Another consideration in addition to the living area is the particular companies in your job industry.
A recently graduated Middle Eastern student from my former school had approached me for job-seeking advice and asked if I would serve as a job reference for her. She's a very nice lady. She also wears a hijab headscarf, which can be looked upon unfavorably in certain workplaces. It doesn't matter if it's right or wrong; it's a fact.
I suggested she apply to a lab on the same floor as my own. I know that our facility employs several Muslims who openly wear hijab attire. I also know the manager of that lab, who I consider to be pretty open-minded. Honestly though, of the labs I know in my area, this is the only one to which I would have steered her.
Anyway, she earned an interview and wound up being one of four strong candidates to be considered. The manager requested a brief private meeting with me to ask my input. The following week, my Muslim colleague received an offer of employment!
Although there is a high Middle Eastern demographic where this lady lives with her family, there aren't too many facilities that employ people of her ethnicity in her field within that locale. That why you need to consider not only where you will live, but also where you may work.
