So you've graduated college? Or, are you're looking for a career change as we exit the COVID pandemic? Here's a tip: Move to Cedar Rapids or Des Moines. Why? They're two of the best places in Iowa, and the U.S. to start a career according to a new study done by WalletHub. It's also worth noting, unemployment in Iowa remains low at 3.7%, as of March 2021.

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Cedar Rapids is a great place to start a career, as is our capital

The study puts Des Moines as the top city in Iowa to work in, ranking them at #54. Cedar Rapids landed at #109. The study ranked the top 182 cities overall. Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are the only Iowa cities to make the list, though Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska all have two cities that make the list. The only Midwestern state with more than two on this list was Missouri, which had three.

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Anatoly Vartanov
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So... Why Cedar Rapids or Des Moines for starting a career?

The study looked at some of the basics someone new to a career would need to succeed including average starting salary, most entry-level positions, affordable housing, and people aged 25-34. Cedar Rapids ranked #1 in most affordable housing, while Des Moines was #2.

Get outta your folk's basement and move to the Midwest

If you're already in Iowa and looking for a career change without a huge scenery change, the Midwest is full of great cities to work in according to the study, with Madison, Wisconsin ranking the highest at 16th. Omaha, Nebraska ended up in the 32 spot on the list.

Best of the best

The top 5 cities on the list overall are Salt Lake City, Orlando, Atlanta, Austin, Columbia (South Carolina). The top Midwestern city is Overland Park, Kansas which was #8 on the list.

Companies Based in Iowa

These companies all have one thing in common: They're based in the Hawkeye state.

Top 10 Fantastic Breweries in the Cedar Valley & Northeast Iowa - List

It's a quote that rings true, "Local Beer is Better". Why? Because you're supporting your friends and neighbors. Heck, you might even personally know the brewmaster of your favorite local beer. How cool is that? The "dive bar" down on the corner might have it's own place in society, but they're quickly being replaced by local breweries with unique themes and spacious taprooms. On top of that, they take the joy of beer to the next level, with some really good (and sometimes award-winning) beer! Scroll down for our virtual brewery tour.

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