Augusta, Georgia, leads a new ranking of U.S. cities where job growth, talent migration, and affordability intersect. These locations differ from the typical coastal hubs that investors often favor.
LinkedIn’s “Cities on the Rise” report identifies 25 metros where professionals are securing jobs and launching careers. Augusta claims the top spot, followed by Richmond, Virginia, and Reno, Nevada. Each city has developed economic strength in tech, defense, or healthcare while maintaining lower costs than major coastal markets.
Augusta’s cyber and medical technology growth
LinkedIn names Augusta the best city for professionals seeking tech jobs in affordable areas. Though widely recognized for hosting the Masters golf tournament, the metro has also emerged as a center for cybersecurity and medical technology.
Fort Gordon houses the U.S. Army Cyber Command, which serves as the foundation for the cyber sector. Civilian support includes the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, a Ph.D. program at Augusta University, and associate degrees from Augusta Technical College. The Medical College of Georgia has helped build a medical technology sector connected to cybersecurity.
Major employers include Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the U.S. Army, and Augusta University. The local economy also includes advanced manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and aviation. The metro’s median household income reaches $55,485, while the average home listing price stands at $396,195. Approximately 26.5% of the workforce works remotely, with 3.5% in hybrid roles.
The figures indicate a labor market where in-person jobs in defense and healthcare exist alongside flexible positions. Such a mix has become uncommon in more expensive metros.
Richmond’s data centers and workforce expansion
Richmond ranks second, benefiting from its location between Washington, D.C., and the Southeast. The city has drawn more new residents than any other in Virginia, according to the report, due to its lower cost of living and strong economy.
The metro has also become a significant data center market, hosting 155 facilities. Key employers include Capital One, Virginia Commonwealth University, and VCU Health. This combination of financial services, education, and healthcare fuels demand for office and lab space.
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Remote work accounts for 11.9% of jobs, while 11.4% are hybrid. The median income is $64,585, and the average home listing price is $553,215. The data reflects a region working to sustain growth without pricing out new talent.
For investors, these metrics provide a view of a market where affordability and infrastructure remain aligned—a balance that is increasingly difficult to find in larger East Coast cities.
Reno’s innovation and housing challenges
Reno takes third place, noted for its expanding economy, tax benefits, and access to Lake Tahoe. The metro has established itself as an innovation center, data center location, and manufacturing base for companies like Tesla and Switch.
Leading employers include the University of Nevada, Reno, Renown Health, and Tesla. These organizations represent higher education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Remote work makes up 24.4% of jobs, while 5.5% are hybrid. The median income is $80,760.
The gap between high wages and home prices highlights that affordability isn’t assured even in smaller metros. Investors evaluating these markets must consider how long the current balance can last.
The remainder of LinkedIn’s list features Sarasota, Florida; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; and 21 other metros. The ranking relies on platform data about hiring, job postings, and professional relocations—another indication that talent and jobs are concentrating outside the largest coastal cities.
For commercial real estate investors, the list doesn’t replace traditional market analysis. It does, however, offer an additional perspective on talent trends, helping identify smaller metros that may warrant further consideration as portfolio strategies shift.
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