Map Shows Cities Where Gen Z and Millennials Are Moving To
Both generations are leaving pricey coastal cities, but heading to different metros in pursuit of different dreams.
Gen Zers and millennials are shifting their residences from pricey coastal cities to more affordable metros in the South. This migration is driven by different priorities at different stages of life. Millennials, aged 30-45, are seeking larger homes at lower costs in cities like Houston, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. Older Gen Zers, in their 20s, are drawn to cities with robust job markets and vibrant social scenes, such as San Antonio, Austin, and Nashville.
The trend reflects the differing life stages and priorities of these two generations, who both face rising living costs and an unstable job market. Gen Zers are chasing opportunities, while millennials are focused on affordable housing and career prospects. Redfin's analysis, based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2014, 2019, and 2024, indicates that the youngest Gen Zers are 14 years old.
San Antonio leads the list as the most popular destination for Gen Zers, with a net influx of 10,678 residents, followed by Washington, D.C., Austin, Nashville, and Dallas. For millennials, the top five cities are Houston, Dallas, Baltimore, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. These cities share a common factor: they offer strong career-launching platforms with entry-level job opportunities that are increasingly scarce nationwide.
The job market's decline has led to fewer moves, as young people prefer to stay in areas with robust job markets. Gen Zers are finding a balance between career opportunities and affordable living, with San Antonio being the top choice. Housing costs and the cost of living remain manageable in these cities, providing a compromise for Gen Zers seeking both opportunity and affordability.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
