Job hunting? These 10 US cities have the best opportunities

Job hunters in the U.S. are in the driver’s seat.

With unemployment at a nearly 50-year low and more openings than workers to fill the positions, some employers are being forced to offer additional incentives to lure potential workers -- particularly in rural areas.

But, 10 U.S. cities are actually leading the way with red-hot job markets, according to a study conducted by the European firm Movinga, which measured opportunities based on economic strength for startups and established businesses; standard of living, including disposal income and healthcare benefits; and the inclusion of women, youth and expats in the workforce.

“Now, the strong dollar and booming markets mean that for the US, employment opportunities are thriving,” Finn Age Hänsel, managing director at Movinga, said in a statement. “However, when you consider too that residents of the U.S. must also pay hefty healthcare costs, jobseekers ought to consider the implications on their overall salary and quality of life before a stateside move.”

Boston topped the list of best American cities to find a job -- largely due to its thriving start-up and business ecosystem, as well as its high-quality educational institutions -- and while Hansel noted that it’s also one of the most expensive cities to rent an apartment, that cost is often offset by high wages and a large disposable income (while tech havens like San Francisco landed on the list, Hansel said the company took into account long commute times that affect overall quality of life.)

Here's a look at the best American cities for job hunting:

1. Boston

2. San Diego

3. New York

4. Seattle

5. San Francisco

6. Washington, D.C.

7. Los Angeles

8. Denver

9. Minneapolis

10. Houston