These 10 US cities have the strongest job markets and easiest commutes
In 2025, America’s hottest job markets are no longer confined to traditional hubs like New York or San Francisco. Instead, a new wave of cities is rising—offering not just career growth, but better pay, shorter commutes, and more flexibility. From scenic Bend, Oregon to booming Carmel, Indiana, these cities are blending opportunity with livability like never before.A recent study by SmartAsset analyzed 348 U.S. cities, ranking them on key factors including unemployment rates, income growth, median earnings, and remote work participation. The findings paint a clear picture: the cities that top the list aren’t just where the jobs are, they’re where workers are thriving.Let’s dive into the top 10 job markets shaping the American workforce this year.
Bend, Oregon
Unemployment: 3.16% | Median Earnings: $51,382Income Growth (3 years): 44.22% | Remote Workers: 26.89%Once known as a quiet outdoorsy town, Bend has become a magnet for professionals who crave both opportunity and quality of life. With a booming tech and tourism economy, nearly 27% of its residents working remotely, and incomes rising over 44% in three years, Bend is now one of the most desirable small cities in the U.S.
Richmond, Virginia
Unemployment: 3.80% | Median Earnings: $73,138Income Growth: 49.47% | Remote Workers: 15.81%Richmond is quietly outperforming expectations. The city boasts the highest income growth on the list—nearly 50%—making it a smart choice for mid-career professionals. With growing opportunities in finance, education, and tech, Richmond is transforming into a powerful regional job hub without the chaos of a mega metro.
Seattle, Washington
Unemployment: 4.17% | Median Earnings: $46,443Income Growth: 35.99% | Remote Workers: 26.87%Seattle continues to be a tech heavyweight, home to giants like Amazon and Microsoft. While its unemployment rate is slightly higher, the city’s thriving remote work culture and strong wage growth keep it in the top tier. For professionals in software, AI, and green tech, Seattle remains a destination of choice.
Bellevue, Washington
Unemployment: 4.29% | Median Earnings: $76,228Income Growth: 32.43% | Remote Workers: 24.59%Just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is forging its own identity as a business and innovation hotspot. With average earnings topping $76,000 and nearly a quarter of workers logging in remotely, Bellevue is perfect for those looking for a hybrid lifestyle with big-league career options.
Carmel, Indiana
Unemployment: 2.27% | Median Earnings: $101,038Income Growth: 21.49% | Remote Workers: 27.75%Carmel might be the best-kept secret in the Midwest. Known for its livability, great schools, and polished infrastructure, it also offers the highest median income on the list. With nearly 28% of its workforce remote and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, Carmel is proving you don’t have to live on a coast to land a six-figure salary.
Santa Clara, California
Unemployment: 4.24% | Median Earnings: $90,384Income Growth: 40.97% | Remote Workers: 16.51%At the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara continues to ride the innovation wave. Incomes have soared over 40% in the past three years, and the demand for skilled talent in AI, semiconductors, and clean tech shows no signs of slowing. It’s expensive, yes—but for high-skill workers, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Cary, North Carolina
Unemployment: 3.50% | Median Earnings: $47,203Income Growth: 23.13% | Remote Workers: 27.96%Tucked within North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Cary is a rising star in life sciences and innovation. Nearly 28% of professionals here work remotely, giving it one of the highest flex-work rates in the country. Add in a growing startup ecosystem and family-friendly appeal, and Cary is quickly becoming a destination for ambitious professionals and young families alike.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Unemployment: 2.36% | Median Earnings: $56,858Income Growth: 29.89% | Remote Workers: 9.26%Sioux Falls may not be flashy, but it’s incredibly solid. With ultra-low unemployment and growing opportunities in healthcare, banking, and tech support, it offers job stability without the crowds or cost of big cities. It’s a practical, affordable, and upwardly mobile place to build a life and a career.
Westminster, Colorado
Unemployment: 1.69% | Median Earnings: $70,711Income Growth: 37.73% | Remote Workers: 19.35%Westminster boasts the lowest unemployment rate among the top 10 cities and benefits from its prime location between Denver and Boulder. Professionals here enjoy competitive wages, fast-growing job sectors, and access to the Colorado outdoors—all without the high stress of urban sprawl.
Sunnyvale, California
Unemployment: 3.45% | Median Earnings: $111,905Income Growth: 31.12% | Remote Workers: 15.33%The highest-paid city on the list, Sunnyvale is home to tech giants like Apple, Google, and LinkedIn. With median earnings topping $111,000, it continues to attract top-tier talent. While housing remains steep, the city’s wealth of opportunity makes it a launchpad for ambitious professionals across the country.
What this means for American job seekers
The modern job market isn’t just about where the jobs are—it’s about where people can thrive. These top cities combine strong career potential with growing incomes, better work-life balance, and increasingly flexible arrangements like remote work.Whether you’re fresh out of college, looking to switch careers, or just chasing a better quality of life, these 10 cities offer compelling reasons to make a move. In 2025, success isn’t just about where you work: it’s about how and where you live.
