Three Texas cities rank among the top 10 best U.S. cities for new graduates, based on starting salaries, home affordability, and work-life balance. Dallas ranks 4th with an average early-career salary of $67,451 and starter homes around $240,000. Houston is 6th, offering $65,369 average earnings and $215,000 home prices. Austin ranks 10th, with $72,025 average earnings and $276,600 starter homes. Washington, D.C. tops the list.