Where Are College Grads Without Big Salaries Moving These Days?

I’m not talking about grads with $80k-$120k salaries lined up who can comfortably live in the Bay Area or NYC. I’m talking about the rest of us—making modest incomes and trying to find a place to live without roommates or moving back in with our parents. Let’s be honest, buying a house is completely out of the picture right now; I’m just talking about basic apartment living.

Google keeps throwing Salt Lake City out there as a popular spot for young people, but the data feels a little off—probably skewed by the unique dynamics of the Mormon population.

So, where is everyone else actually going after graduation? Are there smaller cities or towns where you can pay rent, live decently, and not feel totally stuck? If you’ve got answers, I’m all ears.