cities,” Sue Shellenbarger (9/30/09)