Median monthly rent: $802 (nat. average, $817)

Median income (2009): $26,977 (nat. average, $30,402)

Income growth (2005 to 2009): 3.4%

Unemployment rate: 10.1% (nat. average, 9.2%)

Percentage of residents ages 20-24: 7.9% (nat. average, 7.0%)

Located 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs has the lowest metro population on our list at 608,000. But the city offers an unbeatable combo for recent grads: A vibrant, tech-based economy plus rock-bottom living costs. In 2010,the city made plans to add 1,398 new jobs in fields like information technology, banking and higher education, with average salaries around $36,900. Major companies like Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Verizon Communications (VZ) and FedEx (FDX) have corporate offices here.

Rents remain low -- even downtown, with plenty to do in a walkable, nine-block radius. And with the Rocky Mountains looming over the city, it's an outdoor enthusiast's delight, ranking among the country's fittest cities, according to a recent Gallup survey. It's home to Colorado College, the Air Force Academy, and many evangelical Christian organizations.

Pros: Educated community, low crime rate, 118 miles of urban bike trails, high percentage of residents ages 20-24 compared with other cities on our list.

Cons: High unemployment rate for low-skilled workers (opportunities skew toward the highly-skilled), limited public transit, low median income.