10 Best Cities to Study in the USA

If I could return to my senior year of high school and pick a college again, I'd heavily emphasize the city's attributes in my decision-making process.

Choosing the right city isn't just about the college itself; it's about the lifestyle, job opportunities, and communities you'll be part of for the next few years.

Let’s dive into the 10 best cities to study in the US. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each city.

10. Pittsburgh

Pros

1. Prestigious universities

Pittsburgh is home to Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, known for their strong programs in engineering, medicine, design, and computer science.

2. Affordable living

Compared to other major cities with top-tier universities like NYC and Boston, Pittsburgh is more affordable in terms of housing, food, and general living expenses.

3. Beautiful city

Pittsburgh is also known as the "City of Bridges," with over 440 bridges, many of which offer picturesque views of the skyline and waterways.

The view from Mount Washington, especially at night, is iconic, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city lights and rivers.

Cons

1. Weather

The city has cold, cloudy, and long winters, which might be a downside for students accustomed to warmer climates.

2. Lack of public transportation and location

While available, public transportation may not be as comprehensive or convenient as in larger cities.

There is almost no direct flight to Asia.

3. Limited job opportunities

Compared to major cities such as New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago, Pittsburgh offers fewer job opportunities with large corporations.

9. Austin

Pros

1. Rapidly growing city and job market

Known as "Silicon Hills," Austin is home to a thriving tech industry, offering a lot of internship and job opportunities for students in technology, engineering, and related fields.

2. Quality of life and cost of living

Often ranked highly for its quality of life, Austin offers a balance of urban convenience with a close-knit community.

The cost of living, although growing, is not as high as in major cities like New York and San Francisco.

3. University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin is renowned for their engineering programs, research opportunities, and great campus life.

Cons

1. Hot Summers

Austin has more than 30 days with over 37°C during summer. It’s also pretty dry.

2. Limited public transportation

Students might need cars to live in Austin since the public transportation system is not as developed as in other large cities.

3. Not many good schools

University of Texas at Austin is the city's only university ranked within the Top 100. Although Texas A&M, another top 100, is nearby, it requires a two-hour drive from Austin.

8. Seattle

Pros

1. Abundant job opportunities

Seattle is home to Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing, and other big companies.

Seattle's robust economy driven by the leading firms above ensures a wealth of internship and employment opportunities for students and graduates.

2. Natural beauty and outdoor activities

Surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, Seattle offers countless outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to kayaking.

3. Vibrant city life and awesome food scene

Seattle's not just about killer coffee; it's also a foodie paradise with all kinds of cuisines. The city vibe is super lively, packed with cool neighborhood festivals and a colorful mix of folks.

4. (For international students) Close to Asia

Seattle's the closest US city to Asia, so if you're from Asia, it's super easy to visit home for a break, chill, and then come back refreshed for your studies.

Cons

1. High cost of living

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, which can be challenging for students to manage tuition and living expenses.

2. Weather

Eric lived in Seattle for a year from 2021 to 2022, and it rained about 80% of the time from October through April. Seattle's summers are among the best you'll find anywhere in the world, though.

3. Not many good schools

Besides the University of Washington, there aren't many other big-name schools around.

7. Philadelphia

Pros

1. Rich academic environment

Philadelphia is home to great colleges like the University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College, one of the top liberal arts schools in the US.

Whether you're into engineering, arts and humanities, or science, these schools offer top-notch programs in all those fields.

2. Perfect mix of urban energy and academic environment

Philadelphia is one of the best cities to study AND play. It strikes the perfect balance between a bustling urban atmosphere and a serious academic environment.

3. Affordable living

Compared to other major cities with top-tier universities like NYC and Boston, Philadelphia is more affordable in terms of housing, food, and general living expenses.

Cons

1. (Some areas) Safety concerns

Some parts of the city can be pretty risky due to high crime rates.

Parts of North and West Philadelphia, for example, have been highlighted for higher crime rates compared to the city's average.

2. Distance from major job markets

Philly's location a bit away from other major cities with huge job markets, like New York City, can be a downside for students looking for their first jobs.

3. Weather variability

Philadelphia experiences a wide range of weather, from hot, humid summers to cold, snowy winters.

6. Atlanta

Pros

1. Great schools in the city

Atlanta is home to highly ranked universities such as Emory University and Georgia Tech, known for their rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and strong alumni networks.

2. Cost of living

It’s one of the big reasons why Eric lives in Atlanta now!

Although it’s become more expensive, the rent is roughly half the price in NYC and San Francisco, and overall living expenses are much, much cheaper than in big cities.

3. Diverse food options

Born and raised in South Korea, Eric feels almost at home in Atlanta. There are many great Korean restaurants in Atlanta.

But it's not just about the Korean cuisine; Atlanta's a melting pot of diverse cuisines from around the globe.

4. Great weather

Atlanta is known for its mild winters and warm summers.

This allows for comfortable year-round outdoor activities and travel.

Cons

1. (Some areas) High crime rates

Many areas in Atlanta have crime rates higher than the national average.

Students should be extra careful when choosing where to live and live within student-friendly environments.

2. Underdeveloped public transportation

Having a car is highly recommended in Atlanta as the public transportation system isn't extensive enough to efficiently cover the entire city.

In addition, navigating certain areas using public transit can pose safety concerns.

3. Not many jobs

Although home to big corporations like Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot, the city's job market may not offer the same volume of opportunities as found in some larger metropolitan areas.

5. Washington D.C / Maryland / Virginia (DMV)

Pros

1. Abundant job opportunities for liberal arts students

Proximity to the nation’s capital provides unparalleled opportunities for internships and networking in government, non-profits, international organizations, and the private sector.

2. Convenient public transportation

Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia offer robust public transportation options, making it easier to explore and commute without a car.

3. Great food and restaurants

The DMV area has a vibrant food scene that spans from Asian to American and European cuisines, significantly enhancing your quality of life with its diverse food options.

4. Warm weather and natural beauty

Combined with warm weather throughout the year, the DMV area lets you enjoy its natural beauty through attractions such as Rock Creek Park, the Potomac River, and numerous trails.

Living in DC for a year was awesome, and Eric loved every bit of it. It's definitely a city where you could hang out for decades, making memories and spending quality time with your family.

Cons

1. Limited engineering job opportunities

A notable drawback in the DMV area is the scarcity of job opportunities in engineering, due to the region's predominant emphasis on the non-profit, government, and public sectors.

2. Rising cost of living

The DMV area is known for its high cost of living. The cost of living in Washington, DC is 52% higher than the national average (source).

3. Not many good schools

Besides notable institutions like Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Virginia, the DMV area offers a limited selection of highly regarded universities.

4. Chicago

Pros

1. Prestigious universities

Chicago is home to world-renowned institutions like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University that offer a variety of programs and degrees in all disciplines.

For art students, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago located in downtown Chicago could be a dream school.

2. Professional opportunities

Chicago is a major economic hub, providing ample internship and job opportunities in fields such as finance, technology, and healthcare.

3. Convenient public transportation

Chicago's extensive public transportation system, including buses and the "L" train, makes it easy to navigate the city.

Eric lived in Chicago for 2 years without a car 😊

Cons

1. Safety concerns

Chicago ranks 20th in the highest violent crime rates across the United States and holds 1st among major cities (source).

Certain areas, including the South Side and West Side of Chicago, are extremely dangerous.

2. Severe weather

While residing in Chicago, Eric encountered numerous days with temperatures dropping below -20°C, experiencing such cold conditions persisting until late April.

Essentially, it felt as though half of the year was dominated by winter.

3. SF / Palo Alto / LA

Pros

1. Top-ranked institutions

SF / Palo Alto / LA is home to world-class universities like Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and CalTech, and many other great schools like UCLA, USC, and Pomona College.

2. Abundant job opportunities

Proximity to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and LA offers unparalleled opportunities for internships and networking in the tech industry.

3. Amazing weather

Palo Alto and LA are sunny and warm all year, perfect for hitting the trails, surfing, or just exploring around.

Cons

1. High cost of living

San Francisco, Palo Alto, and LA are the most expensive cities to live in the US.

The rent for a bedroom apartment can easily go up to $4,000 and even higher.

2. Competitive student life

You will compete with the smartest students in the world. The next four years will be all about studying to survive and finding your first job.

Plus, with all the academic pressure, don't forget to look after your mental and physical well-being – it's super important.

3. Rising safety concerns

The total crime rate in San Francisco is 111% higher than the US average, in LA is 86% higher than the US average.

2. New York

Pros

1. Diverse educational opportunities

New York is home to great universities like Columbia University, New York University (NYU), Cornell Tech, and Cooper Union, offering a wide range of disciplines from engineering to the humanities.

Furthermore, New York provides prestigious art and design schools like Parsons and the Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as world-renowned music conservatories such as The Juilliard School for aspiring musicians.

2. Networking and career opportunities

Being a global hub for industries such as finance, media, technology, and fashion, New York offers unparalleled networking opportunities, internships, and job prospects post-graduation

3. Walkability & convenient public transportation

One of New York's greatest advantages is its walkability, allowing students to easily explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and green spaces without a car.

Plus, you can easily take subways to reach anywhere in NYC.

Cons

1. High cost of living

Manhattan rentals averaged $3,375 for a studio rental and the median rent was $4,457/month in 2023 (source). For a one-bedroom apartment, prices could soar up to $6,000 a month.

2. Noise and cleanliness issues

These issues stem from the dense population and high tourist traffic.

Streets and public spaces can accumulate trash and subway stations and tracks often gather grime and debris along with many mice.

3. Competitive environment

It’s New York. Everything’s competitive.

This relentless competition fosters a dynamic environment that can be incredibly rewarding but also demands resilience and perseverance.

1. Boston

Pros

1. Perfect academic environment

Home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT, Boston is a global hub for higher education with 64 colleges in the metropolitan area.

Boston’s got the vibe of being academic and lively at the same time.

2. Great places to eat

Within a short walk or a quick public transportation ride, you'll find an abundance of fantastic restaurants, cozy cafes, and lively bars.

During his time at Harvard, Eric particularly valued the accessibility to an excellent array of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants, all conveniently located within walking distance.

3. Professional opportunities

In downtown Boston and Cambridge, students have access to a lot of internship and full-time job opportunities across diverse industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

4. Public transportation

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) offers extensive public transportation options, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.

Cons

1. High cost of living

Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

The average cost of living in Boston is $3,000 per month (source)

2. Competitive academic environment

Boston has Harvard and MIT.

The concentration of high-ranking universities creates a highly competitive academic atmosphere.

While this can drive students to achieve excellence, it may also lead to increased stress and pressure to perform, which could impact mental health and overall well-being.

3. Harsh winters

Boston is known for its challenging winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow, and ice.

This can affect daily commutes to class and limit outdoor activities for a good portion of the academic year.

Conclusion

Selecting a city for your college education is a deeply personal choice that should align with your academic, professional, and lifestyle goals.

I hope the pros and cons we've laid out help you make a well-informed decision that aligns perfectly with your goals and ensures your well-being throughout your college journey.