Millennials, generally defined as those born between the early 1980s and late 1990s, are currently in their late twenties to early forties.
Unlike previous generations, millennials have the unique opportunity to work remotely and earn a living from almost anywhere in the world. According to a study by SmartAsset, one in four millennials moved to a new American city in 2022.
This blog post will delve into the 12 cities that are most popular among millennials looking to settle down, exploring the reasons behind their appeal.
Here are the 12 cities where millennials are most interested in settling down:
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge leads the list, with 14.7% of its population consisting of millennial newcomers. In 2022, approximately 17,275 adults relocated to this city, which has a median age of 29.
Cambridge is home to Harvard University and is located across the river from Boston, making it an attractive location for young professionals.
2. Santa Clara, California
Located in Silicon Valley near San Jose, Santa Clara is a bustling hub with numerous tech company headquarters and the California’s Great America amusement park. Millennials account for 13.3% of Santa Clara’s population, with nearly 16,661 people from this generation residing there.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a well-known Pacific Northwest city with a median age of 36. The city welcomed 93,302 new millennials in 2022, making up 12.5% of its population.
4. Sunnyvale, California
Another popular destination in Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale attracted 18,862 millennials in 2022. The median age of Sunnyvale residents is 35.9 years, and the city is known for its picturesque urban-suburban environment.
5. Denver, Colorado
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is known for its mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities, drawing in 85,390 millennials, who comprise 12.1% of its population.
6. Arlington, Virginia
Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., Arlington is a vibrant and exciting place for millennials, despite its steep housing costs. The city saw 26,699 millennials move there in 2022, and the median age in Arlington is 35.
7. Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue is another attractive city in Washington, located across Lake Washington. In 2022, it drew in nearly 17,131 millennials, accounting for 11.3% of the population. Bellevue has the oldest median age on the list, at 39.
8. Killeen, Texas
Killeen is an affordable city in Texas with a strong military presence due to its proximity to Fort Hood. In 2022, 16,853 millennials moved to Killeen, making up 10.8% of the population.
9. Austin, Texas
Austin is a popular destination for millennials, known for its culture and the University of Texas. In 2022, it welcomed a significant influx of 103,461 millennials.
10. Sandy Springs, Georgia
Ranked as one of the best places to live in Georgia, Sandy Springs has numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Over 10% of the city’s population are newcomer millennials, totaling 11,210 individuals.
11. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is another millennial fan-favorite city, known for its southern charm, parks, and riverfront views. In 2022, 15,303 millennials moved to Savannah, making up 10.25% of the city’s population.
12. Boulder, Colorado
Despite its high cost of living, Boulder is a popular choice among millennials. In 2022, 10,544 millennials moved to Boulder, making up just under 28% of the city’s population.
Why These Cities? Factors Driving Millennial Migration
Job Opportunities
Many of these cities, such as Cambridge, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Seattle, and Austin, are hubs for technology, education, and innovation, offering numerous job opportunities for young professionals.
Lifestyle and Culture
Cities like Denver, Boulder, Austin, and Savannah offer a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant social scene, appealing to the lifestyle preferences of millennials.
Affordability
While some cities on the list, like those in California and Colorado, are known for their high cost of living, others, like Killeen, offer more affordable options.
Remote Work
The increasing prevalence of remote work has allowed millennials to choose where they live based on lifestyle and personal preferences, rather than being tied to specific job locations.
Alicia Richards