Best Cities for New Grad Nurses in 2025
Top Cities for New Graduate Nurses in 2025
What factors make a city ideal for nurses?
Many cities attract new graduates, but some are especially appealing to nurses. So, where should new grad nurses focus their search?
We’ve identified the top cities for new grad nurses, featuring low unemployment, numerous job openings, and reasonable living costs. Discover job matches and answers to all your nursing career queries.
Leading Cities for New Grad Nurses
Denver, Colorado
Denver is rapidly expanding, with over 30,000 RNs in the metro and attractive salaries, making it a great choice.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas boasts top hospitals, low living expenses, and no state income tax, making it appealing to many nurses. Forbes ranks Dallas #2 for career and business prospects.
Seattle, Washington
Leading Forbes' list for career and business prospects, Seattle offers competitive nursing salaries, with RNs earning an average of $99,310.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is growing with affordable big-city living, with rent around $700 monthly. With two major hospital systems, there’s ample job availability for healthcare professionals.
Des Moines, Iowa
While not the first place many consider, Des Moines is the Midwest’s fastest-growing metro area.
Boston, Massachusetts
Though costly, nurses in Boston are well-paid. With over 10 top hospitals, nursing opportunities abound.
Durham, North Carolina
Known as the City of Medicine, Durham-Chapel Hill ranks top for health care jobs, with abundant nursing opportunities.
Washington, D.C.
Despite high costs, Washington, D.C. hosts leading hospitals per U.S. News. It’s perfect for those wanting to enhance their nursing skills in a vibrant area.
Leading nursing positions available: Registered Nurse (RN), Med Surg Los Angeles, CA | $46,000 to $151,000 /year Registered Nurse (RN), Med Surg Castle Rock, CO | $62,030 to $101,547 /year Registered Nurse (RN), Med Surg New Bedford, MA | $59,640 to $119,530 /year Registered Nurse (RN), Med Surg San Francisco, CA | $65,000 to $190,000 /year Registered Nurse – Med Surg / Telemetry La Mesa, CA | $75,000 to $150,000 /year.
