Median monthly rent: $895 (nat. average, $817)

Median income (2009): $30,974 (nat. average, $30,402)

Income growth (2005 to 2009): 4.6%

Unemployment rate: 8.5% (nat. average, 9.2%)

Percentage of residents ages 20-24: 6.5% (nat. average, 7.0%)

The number of college-educated young adults in Philadelphia has jumped 57% from 2000 -- evidence of the city's diverse entry-level job opportunities and relatively low cost. In the past year, Philly added 22,500 jobs in fields such as health and education. The country's fifth largest city also boasts one of the most competitive bioscience and medical technology hubs, which includes companies such as MedImmune and Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO). Recent grads can live in Old City, Northern Liberties or Fairmount, where a two-bedroom runs a little over $1,000 and galleries, bars and boutiques abound.

Pros: Relatively low rent and cost of living when compared with other major cities, such as New York and Washington, D.C., extensive public transportation system, high job growth in healthcare, science and technology

Cons: Persistent high crime, rents still slightly higher than national average