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After graduating from a drama program, the next logical move is, well, to move. However, choosing where to live as an actor is an age-old query.

For decades, the masses have pointed to two locations if you wanted to be a successful actor: LA for TV and film actors and New York City for stage actors. That being said, the answer has now become more nuanced than ever before.

Funneling down from the most obvious choices to smaller ponds you may not have considered, here are eight wonderful cities in America to live as an actor.

New York City, NY

“N.Y.C.! Just got here this morning…Three bucks. Two bags. One me.”

Though the music of Annie was written in the 1970s, the dreamy feel of its soaring solo from N.Y.C. still rings true today. New York City is more viable for entertainers than ever, not only touting Broadway and Off-Broadway opportunities, but a glittering list of TV and film productions as well for NYC-based actors.

The bottom line:

If your ultimate goal is theater and you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city, New York City is the perfect option. There are plenty of world-class arts to soak up in your downtime, and many classes and acting workshops to take to brush up on your craft and connect with fellow actors.

Just remember that when you take your acting career to New York City, you’ll be diving into a very crowded pool head-first. Like its West Coast entertainment hub cousin, Los Angeles, the cost of living in New York is expensive, but you can save a little by living in surrounding areas such as Astoria, Queens or Jersey City, New Jersey.

Learn more about acting in NYC.

Los Angeles, CA

LA is another city synonymous with professional actors — specifically those in the movie industry. While you may be ready to give Mr. DeMille that close-up, there are many things to consider before moving to the world’s entertainment hub.

First of all, Cecil B. DeMille has passed away. Second, what are your goals? Knowing what area(s) of the entertainment industry you want to work in will keep your career focused.

The bottom line:

Although TV and film productions are now cast and shot all over the world, Hollywood is still the Mecca of showbiz.

If you’re specifically looking to break in as a TV day player or enter the sitcom world, more opportunities will be offered in LA. Of course, like its East Coast sibling, the market is incredibly saturated. You won’t be able to throw a stone without hitting a fellow actor (but never throw stones).

When struggling with the ongoing debate between New York and LA, a simple decision-maker is comparing the vastly different environments with your preferences (e.g., Do you want to be part of the television industry or the movie world? Or are commercial productions and theatrical roles more your style?).

Like New York, you’ll be able to make more industry connections and have access to more industry events in Los Angeles than you would in one of the other cities on this list, but that doesn’t mean you have any less of a chance at making it in showbiz.

Learn more about acting in LA.

Las Vegas, NV

Viva las actors! Las Vegas is an iconic city that boasts all kinds of acting opportunities. While many think of the casino-littered strip as touristy glitz and glamor, Las Vegas is a world-class entertainment destination at its heart.

The bottom line:

Las Vegas offers a slightly smaller pond for actors to get work, from live shows to film productions. The area’s living expenses are much more affordable than New York or LA and offers a variety of fun survival jobs like working at a casino. Talk about living in entertainment!

That said, Las Vegas is in the desert, so make sure you like the heat!

Learn more about acting in Las Vegas.

Atlanta, GA

Another unsurprising option, the TV and film industry has been booming in Atlanta thanks to tax incentives. From Marvel films to Netflix shows, this state has some peachy opportunities for creatives.

The bottom line:

Atlanta is another slightly smaller pond, with a more affordable housing market. While you’ll get to see and feel changes in the seasons here, be aware that summers tend to be very muggy!

Learn more about acting in Atlanta.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco doesn’t always get the golden acclaim it deserves for its arts. Just under a six-hour drive to LA, this unique city offers a little bit of everything, including a thriving arts and acting scene.

The bottom line:

There’s a large network of actors to connect with in the Bay Area. While the city itself is expensive, you can find more affordable surrounding neighborhoods. As with most of the cities on this list, culture and nightlife are pulsing, and the weather remains mild for most of the year.

Learn more about acting in San Francisco.

Chicago, IL

All right, funny people! It’s your time to shine. If improv and comedy are your calling, Chicago could be a wonderful option to consider.

Chicago is home to some of the most well-regarded comedy clubs and schools in the world, including the iconic Second City, which has cranked out some of Saturday Night Live’s most memorable cast members. Chicago has offered stars like Melissa McCarthy and Tina Fey fertile ground to grow. There’s also a major TV/film presence.

The bottom line:

This is the less popular sibling of New York and LA, with many considering it a smaller pool. That said, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities, a top-notch acting scene and a thriving television industry.

With tons of art to take in and be a part of, actors certainly won’t lack opportunities here. Of course, there’s a reason why it’s dubbed the “Windy City,” so beware of cold gusts!

Learn more about acting in Chicago.

Stamford, CT

Venturing into our more off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Stamford is a quick 45-minute train ride into NYC’s glittering Grand Central Station.

Connecticut has quietly maintained a flourishing arts scene for years, with some of the world’s most prolific actors making a home for themselves there. In recent years, it’s become a mini Hollywood of sorts, with major productions filming throughout the state.

The bottom line:

If you’re not a fan of the concrete jungle and looking for slightly cheaper options, Stamford and its surrounding towns have got you covered.

The local theater scene is hopping with historic stages like the Westport Country Playhouse (everyone from Paul Newman to Liza Minnelli has performed here) and the Downtown Cabaret Theatre (where Kelli O’Hara got her equity card). Plus, TV and film projects are getting more and more frequent thanks to production company Synthetic Cinema International.

Austin, TX

If New York and LA are too expensive, and Chicago is just too dang windy, Austin could be your happy place.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that is simply not true when it comes to the acting pool. For this reason, a city like Austin could be a good place to start your acting career. Known as a vibrant artist’s hub with major annual industry events like SXSW, opportunities are there across various mediums, including independent films.

The bottom line:

If you’re looking to break into commercials, this could be a smaller market to start in.

Commercial opportunities are the most bountiful Texas venture, as well as a revolving door of TV and film productions. This could be considered more of a training wheels spot for actors looking to build their resumes before trying a larger market, and thanks to its major universities, actors will find they can also cut their teeth on lots of student films and low-budget projects.

You may even fall in love with the quality of life, which has a lot to offer outside of entertainment opportunities.

Learn more about acting in Austin.

When choosing where you’d like to take your acting career, your location to still matters, but not as much anymore. The current entertainment industry is a double-edged sword in that an aggressive move toward self tapes gives casting directors access to a wider pool of talent than ever before.

Of course, for theater and the fast-paced world of television production —which offers co-star and smaller roles for the silver screen— your location could make or break your contract.

Think about your goals and what location would allow you the best chance at achieving them. If you’re able to, try out various cities until you discover the best one for you. In the end, it’s about finding a place that offers opportunities, allows you to create an artist’s network and most importantly, makes you feel at home.

Looking to get your big break? Sign up or login to Casting Networks and land your next acting role today!

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