I speak to hundreds of candidates every week who are looking for a new opportunity in a glamorous city at one of the hottest agencies in town.  Typical cities of interest include: New York City, LA, San Francisco and Chicago.  I know… who doesn’t love a thriving metropolis, right?  The cost of living is astronomical, larges patches of green grass are a rarity and your apartment is the size of my VW’s trunk.  What could be better?

Before you decide to limit your search to cities only consisting of concrete and skyscrapers, I implore you to consider locations with just as much merit, but far less pollution.  Some of the most forward-thinking, creative shops in the country are located in far less desirable cities for the 20 and 30-something crowd.  I’ve worked with stellar agencies in places that don’t get nearly enough credit.  These agencies usually provide the best work-life balance around.  You’ll probably also save a hefty sum by not spending thousands of dollars every month to live in a shoebox and eat overpriced sushi.  So the next time a TZ recruiter calls you about some fantastic opportunity in Lincoln, Nebraska or Butte, Montana, take a moment to consider the option before you laugh and quickly dismiss it.  You may be missing out on an incredible opportunity to grow your career and surround yourself with friendly people in a pristine location.

In case you’re still not sold on the idea, here are some fun facts from www.50states.com and www.cool-interesting-facts.blogspot.com about some of the most underappreciated locations in the US:

The Lied Jungle located in Omaha, NE is the world’s largest indoor rain forest.

Utah has the highest literacy rate in the nation.

Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.

And here are a few bizarre ones that I just had to include:
Idaho law forbids a citizen to give another citizen a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds.

Nebraska is the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich.

The first enamel bathtub was made in Louisville, Kentucky in 1856.

In Nebraska, it is illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless a nice kettle of soup is also brewing.

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