Ask any recent grad if he'd move for a job, and chances are he'd say yes. After all, with unemployment at 9.5%, many would rather cross state lines than move in with mom and dad.

First-time job seekers would be wise to consider San Jose, Calif., Cambridge, Mass., and Houston, Texas, among the nation's best places to begin a career. These metros are home to America's strongest big and small companies, and attract the country's most talented professionals, based on our analysis.

Recent grads desiring an equally dynamic area with fewer than one million people might head to Bridgeport, Conn., or Madison, Wisc. Looking for less than 500,000 residents? Ann Arbor, Mich., Boulder, Colo., and Santa Barbara, Calif., are strong options.

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