Breaking News: grand Rapids, Michigan has been named the top city “on the rise” in the United states, according to linkedin’s latest analysis of professional data. The ranking, released today, signals a shift in economic opportunity away from traditional coastal hubs and towards mid-sized metropolitan areas.
LinkedIn’s report, analyzing data from its 930 million members, identifies cities experiencing important growth in professional populations and job opportunities. This trend reflects broader economic shifts, including remote work adoption, affordability concerns in major cities, and the expansion of industries like technology and biotechnology into new locations.
LinkedIn’s Top 25 Cities on the Rise (2025):
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Boise, ID
- Harrisburg, PA
- Albany, NY
- Milwaukee, WI
- Portland, ME
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- hartford, CT
- Nashville, TN
- Omaha, NE
- Kansas City, MO
- Wilmington, NC
- Richmond, VA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Sacramento, CA
- Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, SC
- Austin, TX
- Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Portland, OR
- Fayetteville, AR
- Reno, NV
- San Antonio, TX
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Pensacola, FL
The analysis highlights a growing preference for cities offering a balance of career opportunities, affordability, and quality of life. Grand Rapids, for example, is experiencing a surge in its tech sector, alongside a robust insurance industry, attracting professionals from across the country.The city’s economic development corporation, The Right Place, has been instrumental in attracting companies like Amway and Steelcase, and fostering a startup ecosystem.
Several state capitals feature prominently on the list, including Albany, New York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Albany County’s unemployment rate currently stands at 3.8% (as of June 2025), lower than the national average of 4.0%.Harrisburg’s proximity to major East Coast markets and relatively lower cost of living are driving its growth.
Beyond the top-ranked city, the report also notes the success of Massapequa Park, New York, recently named the best place to live in New york State by U.S.News & World Report (ranking #140 nationally). The Long Island community boasts a median home price of $746,500, significantly higher than the statewide median of $360,000.The Massapequa Public Schools consistently rank among the top in the state, contributing to the area’s appeal for families.
This shift in growth patterns suggests a re-evaluation of the traditional American dream, wiht more individuals prioritizing lifestyle factors and affordability over the allure of major metropolitan centers.The LinkedIn data provides valuable insights for job seekers, companies considering relocation, and investors looking for emerging markets.
