Top 25 Cities for Gen Z

Generation Z (born 1997-2012) are coming of age and venturing out into the world leaves us with the question what cities will Gen Z call home? moveBuddha analyzed economic and social data to predict the US cities Gen Z will be calling home.

Despite soaring rates of crippling anxiety and debt, Millennials packed up their pets and moved to cities like Denver and Austin, transforming these cities into major metropolitan areas; they advocated for more flexible working arrangements; they redefined restaurant dining, and they even turned out to be pretty good parents.

From rent costs to the dating scene, from the population of young people to the best employment opportunities, moveBuddha analyzed social and economic data sets to predict which American cities will offer the ideal living conditions for the coming generation of young adults.

Highlights from Report

Major Findings

3 of the top 5 cities with the best job prospects are mega metropolises with 6 million+ residents: Washington, DC (2.06), San Francisco (2.05), and Boston (1.32).

Affordability is best in Cincinnati, Sioux Falls, and Fargo, collectively offering lower than average rents AND stronger spending power.

For a vibrantly youthful and educated city our overall #1 ranking Madison is a winner. Here there is a 17% higher population of 18 to 34-year-old’s of which almost half have some form of higher education (Bachelors Degree or more).

Top 5 US Cities

• Madison WI
• Fargo No. MN
• Columbus OH
• Lincoln NE
• Minnesota MT

Unsurprisingly, larger metropolitan areas tend to have more in the way of jobs to offer than smaller cities. Just as job seekers from every generation have headed to these cities to pursue their career dreams, Gen Z will likely follow suit.

A 2020 study by NerdWallet showed that, for significant portions of Gen Z, their parents are footing the bill for their housing, cell phones, health insurance, and groceries.

In which American cities are newly independent Gen Zers most likely to be able to make ends meet?

Washington DC, Boston, Seattle, and Denver are other cities where high rent prices combine with above-average cost of living.

On the flipside, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati is nearly $100 less than the national average. What’s more, and a dollar spent in here goes an extra 10% further. Other Gen-Z-friendly cities with below-average housing and living costs include Fargo (ND), Sioux Falls (SD), St. Louis (MO), Lincoln (NE), Pittsburgh (PA), and Tucson (AZ).

Which cities have the greatest concentration of young people?

Madison, WI has more young people compared to the national average. What’s more, nearly half of Madison’s young population has a Bachelor’s degree. Young, educated people comprise a whopping 12% of Madisonians. Therefore, making the Wisconsin capital a veritable hotspot for academically-minded members of Gen Z

To view the full report visit https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/genz-cities/