In Your 20s, Move!

Moving to a new city in your 20s can be one of the most empowering decisions you make as a recent graduate. It’s a time for growth, exploration, and self-discovery—both personally and professionally. Stepping out of your comfort zone opens doors to new experiences, friendships, and opportunities that can truly shape your future.

Living in a different city challenges you to navigate unfamiliar environments, build new connections, and embrace diverse cultures and lifestyles. This process not only boosts your confidence but also helps you develop resilience—crucial skills in today’s fast-paced and changing world. Plus, exposing yourself to different perspectives broadens your understanding of the world, making you more open-minded and adaptable.

I personally took a big leap when I moved from Silicon Valley, California, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for college. People from home thought I was crazy for moving across the country to attend a school in a place so culturally different from what I knew. I had never been to the Deep South before, and 2020 was an incredibly divisive time in our country to be diving into a completely different political landscape than what you’re accustomed to.  Yet, that experience taught me so much—inside and outside the classroom. I grew in my beliefs, learned to communicate with people holding opposing viewpoints, and gained confidence in myself in a variety of areas. 

That big decision to move for college prepared me for the next step: moving to and living in Austin, Texas, after graduation. I can honestly say it’s been the perfect place for where I am in life right now. Austin’s vibrant, diverse, and lively culture, in addition to the endless variety of activities to explore, has made the transition into post-grad from college a lot more exciting. Everyday, I wake up in the city and am so thankful for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences it has already provided me with, and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for me in the future! This recurring gratitude reminds me that taking risks can lead to incredible growth, in ways you may never imagine.

If you feel drawn to a specific city, I encourage you to take that leap—trust your gut. If it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. We’re young, and this is the time for trial and error. Many of us don’t have commitments like children or spouses that make uprooting more complicated. Right now, our decisions mainly impact us, so why not make the most of that? This is the perfect time to make bold changes.

The world is waiting for you—what are you waiting for?