Killeen Ranks Among Top Cities for Millennials

The City of Killeen has been ranked among the top 150 cities in the U.S. for young people looking for work or to relocate.

Killeen came in at 40th on Millennial Personal Finance's "Top 150 Cities for Millennials" study. The report was based on evaluation of more than 500 cities with metrics including unemployment rate, percentage of citizens ages 25-34, cost of living, future job growth, transportation costs, and crime and safety statistics.

“Low cost of living, low barriers to entry and diversity have always been some of our region’s greatest assets,” Jennifer Hetzel, Director of Strategic Communications for the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, said Friday. “At the Chamber, we work hard to promote these assets and build on them to entice soldiers exiting the military to stay in the area, and attract new residents and businesses. Studies like this confirm our work is paying off.”

Hetzel explained that as the U.S. shifts from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, it's becoming increasingly common for people to choose where they'd like to live first before finding a job or working remotely.

“I think Killeen’s emphasis on education is what makes this area attractive to millennials", Greater Killeen Young Professionals President Mandy Shelton said Friday. "When you’re just starting out in the workforce, the ability to take classes and continue developing your skills is an important factor in where you choose to live. This community has always helped people transition into second and third careers. Young professionals can appreciate our investment in education, and the employers should not be far behind.”

Hetzel agreed, emphasizing that residents of the Greater Killeen area have access to higher education facilities with articulation agreements that allow students to obtain a Bachelor's degree for less than $20,000. The area also offers workforce training programs, certifications and Associate's degrees, and graduate programs.