University of Minnesota graduates seeking job opportunites around the country may be better served looking closer to home, according to an article in today’s Star Tribune. 

The Twin Cities continue to attract some of the best and brightest young college graduates, according to the article.

Reasonable cost of living, quality of life and job growth opportunities give Minneapolis the edge over other metros around the country for young job seekers.

Census data reveals an increase of 20,000 college graduates between the ages of 25 and 34 since 2000. Minneapolis currently ranks sixth among the best metros for recent college graduates, according to Forbes rankings.

According to the article, attracting these young professionals is pivotal to the success of a metro area, and impacts the quality of life and future development for cities.  

But competition to top the list is fierce, and many lower ranking cities are rapidly increasing opportunities and expanding their appeal to young up-in-comers, meaning Minneapolis has to fight to keep up. 

The Strib reports this may factor in to some of the area’s efforts including big-buck investments in zoos, museums, stadiums, bike paths and light rail transit.