Best Cities for a Mid-20’s Consultant? Advice Needed

Background:
I need to get the fuck OUT of Canada. For those of you who don’t live here, be grateful. I’m a dual citizen (U.S/Canada) and made the mistake of starting my career here. Canada offers the work life balance of a tier 1 U.S city and the pay of a European city - except everything is still expensive. It’s also cold and grey.

Okay, enough with the rant.

I’m looking to make the jump back over to the states and have been deliberating on which city I should land in..

I work on the strategy team of a T-2 firm as a senior consultant (mainly focusing in the financial services sector).

I’m extremely social, I love nature, skiing, hiking, and surfing, but also value the opportunities and culture larger cities offer - I have accepted that I can’t get it all but I’d like to get as close as possible.

Any recommendations on where I should begin the next chapter? My firm has an office in almost every major hub, but I’m not 100% set on staying - just set on finding a great place to build a life.

TLDR: What are some great U.S cities to move to as a mid 20’s strategy consultant who enjoys the outdoors?

Region
 

Swinging from the vines of wisdom, here's what I've gathered from the highest ranked content on WSO for a mid-20's consultant looking for a U.S. city that balances professional opportunities with a love for the outdoors:

  1. Denver, Colorado: Known for its proximity to the Rockies, Denver offers a great mix of outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. It's a growing hub for business and has a vibrant city life without the overwhelming hustle of some larger cities.

  2. Seattle, Washington: If you can handle the rain, Seattle is a tech and consulting hub with access to water sports, hiking, and skiing. It's also close to nature with the Puget Sound and Olympic National Park nearby.

  3. San Francisco, California: While expensive, San Francisco is a major city for finance and consulting. It's close to surfing spots, has great city culture, and you're just a stone's throw away from hiking in places like Marin County or Yosemite.

  4. Austin, Texas: Austin is booming in tech and has a lively social scene. It's warmer, has a lower cost of living than SF, and while it's not known for skiing, there are plenty of outdoor activities and nature to enjoy.

  5. Atlanta, Georgia: A growing hub for business, particularly in the South. It offers a more affordable cost of living and has access to outdoor activities in the surrounding areas.

  6. Boston, Massachusetts: If you're looking for a blend of history, culture, and business opportunities, Boston might be a good fit. It's close to skiing in Vermont and New Hampshire and has a variety of outdoor activities available.

Remember, each city has its own unique vibe and opportunities, so consider what's most important for your career and personal happiness. It's also worth noting that while some cities like Houston and Chicago are major business centers, they may not align as closely with your outdoor lifestyle preferences.

Now, go swing through those city jungles and find your perfect tree! And if you're considering staying with your current firm, it might be worth discussing with them the opportunities available in these cities.

Sources: Outside NYC/SF, how would you rate cities for finance/consulting/corporate opps?, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Some Thoughts on Managing Multiple Offers (Consulting / MBB), Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Exhaustive Boutique Strategy Consulting Firms List

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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