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NYC and Jersey Town Ranked Last for Best Place to Start a Career

I know many kids in my graduating class who moved to New York City after graduation to go after their dreams. I don’t recall anyone racing off to Newark, NJ…

While New York's thousands rush to crowded restaurants and congested lunch counters for their noon day lunch, these intrepid steel workers atop the 70 story RCA building in Rockefeller Center get all the air and freedom they want by lunching on a steel beam with a sheer drop of over 800 feet to the street level. The RCA building is the largest office building in terms of office space in the world. (original caption). Image taken 9/20/32; filed 9/29/32.

While New York’s thousands rush to crowded restaurants and congested lunch counters for their noon day lunch, these intrepid steel workers atop the 70 story RCA building in Rockefeller Center get all the air and freedom they want by lunching on a steel beam with a sheer drop of over 800 feet to the street level. The RCA building is the largest office building in terms of office space in the world. (original caption).

Getty Image taken 9/20/32; filed 9/29/32.

I know many kids in my graduating class who moved to New York City after graduation to go after their dreams. I don't recall anyone racing off to Newark, NJ to start their new life, however, after learning the findings of a new evaluation, others may want to think twice about picking the Big Apple or Newark as the place to start their career.

That's because researchers from WalletHub compared over 180 U.S. cities to determine the most career-friendly locations; New York City came in last place at 182 and Newark, NJ came in third to last at 180. Sandwiched between the two was Gulfport, Mississippi. That means that the finding showed you'd be better off in Gulfport than in New York City if you're starting a new career.  Yonkers, NY landed towards the bottom of the pile at 173, as did Bridgeport, CT (171), and Jersey City, NJ in the bottom half of the stack at 129. Buffalo, NY barely made it into the top half at 88, Rochester, NY received a respectable rank at 32, and Pittsburgh, PA landed in the last spot of the top 10.

Twenty-six key indicators were considered in the evaluation, such as base salary, diversity, and housing. When all was said and done, the top three cities for the most desirable places to work were Atlanta, Georgia, Orlando, Florida, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

NYC’s overall bottom placement seems to be due to its last-place rankings in the number of entry-level positions and affordable housing.

As for other findings in the evaluation, those looking for a big paycheck should head to Austin, Texas, which ranked first in the highest average monthly salary, and people looking to have long-term progression in their field should consider Miami, Florida, which ranked as the number one location for fastest job growth.

It's graduation time in New Jersey, here's hoping all of the Jersey grads choose the right city to begin their professional life.

10 Best Amusement Parks in America

America doesn't lack for having the best amusement parks. Whether you're a daredevil and want to ride the tallest, scariest roller coasters in the world or prefer just eating park food, a day at the park can be a super fun experience.

One great thing about theme parks is that you can usually find one within driving distance. This makes amusement parks a reasonable choice for a family vacation or weekend giveaway, especially if money is an issue. Amusement parks are also great for capturing memories for kids. When I was a child, my family took me to several parks in Michigan, California, Ohio and Florida, so I have great memories from those trips.

The best theme parks also have convenient lodging nearby, making the trip truly seamless. That's not to mention the awesome water parks that are often attached to today's theme parks. Also, even though theme parks are meant for kids, it's obvious that adults can have just as much fun at them, too.

Read on for our list of the 10 best amusement parks in America, from Cedar Point to Hersheypark. All of these are famous for their attractions, food and more. What's your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.

10. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood is a favorite that's located in the Great Smokey Mountain area. Of course, it's named after the one and only Dolly Parton. If you're a country music fan, this is a must-see stop. Even if you aren't a huge country music listener, it's a great, traditional amusement park.

9. Kings Island, Mason, Ohio

Kings Island Theme Park is a little bit off the radar, but it's a great park. It's known for not only its amusement park but also its fantastic water park. Kings Island features a range of coasters, Planet Snoopy for the kids and more.

8. Legoland, Carlsbad, California

Legoland is simply legendary. Whoever had the idea to make an entire amusement park dedicated to Legos is a genius. The amusement park offers fun rides, live entertainment and more. You'll find a Legoland Water Park, too.

7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of those parks that you just hear about a lot. I feel like I've been hearing about it since I was a little kid, but I've never been there. Busch Gardens is known for being extremely beautiful and scenic, which is rare for an amusement park.

6. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another spot that I've had the pleasure of visiting. When I was a kid, my family took me to California to see my aunt, and we went to not only Disneyland but also Knott's Berry Farm. The amusement park has more than 165 rides, attractions and more. They also have fun holiday and Halloween events.

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California (and in many other states)

Six Flags Magic Mountain is another huge name when it comes to parks. The spot, located in Valencia, California, is known for its amazing coasters. What's cool is that the park offers a mix of scary-type coasters for the big kids (and adults) and tame coasters for the kids (and wimpy adults, like me). Other Six Flags parks also belong here, too, as the chain has lots of locations across America.

4: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California

If you want that Disney experience but live on the West Coast, then you're much closer to Disney California Adventure Park, aka "Disneyland," than you are to Disney World. I've actually been to both parks, since my aunt lives near Disneyland, and I went as a kid. The park is super fun for those of any age, and it really gives you that Disney movie experience, but in a park. The park has been updated over the years, but it's more classic than Disney World.

3. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania

If you're in the Pennsylvania area, then you absolutely have to go to Hersheypark. The park, which is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, helps to keep Milton S. Hershey's legacy alive. Not only do you get chocolate (yum!), but Hersheypark also offers roller coasters, water rides and more fun.

2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

There is something simply classic about Walt Disney World. It should be every kid's right of passage to go here. I'm fortunate that my parents took me to Disney World twice when I was little. I loved meeting my favorite princesses, but there is plenty to do for adults at the park, too.

1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point is legendary in the Midwest. The park is considered the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," since it has so many fantastic coasters to ride. If you're looking for major thrills, plus stuff to do for the family, Cedar Point is a great spot. Plus, it's not as pricey as some of the major parks.