Deciding where to lay the foundation for a long and prosperous career can be impossible, especially for recent high school and college graduates stepping into the job market. With professional oversaturation, housing affordability, and commute time to consider, it's no wonder that some experts say Michigan isn't the best place to kickstart your career, with only 1 Mitten city appearing on WalletHub's 50 best US cities to start a career list. What makes the Great Lakes State one of the least desirable for job hunting?

Related: The 10 Worst Cities to Call Home in Michigan

The Harsh Reality of Michigan's Job Market

Experts Reveal 50 Best US Cities For New Careers: Leave Michigan
Canva
loading...

Let's face it: Michigan's career market isn't exactly booming. While businesses across the state face labor shortages, most available jobs are hourly, earning slightly more than minimum wage.

Professional career opportunities are highly sought, so there's a lot of competition for a few positions in Michigan.

Michigan's Housing Affordability and Commuter Frustration: A Double-Edged Sword

Experts Reveal 50 Best US Cities For New Careers: Leave Michigan
Canva
loading...

Housing is critical in WalletHub's 50 best US cities for starting a career ranking. Yes, Michigan has some affordable housing, but what's the point if you can't land a decent-paying job to afford it? It's buying a cheap car that doesn't run. You need both affordability and opportunity; unfortunately, Michigan is falling short on opportunities.

Related: Michigan's 3 Deadliest Highways: The Trifecta of Terror

Do I need to describe Michigan's roads in detail and their general unfriendly nature to in-state commuters? Between endless road construction and winter driving, driving to work in Michigan can be more stressful than a cat at a dog show. Efficient public transportation options are limited to major metros in the state, making daily commutes a headache that no amount of coffee can cure.

WalletHub's 50 Best Cities to Start a Career

Experts Reveal 50 Best US Cities For New Careers: Leave Michigan
Canva
loading...

So where should you go? We've compiled a gallery of the 50 best cities to start a career, as compiled by WalletHub. Get ready to pack your bags, Michigan, because only one Mitten city appears on the list.

Experts Reveal the 50 Best US Cities For Starting a New Career

According to WalletHub, the best cities to launch a career were evaluated based on 26 key metrics, including the availability of entry-level jobs, average monthly starting salary, and housing affordability. For a complete look at WalletHub's methodology, see the link in the #1 city. Let's countdown the 50 Best US Cities For Starting a New Career.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

More From 99.1 WFMK