Millennials are reshaping the American urban landscape as they seek out cities that offer more than just career opportunities.
From tech hubs to scenic suburbs, young adults are choosing locations with vibrant cultures, affordable living, and active lifestyles.
In 2022 alone, thousands of millennials packed up and moved to new cities that align with their values and aspirations.
Whether driven by job prospects, cost of living, or quality of life, these destinations are quickly becoming millennial hotspots.
This list highlights the 12 most popular U.S. cities millennials moved to, revealing the changing face of urban America in real time.
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts, stood out as the most popular American city for millennials to relocate to in 2022.
This vibrant city, home to Harvard University and situated directly across the river from Boston, attracted a significant influx of young adults.
Newcomer millennials constituted 14.7% of Cambridge’s total population, representing approximately 17,275 adults who chose to move there.
With a median age of 29, Cambridge clearly appeals to younger individuals within the millennial age bracket, offering an environment ripe with academic and urban opportunities.
2. Santa Clara, California
Ranked as the second most popular destination, Santa Clara, California, is a bustling hub that drew in nearly 16,661 people from the millennial generation in 2022.
Located within Silicon Valley, near San Jose, the city is characterized by its numerous tech company headquarters, making it an attractive location for career-driven millennials.
Additionally, attractions like California’s Great America amusement park contribute to its appeal, offering diverse lifestyle options.
Newcomers from this generation accounted for 13.3% of Santa Clara’s population, indicating a substantial demographic shift towards this dynamic Californian city.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, emerged as a top choice for millennials, securing the third spot nationally. This well-known Pacific Northwest city experienced a significant migration, with 93,302 new millennials choosing to call it home in 2022.
These newcomers alone comprise 12.5% of Seattle’s population, indicating its strong appeal. With a median age of 36 years for its residents, Seattle continues to attract this generation.
Furthermore, recent moving trends show that Seattle, alongside Jersey City and Denver, has one of the highest concentrations of millennials overall, with 41% of its population belonging to this generation.
4. Sunnyvale, California
Sunnyvale, California, ranks as another highly sought-after destination for millennials within the Golden State’s Silicon Valley.
In 2022, this picturesque urban-suburban city welcomed a considerable number of new residents, with a total of 18,862 millennials relocating there.
The median age of Sunnyvale residents was recorded as 35.9 years, indicating a thriving community for this age group.
Its strategic location within one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs, combined with its appealing living environment, makes Sunnyvale a continuously popular choice for millennials seeking career growth and a balanced lifestyle.
5. Denver, Colorado
Colorado’s capital, Denver, stands as the fifth most popular city for millennials, drawing in a large number of young people.
The city’s appeal is significantly boosted by its glorious mountain views and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, which attract those seeking an active lifestyle.
In 2022, Denver saw a substantial influx of 85,390 millennials, making up 12.1% of its population.
Alongside Seattle and Jersey City, Denver also boasts one of the highest overall concentrations of millennials across SmartAsset’s study, with 41% of its population being millennials. This high concentration solidifies its status as a millennial hotspot.
6. Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia, secured its spot as a top choice, recognized as a vibrant and exciting place for millennials to live.
Its prime location, just about 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., offers unparalleled access to professional and cultural opportunities.
Despite the steep housing costs that can be a consideration, the city successfully attracted a significant number of new residents, with 26,699 millennials making the move to Arlington in 2022.
With a median age of 35 for its millennial residents, the city provides a community where individuals are likely to find peers their age.
7. Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue, Washington, is another city in Washington that made the top ten list, ranking seventh among millennials’ preferred destinations.
This picturesque city, located across Lake Washington, attracted nearly 17,131 millennials in 2022, who now account for 11.3% of its population.
Notably, Bellevue has the oldest median age on this particular list, at 39 years, suggesting it appeals to older millennials or those seeking a more established community.
Its scenic surroundings and growing urban amenities contribute to its strong appeal for this demographic.
8. Killeen, Texas
Killeen, Texas, is known as an affordable city, a key factor contributing to its popularity among millennials, securing the eighth position.
In 2022, 16,853 millennials relocated to Killeen, making up 10.8% of the city’s population. The city also boasts a strong military presence due to its proximity to Fort Hood, which may appeal to certain segments of the millennial population or provide diverse employment opportunities.
Killeen’s balance of affordability and community features makes it an attractive option for those looking to establish themselves in Texas.
9. Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, continues to be a highly popular destination for millennials, despite not being as affordable as other Texas cities like Killeen.
Ranked ninth, Austin saw a whopping 103,461 millennials move there in 2022, indicating its immense draw. Home to the University of Texas, Austin has long been celebrated for its vibrant culture, excitement, and charm.
This dynamic environment, rich with music, arts, and innovation, makes Austin a compelling choice for millennials seeking a lively and engaging urban experience, contributing to its continuous growth.
10. Sandy Springs, Georgia
Rounding out the top ten, Sandy Springs, Georgia, has proven to be a popular choice for millennials. The city was notably ranked as one of the best places to live in Georgia by Niche, a testament to its quality of life.
Sandy Springs offers residents an abundance of amenities, including plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, enhancing its appeal.
Over 10% of the city’s population comprises newcomer millennials, totaling 11,210 individuals who chose to relocate there in 2022. Its suburban charm combined with urban conveniences makes it an attractive option.
11. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, closely followed Sandy Springs, securing its position as the eleventh most popular city for millennials.
This city is described as another millennial fan-favorite, thanks to its distinct southern charm, picturesque parks, and appealing riverfront views.
In 2022, Savannah attracted 15,303 millennials, who now constitute 10.25% of the city’s population. Its unique blend of historic beauty, cultural richness, and natural allure makes Savannah a compelling choice for millennials seeking a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle in the Southeast.
12. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, despite its high cost of living, still attracted a significant number of millennials, placing twelfth on the list.
This lush Colorado city saw 10,544 millennials move in 2022, and just under 28% of its population consists of millennials.
Furthermore, Boulder is highlighted as one of the most rapidly growing cities among the millennial generation, with over one-third of its millennials having moved in the last year.
This gives Boulder the highest rate of “fresh” millennials after Cambridge, indicating a strong, recent surge in millennial relocation despite the financial considerations.
Alicia Richards