Millennials, typically defined as those born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, possess a unique advantage: the ability to earn a living from anywhere with a laptop.
This has led to significant relocation trends, with one in four millennials moving to a new American city in 2022.
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Hub of Academia and Innovation
Cambridge attracts millennials with its prestigious academic institutions like Harvard University and its proximity to Boston.
The city’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with a strong job market and intellectual environment, makes it a magnet for young professionals.
Approximately 17,275 millennials relocated to Cambridge, making up 14.7% of the city’s population. The median age of these newcomers is around 29 years.
2. Santa Clara, California: Silicon Valley Beckons
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is a bustling hub for tech companies and innovation.
This attracts millennials seeking career opportunities in the tech industry and a fast-paced, dynamic lifestyle.
Close proximity to California’s Great America amusement park also adds to the appeal. Nearly 16,661 millennials have moved to Santa Clara, comprising 13.3% of the population.
3. Seattle, Washington: The Emerald City’s Allure
Seattle, a well-known Pacific Northwest city, attracts millennials with its thriving job market and vibrant cultural scene.
The city’s natural beauty, combined with its innovative spirit and diverse community, makes it an attractive destination for young adults.
Seattle is home to 93,302 new millennials, making up 12.5% of the population, with a median age of 36 years.
4. Sunnyvale, California: Suburban Charm Meets Urban Amenities
Another popular destination in Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale offers a blend of urban and suburban living.
The city’s proximity to tech companies and its family-friendly environment make it an attractive option for millennials seeking a balanced lifestyle.
A total of 18,862 millennials moved to Sunnyvale in 2022, and the median age of Sunnyvale residents was 35.9 years.
5. Denver, Colorado: Rocky Mountain High
Many young people flock to Colorado’s capital for its glorious mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Denver’s active lifestyle, combined with a growing job market and vibrant cultural scene, appeals to millennials seeking adventure and career growth. In 2022, Denver saw an influx of 85,390 millennials, totaling 12.1% of its population.
6. Arlington, Virginia: Gateway to the Nation’s Capital
Located just about 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., Arlington offers a vibrant and exciting place for millennials to live.
The city’s proximity to the nation’s capital, combined with its urban environment and diverse community, attracts young professionals seeking career opportunities and cultural experiences.
The city saw 26,699 millennials move there in 2022, and with a median age of 35, millennials are bound to find friends their age in Arlington.
7. Bellevue, Washington: Lakeside Living and Tech Innovation
Bellevue, another city in Washington, attracts millennials with its picturesque setting across Lake Washington and its growing tech industry.
The city’s natural beauty, combined with its thriving economy and family-friendly environment, makes it an attractive destination for young adults.
Nearly 17,131 millennials moved to Bellevue in 2022, accounting for 11.3% of the population. It has the oldest median age on the list, at 39.
8. Killeen, Texas: Affordable Texas Living
Killeen is known as an affordable city in Texas, which may be one of the reasons millennials are moving there.
The city’s lower cost of living, combined with its proximity to Fort Hood and a strong sense of community, makes it an attractive option for young adults.
In 2022, it attracted 16,853 millennials, making up 10.8% of the population. The city boasts a strong military presence due to its proximity to Fort Hood.
9. Austin, Texas: The Live Music Capital
Austin isn’t as affordable as Killeen, but it’s still popular among millennials. The city’s vibrant culture, thriving music scene, and strong job market make it an attractive destination for young professionals.
It’s home to the University of Texas and has been bursting with culture, excitement, and charm for generations. Millennials are making their way in, with a whopping 103,461 moving to Austin in 2022.
10. Sandy Springs, Georgia: Suburban Sophistication
Rounding out the top ten is Sandy Springs, which was ranked one of the best places to live in Georgia by Niche. It has plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks for residents.
Over 10% of the city’s population comprises newcomer millennials, totaling 11,210 individuals. This suburban city provides a mix of amenities and community, appealing to millennials seeking a balanced lifestyle.
11. Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm by the River
Following closely behind Sandy Springs is Savannah, another millennial fan-favorite city with southern charm, parks, and riverfront views.
The city’s historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and relaxed atmosphere make it an appealing destination for young adults. In 2022, 15,303 millennials moved to Savannah, making up 10.25% of the city’s population.
12. Boulder, Colorado: Outdoor Adventure and Innovation
While its high cost of living is a downside, it’s hard not to fall in love with Boulder. The city’s stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and innovative spirit make it an attractive destination for millennials seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
A total of 10,544 millennials moved to the lush Colorado city in 2022. Just under 28% of the city’s population are millennials.
Alicia Richards