I work in a city that is about an hour outside of a major city (top 15 in the US). It has a branch of a major university, and a nearby small liberal arts university. The area is having difficulty attracting young professionals of any type. Doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, etc. The big city is paying so much more in salary, the small city can't compete, even with lower cost of living, less competition, etc. Some people blame the student loan level, which they say pushes young professionals to the higher salaries. Others say the young professionals want the life and attractions that come with the big city. Don't k ow the answer to this one.