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Somewhere between throwing off your graduation cap and officially starting your career, your first big life decision will be deciding where you want to live. Not long ago, eager newcomers flocked to media capitals like New York City or tech hubs like San Francisco, but a recent report by Zillow has revealed the best neighborhoods for folks who have just graduated from college, and none of the metropolitan cities have managed to cut it . Taking into account average starting salary, rent price, presence of other young people and potential job growth, Colorado Springs is the best city for young graduates. Spokane, Washington; Des Moines, Iowa; Phoenix; and Buffalo, New York (where rent is a whopping $2,000 cheaper than the Big Apple average) round out the top five.
With more control, more money, and more usable space than you did when you were in college, the next big step will be to grab your first apartment and make it your own. Here are some of our top tips for properly designing an adult space.
Buy high-quality (but inexpensive) big-box brands
Say goodbye to flimsy futons and rickety desks and get acquainted with the best affordable furniture made to last longer than a semester. We like Target, Amazon and IKEA of all ages, but a few pieces from Hay, Burrow and CB2 add a touch of sparkle without breaking the budget.
Don’t make hasty decisions
When we asked previously veteran design celebs like Nate Berkus, Justina Blakeney and Sarah Sherman Samuel what mistakes they made in their very first homes, it became clear that patience is key. Samuel’s wise advice? Sample the colors before you make the move (our style editor recently went through 20 swatches before deciding on the perfect shade for her studio).
Learn how to DIY
Nothing makes a space your own like a little hands-on work. (Not to mention it’s a lot easier on the wallet.) Don’t know where to start? Make your own custom curtains with this no-sew IKEA hack, upgrade a simple headboard with a few yards of fabric and an iron, and turn a $6 Target plate into a chic wall sconce in three easy steps. Your next step should be to switch to power tools.
