As a young college graduate looking for your first job, you are often relegated to the city when it comes to finding work. However, with research and an open mind to finding a house or other accommodations, you can get closer to your goal of finding ideal employment, while not emptying your wallet on the first of each month.

There are three things to consider when looking for work in small towns and cities in the United States. They can help you narrow your search and in turn make sure you find a best fit. Guiding your search and having a strategy in place can be the key to finding an ideal job, as well as the perfect place to live.

1. What type of culture do you prefer in a community. Small cities & towns have a varied cultures just like major cities. The culture influences housing costs, as well as style and type of housing. A city like Waco, Texas might offer more spacious options on large pieces of property, whereas Cardiff-by-the-sea will have smaller, bungalow type beach houses. Considering what culture appeals to you is key in understanding what you want.

2. Education level is the next item. As a college graduate, moving to a town that does not have many grads, unless you have a professional degree, might not be the best option. Employment for graduates can be difficult to come by, if you are the leading candidate in a job pool of one. Understanding the demographics of the area can help you gain some insight into the likelihood of finding the right top of employment.

3. Finally, consider the types of company you want to work for. Small businesses can pay well, but larger companies that maintain major operations near small towns will likely offer the sort of compensation you are looking for. Consider HP, which has a major engineering facility in Corvallis, Oregon, or Dow Chemical and their corporate headquarters near Midland, Michigan. Each offer a diverse form of employment, but both could supply the salary needed by a recent college graduate.

Companies are willing to make investments in smaller communities in rural areas, as such, your hunt will yield results. They recognize that not all individuals are urban oriented, and look for alternative accommodations. Even the US Government has rural options, such the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Considering that most people don’t actually consider smaller cities and towns, you may find the ideal fit. Remember, strategy is key in finding your ideal home, with that perfect job!