College Grads Flocking To Urban America

In a trend that would make Richard Florida proud, well-educated college graduates are flocking to big cities in increasing numbers, drawn by good jobs, cultural amenities and an "urban" lifestyle.

1 minute read

April 15, 2006, 11:00 AM PDT

By David Gest


An analysis by the Associated Press has added to the growing cadre of studies reporting that urban America is increasingly the destination-of-choice for footloose, well-educated young Americans. Despite an overall loss of population in many urban centers, these same cities are nevertheless being bolstered by an influx of young "creatives" and other newly minted college grads.

According to AP, "Seattle, Washington, was the best-educated city in 2004 with just over half the adults having bachelor's degrees. Following closely were San Francisco; Raleigh, North Carolina; Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas."

Unfortunately, for certain gritty post-industrial cities in the Northeast and Midwest further down on the "Creative Class" food chain, the rising tide of population loss and workforce depletion continues.

Thanks to Alex Pearlstein

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 in Associated Press via CNN.com

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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