NYC: The Harvard of all Cities?

New York City is like Harvard. Think about it: When we were applying to college, or any type of grad program, it was an unstated fact that Harvard is 'the best.' If you can get in Harvard, you can get in anywhere, they say. And that is what people say about New York City. If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.

I honestly cannot relate to those who dramatically jet off to The Big Apple upon graduation. Unless you are called there for a certain job (most likely in finance), it is a huge leap to take. I guess I admire those that have a 'I have nothing to lose attitude,' but the fact is, we do have something to lose. Money. Time. An unhealthy amount of weight. We all have dreams, but they don't necessarily come true in NYC. More than likely, you will get a better start in a more realistic city. And when you start off well and decide you can then handle making an I Love NY t-shirt a reality, then you can move. Comfortably. And you will get that sleep the city (apparently) never gets.

It really gets me when people assume that New York City is THE place to work post-grad. Sure, I know The City houses some of the greatest companies in the nation, but does it house an enjoyable state of being? And who really believes they will get their dream, top executive job at a far-fetched company right out of college?

I guess the point of this post is to help those who are deciding on which city they want to move to, reassure those living in a city other than NYC, and finally—to show these newly new yorkers that maybe they should have bought a round-trip ticket.

So. For those who have opted not to go to the Harvard of all cities, there are other Ivy Leaguers that I'd like to give credit to: 

Boston (much cleaner city.)

Providence, RI and Newport, RI (New England is amazing and has so much history and culture.)

Chicago (btw, research why it is really called The Windy City.)

San Francisco (expensive like NY, but much better weather, and ideal place on West coast.)

Denver (up and coming, not to mention gorgeous, and great for those who love the outdoors)

Kansas City (Midwest has great jobs to offer that are too often overlooked.)

St. Louis and Minneapolis (forgot why, but I hear they are hidden jems.)

Charlotte (great for those who don't want to leave the South, but want the city feel.)

Nashville (don't assume it's only for country music lovers.)

And finally... Birmingham (because I live here. JK—really, awesome place for creatives and businesspersons.)

I speak to these cities, though there are many others, because they are great places to consider for both a job and your right-out-of-college life. If not, always.