Next Generation Consulting, based in Madison, Wisconsin, ranked Baltimore 7^th on their list of “super cities” that most appeal to young professionals in the age range of 20- to 40-years-olds.  Many factors noted as important to young professionals were used to determine Next Gen’s findings.

Listed in order of importance for young professionals, Next Gen rated the cities on the following criteria, which includes the practical application of each:

• Cost of Lifestyle – Accumulative cost of living, including food, housing, clothing and household items.
• Earning Index – It’s not all about the Benjamins.  Young professionals want to know the city’s future job growth, availability of knowledge-based jobs, diversity of employment opportunities, average household income and others.
• Vitality – This indicator is in respect to air and water quality, green space and the overall health of citizens (e.g., life expectancy, obesity, etc.).
• After Hours (a.k.a. “nightlife”) – Leisure was measured for available evening and weekend activities, or after work hours’ activities.
• Learning – Considerations included cost of education, educational opportunities available, number of public libraries, available Wi-Fi hotspots, etc.
• Around Town – Activities within walking distance, mass transit availability, commute times were all factored in.
• Social Capital – Crime rates, diversity ratios, voter participation numbers and number of businesses owned by women or minorities.

What “super cities” did Baltimore beat out?  Surprisingly, several.  Portland, New York City, Columbus, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Nashville, Jacksonville, Tucson, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Diego and Houston all ranked lower than Baltimore in the top 20 list of ranked “super cities.”

Maybe this means that more young professionals will be snatching up all those homes available in Baltimore’s real estate market.  If you want to do the snatching, click on Baltimore, MD Homes for Sale to see what is available.