Gen Z Moves to Big Cities While Others Move Out: Find Out Where Gen Z Is Moving in Our 2024 Report

Choosing where to live is a defining moment for many young adults that shapes the rest of their lives. While Gen Z is flocking across state lines to bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles, older generations are seeking out warmer climates and smaller towns. 

As these transitions take place, a constant is the importance of finding the best long-distance moving company. What shifts are Americans’ priorities over time. Each generation navigates changes in job opportunities, housing costs, and their social lives as its members age.

Experts note that this shift in living preferences marks a significant change in American mobility patterns. “The past five years have proven to be an interesting time period for housing, relocation, and mobility trends for Americans,” says Christie Batson, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “The pandemic introduced Americans to a new way of thinking about their quality of life.”

In this study, the This Old House Team explores migration trends across different generations. Our analysis draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to provide insights into these evolving patterns. 

Read on to find out where generations—from Gen Z to baby boomers—are moving and how their choices are impacting your state.

Gen Z flocks to New York While Other Generations Skip Town

As more Gen Z members enter the housing market, destinations like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, and Chicago are rising to the forefront for people making a move. New York City remains a top choice, with a net gain of 30,984 Gen Z residents in the past year. Although this reflects a slowdown from 2022’s net increase of 44,361, the city continues to attract young adults eager to experience the city’s one-of-a-kind reputation.

“Big cities are attractive because that is where jobs and opportunities are,” says Karen B. Guzzo, Ph.D., director of the Carolina Population Center at UNC Chapel Hill. “Big cities are also often home to, or near, major colleges and universities, and young adults who go away for school often form social networks—including job ties—in those areas. Cities also have more amenities, as shops and restaurants in small towns have been unable to stay in business given a smaller customer base and the existence of online shopping.”

The same sentiment is echoed by JoonYup Park, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa: “Younger college graduates are particularly drawn to city centers to access unique, non-tradable services that suburban areas cannot offer, such as high-quality restaurants, cafes, and vibrant nightlife. City centers also attract high-income households due to the availability of high-quality amenities available in downtown neighborhoods.”

Houston has risen to the third position among Gen Z’s preferred cities, gaining 22,868 residents from this generation. This is a significant jump from 2022, when Houston added just 15,269 Gen Z residents and was ranked 11th—one of the biggest changes in net migration for Gen Z. Unlike New York and Los Angeles, which are attracting Gen Z but losing older generations, Houston is also a top destination for millennials and Gen X.

Houston was spared the fate of several southern and midwestern cities experiencing a decline in Gen Z populations. El Paso, Texas, has lost the most residents from this generation, with a drop of 5,607, a sharp turn from 2022 when the city saw an increase. Other cities, including Plano, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; McKinney, Texas; and Wichita, Kansas, are seeing similar declines.

This attraction to major cities aligns with established patterns of young adult mobility, according to demographic experts. “Research on American moving patterns consistently shows that young adults (ages 18–34) are the most mobile group of people in the United States. Big cities offer young people opportunities that they are unable to find in smaller cities. These cities offer unique cultural experiences such as nightlife, music and fine arts, culinary and food diversity, sports teams, and public transportation options to navigate these experiences,” says Batson.

Ryan Weichelt, Ph.D., department chair at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, also highlights the transportation facility as a factor for younger generations: “More and more younger college graduates are leaning into alternative transportation. Things like light rails, subways, and bike-friendly roads allow them not to be as burdened by having a car. That disposable income can then be used on other things.”

Some of Gen Z’s favorite cities mirror the choices of millennials at the same age. In 2013, New York and Los Angeles were the top two destinations for millennials. However, they leaned more toward Boston and Austin, skipping Philadelphia and Chicago. Both generations had Charlotte and Houston on their lists of preferred cities.

Millennials Head South

Millennials are leaving large, colder cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago in significant numbers and heading to warmer climates. The top pick for millennials is Jacksonville, Florida, reminiscent of migration patterns seen in their parents’ generation. Millennials are also choosing the finance hub of San Diego and southern cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, and Houston.

Jacksonville leads the way for millennials, with a net gain of 7,717 residents. Following closely is San Diego with 6,165 newcomers, Charlotte with 5,965, Houston with 5,301, and Phoenix with 5,030.

In stark contrast, millennials are departing from New York City at a rate of -13,667, as well as Chicago (-8,580), Boston (-8,312), Denver (-6,961), and Jersey City (-6,517). This marks a significant decline in cities like New York and Boston, which were once dominant among millennials. In 2013, when millennials were about the age of Gen Z, New York and Boston ranked as the No. 1 and No. 3 destinations, netting 28,265 and 16,393 millennials, respectively.

This shift reflects a broader national trend in post-pandemic migration patterns. “Since 2020, there has been notable outmigration from highly populated, expensive cities to mid-sized cities and tech hubs. This trend unfolded nationwide, with people moving out of major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City and into cities like Austin and Raleigh-Durham,” says Sarah Dickerson, Ph.D., assistant research professor and research economist at the Kenan Institute.

Older Generations Leave the Cities

Gen X, baby boomers, and the Silent Generation are also moving away from major cities, particularly New York City and Washington, D.C. They’re heading to some of the same cities as Gen Z, including Houston and Jacksonville, Florida.

Houston is the top destination for Gen X, attracting 6,312 residents from this generation. Baby boomers are opting for Jacksonville, with a net gain of 1,676. The Silent Generation shows a preference for Mesa, Arizona, which gained 1,023 residents of this generation.

While Gen X and baby boomers are looking to leave large cities, especially New York City, the Silent Generation is making a surprising move in the opposite direction. New York City ranks as the second most popular city for the Silent Generation, bringing in 666 newcomers.

This generational migration pattern reflects changing priorities among older Americans. “Retirees, while less mobile overall, are becoming more strategic in their moves, often choosing locations based on political climate, amenities, and lifestyle preferences,” observes Stephan Weiler, Ph.D., director of the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University.

2023 State Migration Trends

Florida and Texas are the most popular states to move to across generations. Texas ranks first for both Gen Z, with a net gain of 91,012, and millennials, with 117,004 new residents. Florida follows closely behind, attracting 84,812 Gen Z and 107,771 millennials.

Florida takes the lead for Gen X, baby boomers, and the Silent Generation, with gains of 65,901, 74,275, and 17,637, respectively. Texas serves as the second choice for these generations, adding 54,312 Gen X, 25,436 baby boomers, and 13,120 Silent Generation residents.

New York is losing residents across multiple generations. Millennials are leaving at a rate of 11,263 residents a year, followed by baby boomers at 14,438, Gen X at 6,672, and the Silent Generation at 4,855. Despite this trend, New York gained 46,571 Gen Z residents.

Gen Z is leaving New Jersey, with a loss of 19,342 Gen Z residents. States like Maryland, Louisiana, and Kansas are also taking major hits to their Gen Z populations.

Expert Insights and Tips

Christie Batson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

See answers

Read bio

What changes do you see happening in how Americans choose where to live?

The past five years have proven to be an interesting time period for housing, relocation, and mobility trends for Americans. Prior to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, there was a consistent pattern of declines in moving among the American population. For those who did move, it was primarily for economic reasons and work relocation. But generally, most American households were staying in their same community. The American population has seen an aging population of baby boomers who “age in place” and a new movement of millennials who have been “stuck in place” due to higher housing costs and underemployment. However, the pandemic introduced Americans to a new way of thinking about their quality of life. As work was impacted through pandemic job loss, wage stagnation, and increases in remote work, we witnessed a unique uptick of people moving out of the city and people moving to be closer to family. In many ways, there was a value shift in Americans who began to prioritize their quality of life over economic success. I suspect that this trend continues as people make housing decisions based on caregiving, comfort, work flexibility, and proximity to loved ones. It is still too soon to make conclusions about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migration and mobility, but the data clearly points to a short-term shift in American mobility since 2020.

Why do you think big cities are attractive to younger generations?

Research on American moving patterns consistently shows that young adults (ages 18–34) are the most mobile group of people in the United States. Big cities offer young people opportunities that they are unable to find in smaller cities. Generally, job opportunities, diverse housing options, and cultural amenities draw young people to the city. For many young adults, cities offer a lifestyle that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Many big cities have 24-hour economies that expand job opportunities beyond traditional working hours. These cities offer unique cultural experiences such as nightlife, music and fine arts, culinary and food diversity, sports teams, and public transportation options to navigate these experiences. Interestingly, though, most young people still live close to the home where they grew up. Research shows that almost 80% of young adults live within 100 miles of their childhood home. While younger people might migrate to the big city to explore life on their own, they are most likely moving to the closest big city from their home.

Do you have any tips for folks choosing their next hometown?

In choosing a next hometown, I think three trends are important for Americans to consider in their future moves. First, the cost of living is driving most of the movement we see. The exodus of migration out of California to states with much lower housing costs is a perfect example of this. People want the ability to live comfortably, not be house-poor, and not spend hours in their cars commuting to work. Finding a city with affordable housing will likely be the primary reason for moves over the next decade. Second, find a place that shares your values. Increasingly, people are moving to places where their values are shared by neighbors, school systems, and legislation. As American states have become more polarized in their political values, movement based on value systems will continue to increase. This will have interesting long-term impacts on how we think about placemaking and building community in the United States. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is a quality of life aspect that extends beyond housing costs and jobs. And third, I encourage people to think about their specific needs and the things that bring them joy before moving. With access to more remote work options and improved workplace flexibility post-COVID, Americans can find more accommodating solutions to their work preferences and prioritize joy in their lives. Do you have health issues that require access to good medical care? Do you prefer public transportation over car ownership? Do large crowds in stores induce anxiety? Do you want access to healthy food options or the ability to grow your own food? Do outdoor spaces and outdoor recreation bring you joy? Do you want good schools for your children? These are many of the individualistic questions to ask oneself before deciding where to move.

Christie D. Batson specializes in urban and social demography, immigration and immigrant adaptation, and intermarriage. Most recently, she has been examining neighborhood quality of life issues in Southern Nevada and effects of the housing foreclosure crisis on community quality of life.

Ryan Weichelt, Ph.D.

Department Chair

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

See answers

Read bio

​​What changes do you see happening in how Americans choose where to live?

I think this question may be the most difficult to pin down. There is no question that rising home prices and high interest rates have had a negative impact on people’s choices of where they are going to live. This is especially true for single-family homes. The result has increased the number of apartments and in recent years, increases in the building of twin homes. These trends were first seen in larger metropolitan areas, but increasingly similar trends are being seen in mid-sized cities. Simply put, it is becoming more difficult to “upgrade” your home compared to years past. Starter homes are more difficult to come by, and the step up to the next level home can be out [of] the price range of many (especially with higher interest rates).

So we have seen increases in twin homes in larger metropolitan areas, as they [are] economical compared to a single-family home. Apartments are an option, but at least what I have seen, they [are] more popular among younger people. Yet, another trend I am seeing in Wisconsin is growth in smaller cities. This growth can be driven by new home construction, but it is also seen in renovating existing homes and, in some cases, apartments and twin homes. The amenities become more important. The key to these places are they are about 15 to 20 miles away from larger urban areas (closer drive to work) and offer cheaper homes/land. For places farther from large urban areas, there is also growth if they are located on larger highway/interstate and there is a medical facility. The location of a clinic or small hospital is becoming increasingly important in rural areas that [are] farther than 30 miles from a large urban area. These types of small towns are doing better than those that do not have a medical facility. Additionally, these places are also growing with the addition of nursing homes that are often dependent on close access to healthcare.

With that said, we are seeing different trends depending on the scale at which people live. In large urban areas, apartments and twin homes are more popular for first-time homebuyers, in medium-sized areas, similar trends with apartments and twin homes, but if land is available, you may see more home building because land is cheaper. This is especially true of communities that are about 10 to 20 miles away from a larger urban area. Smaller communities with amenities like clinics or hospitals are more likely to see growth compared to similar-sized places without.

Why do you think big cities are attractive to younger generations?

Younger people moving to cities has been a trend for many years, but really saw increases in the late 90s with the tech boom. Richard Florida’s book about the Creative Class highlighted how younger, educated people were changing the dynamics of urban areas as they sought to live in places that catered to their high-end wants and needs. Another book by Larry Ford, America’s New Downtowns, really did an excellent job expanding on this idea, specifically on how the American Downtown has been reimaged since the 1990s. Basically, downtowns once again became focal points for new residential development and entertainment. These functions not only provided amenities for those living in downtowns but also for the growing suburban populations that would visit when needed.

The biggest changes in recent years for these areas has been the rise of mixed-use residential areas. New buildings often provide employment opportunities at the bottom level or two, with residential in higher levels. These areas also tend to attract other businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, unique retail, and bars/breweries. These areas tend to also be located on some sort of public transit line. These realities tend to fit younger people that want to live in a big city, that have the amenities they desire but may not necessarily want to be inconvenienced by vehicles. Those downtowns that are able to offer such things are having more success than others. A few places that come to mind include Minneapolis, Sacramento, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina (there are many others).

More and more younger college graduates are leaning into alternative transportation. Things like light rails, subways, and bike-friendly roads allow them not to be as burdened by having a car. That disposable income can then be used on other things. Unfortunately, these areas do require higher rents, so it may market some people out who must seek housing farther from the center. But you can find interesting nodes of small mixed-use development along public transportation lines that do connect people to larger urban areas. The nodes along the many rail lines around Chicago come to mind. People may work in Chicago and can easily access Chicago via train, but they return to mixed use housing near the rail line that does offer other amenities such as small breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Rent is much cheaper than downtown Chicago.

With COVID, remote work has also been seen as a suitable alternative, especially for younger workers. This certainly allows younger people to live wherever, but we are now seeing cooperative buildings where people can rent office space to work remotely with other people that work remotely (all working with different companies). This gives people flexibility but also creates human interactions that can be missed by remote work. These shared spaces are in these mixed-use areas that are attracting younger people to these larger urban areas.

This has come with some consequences, though. These higher rents lead to gentrification and forcing lower income households out of traditional areas and farther away from jobs they may have. This increases travel costs for those impacted by such gentrification. Furthermore, smaller apartments by younger people can perhaps have an impact on having children. While these mixed-use areas are trying to become more family-friendly, higher costs on housing and lack of child care has dramatically decreased birth rates. This impact is starting to be felt by some towns that have growing overall populations but declining children. We are seeing more and more school districts having to close schools due to lack of children (and often funding). Many think with growing populations comes more children, but that is not always the case as younger people are deciding to have less children and, in some cases, no children at all.

What’s shifting in how people view their communities?

I have alluded to this in my above responses. I think everyone is trying to deal with new realities related to increased cost of housing and interest rates. People are less likely than previous generations to buy a starter home, move to a larger one, or simply build new homes. This reality is causing places to rethink where they want to live.

We are also seeing generational shifts on what people want. Younger generations are increasingly interested in non-car transportation options. They are more interested in public transportation and/or bike transportation (be it traditional or e-bike). This makes the suburbs a less attractive area to live in. Furthermore, while anecdotal, they are not as interested in as large [of] homes such as what their parents or grandparents own. This may be attributed to the high cost of such homes, but probably also the lack of amenities younger people want that downtowns tend to offer.

I think people are looking for places to be distinguished. This relates to a geographic idea of “sense of place.” This can be large scale with a large building or major employer, or it can be more subtle such as green spaces or vibrant downtown. No city can bring everything to everyone, but people do want a community that seems to be trying to establish that sense of place compared to doing nothing. Sadly, this is reflected by economic trends in that closure of any business can have detrimental effect, but even through that, cities that can provide that identity tend to survive shocks better than others. My town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has worked very hard to revitalize its downtown. They turned an abandoned field into a thriving park and farmers market. This then tied to Eau Claire’s music scene that offers numerous concerts in the summer. Eventually, a large Performing Arts Center was built. These realities lead to the development of numerous mixed-use buildings providing a variety of amenities. It has truly transformed Eau Claire. It helps to have a university, but Eau Claire is growing in total population.

Ryan Weichelt is a professor and department chair of the Geography and Anthropology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His areas of expertise include political geography, electoral geography, redistricting studies, rural geography, and demography. Recent research projects include analysis of second home ownership in northern Wisconsin and evaluating perceptions of sustainable agriculture of farmers in western Wisconsin.

Stephan Weiler, Ph.D.

Director of the Regional Economic Development Institute

Colorado State University

See answers

Read bio

What changes do you see happening in how Americans choose where to live?

Americans are increasingly “voting with their feet,” moving primarily for economic reasons and seeking places with attractive amenities. There’s a notable shift towards secondary cities that offer most of the amenities of larger metropolitan areas but at lower costs. People are looking for locations with good infrastructure, job opportunities, and quality-of-life features like parks, universities, and cultural offerings. A high mobility trend continues, with Americans changing jobs frequently and being willing to relocate, though the pace of migration to high-cost cities is slowing.

How are different generations thinking about moving today?

Generational approaches to moving vary significantly. Young people remain the most mobile, typically moving for job opportunities and career advancement. Retirees, while less mobile overall, are becoming more strategic in their moves, often choosing locations based on political climate, amenities, and lifestyle preferences. Younger generations are particularly influenced by factors like city diversity, cultural offerings, and workplace flexibility, while older generations are more focused on finding communities that match their specific needs and preferences.

​​Why do you think big cities are attractive to younger generations?

Big cities attract younger generations through their diverse amenities, including cultural institutions, entertainment options, and job opportunities. Cities offer higher wages, greater career potential, and more productive work environments. They provide access to concerts, museums, diverse dining, and social experiences. Additionally, cities tend to be more diverse and offer better networking opportunities, especially for international migrants who often follow family connections to urban centers.

What future moving trends do you foresee?

The future of moving appears to be shaped by uncertainty and changing priorities. Young families, having experienced multiple economic shocks, are seeking stability and comfort. There’s a growing trend of remote work allowing more flexible living choices. Political and social considerations are increasingly important, with factors like abortion rights influencing relocation decisions. The movement towards secondary cities and more affordable locations is likely to continue, with people prioritizing quality of life over traditional urban living.

 ​Do you have any tips for folks choosing their next hometown?

Be true to yourself and carefully evaluate your priorities. Sit down with your partner and create a chart of the most important features you want in a new location. Consider factors like amenities, job opportunities, cost of living, and personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to look beyond stereotypes—every city and region has unique characteristics. Take into account your specific life stage, whether you’re a young professional, starting a family, or planning for retirement. Remember that the United States offers incredibly diverse living circumstances, so there’s likely a perfect place for everyone.

Stephan Weiler is a professor of economics at Colorado State University and director of the university’s Regional Economic Development Institute (REDI@CSU). His current work focuses on regional economic growth and development, particularly in rural and inner-city areas.

Sarah Dickerson, Ph.D.

Assistant Research Professor and Research Economist

Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

See answers

Read bio

What changes do you see happening in how Americans choose where to live?

The South has experienced a significant population boom in recent years, with Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas attracting a considerable influx of migrants. Since 2020, there has been notable outmigration from highly populated, expensive cities to mid-sized cities and tech hubs. This trend unfolded nationwide, with people moving out of major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City and into cities like Austin and Raleigh-Durham. However, the outmigration from affluent urban areas has since slowed, and the talent pools in these cities remain large.

The cost of housing and the rise of remote work contributed to shifting migration patterns during the pandemic. For instance, housing prices skyrocketed during the first two years of the pandemic. This trend, combined with the rise of remote work, encouraged migration to lower cost of living areas, including the suburbs.

Home prices have since stabilized, and companies across the country are implementing return-to-office policies, two trends that could impact migration decision-making in 2025. It is likely that suburban homes will remain a popular, affordable option, but some buyers may favor housing options closer to their offices. As for migration to the South, many of the Southern cities that offer plentiful job opportunities and a low cost of living (e.g., Charlotte and Atlanta) will continue to retain and attract workers.

How are different generations thinking about moving today? Do you have any tips for folks choosing their next hometown?

Choosing the ideal hometown depends on one’s life stage. Larger urban areas, offering an array of job opportunities and cultural activities—such as restaurants, theaters, and concerts—appeal to younger generations. For example, Gen Z’s top migration destinations are all major cities. Conversely, millennials gravitate towards mid-sized cities that cater to families, with amenities like public green spaces.

Regardless of life stage, quality of life should be at the forefront of any decision to move. This includes factors such as cost of living, social connections, and quality of transportation infrastructure. Recent data indicates that prices in the U.S. have increased by 22% since the onset of the pandemic, with housing costs growing over 47%. Therefore, anyone feeling the pinch of inflation should consider their purchasing power in the destination city before relocating.

An effective transportation system also plays a crucial role in quality of life, especially as more employees return to the office. Reliable transportation systems are essential for connecting workers with their jobs and broadening job seekers’ search areas.

Social connections, such as friends and family, can significantly contribute to a sense of belonging in a new community, thereby improving quality of life. Social connections provide a safety net for new arrivals and offer access to jobs, resources, and information about the new locale.

In summary, it’s wise to consider a town or city that offers a good quality of life, especially if a compelling job offer is on the table.

Sarah provides guidance on regional economic and policy research at the Institute and presents insights to external audiences. She has worked in academia and the private sector, focusing on econometric modeling and housing economics.

Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Ph.D.

Director of the Carolina Population Center

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

See answers

Read bio

​​What changes do you see happening in how Americans choose where to live?

In all honesty, Americans likely have less choice about where to live because of economic changes. The types of industries and jobs that used to exist in small towns and that provided a livable salary are simply not present anymore. Then, as industries and individuals move away, the tax base declines, and the communities are no longer able to offer services to the same extent. At the same time, rising costs of both renting and purchasing a home make it harder for people to live in areas with strong economies, so those who are just starting out really are in a bind.

How are different generations thinking about moving today?

I think older generations would love to have their children stay close by as they transition to adulthood and have their own families and, potentially, be around to help parents as they age. It might be hard for them to understand that children are not necessarily leaving for the sake of leaving; they’re leaving because they need to go where opportunities exist and where they can afford to live. While older generations may have been able to establish successful careers in small towns, changes in the labor market and in housing may not make it possible for their children to do the same. I think many young adults would like to be nearer to their families, but the job opportunities aren’t there. And the possibility of remote work and new growth areas means that people may choose to live where it’s affordable and potentially has other attractive factors, such as better weather or less traffic. This is probably why Charlotte and Raleigh are now growing faster than NYC.

​​What’s shifting in how people view their communities?

The other big shift that is happening is that while many native-born young adults are moving out of small towns, there may be an influx of immigrants from other countries. The cost of living is low, and the types of jobs available—like farming or manufacturing—might not be attractive to college-educated young adults, but they may be attractive [to] immigrants. As the immigrant population grows, new businesses that serve this population grow, such as ethnic restaurants or stores. The new population may also need new services, such as bilingual educators and healthcare workers. This can lead, of course, to a lot of tension between long-time residents and newer residents, but it is a way for smaller towns to remain vibrant and grow.

​​Why do you think big cities are attractive to younger generations?

Big cities are attractive because that is where jobs and opportunities are. Big cities are also often home to, or near, major colleges and universities, and young adults who go away for school often form social networks—including job ties—in those areas. Cities also have more amenities, as shops and restaurants in small towns have been unable to stay in business given a smaller customer base and the existence of online shopping. And there are more young adults, which is part of a chicken-and-egg issue—as smaller towns see their young adult populations decline, there are fewer reasons to stay in small towns, and so more young people leave.

Karen Benjamin Guzzo is a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serves as director of the Carolina Population Center. She received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and did postdoctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a family sociologist and demographer whose work considers patterns and variation in family formation, primarily working with survey data.

JoonYup Park, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

University of Hawai’i at Manoa

See answers

Read bio

What changes do you see happening in how Americans choose where to live?

There have been significant changes in how Americans choose where to live, both across and within cities. Across cities, there is a notable trend of inter-regional migration toward Sunbelt areas, driven by factors such as housing affordability, better job opportunities, and, of course, a moderate climate. This shift is especially prominent as remote work—accelerated by COVID—has given many individuals the flexibility to prioritize these attributes over physical proximity to traditional urban job centers like New York or San Francisco.

​​How are different generations thinking about moving today?

Within cities, there is a shift from the previous trend of suburbanization to a growing preference for city-center living. Younger college graduates are particularly drawn to city centers to access unique, non-tradable services that suburban areas cannot offer, such as high-quality restaurants, cafes, and vibrant nightlife. City centers also attract high-income households due to the availability of high-quality amenities available in downtown neighborhoods. This dynamic creates a reinforcing cycle: Increased demand for urban amenities leads to greater investment in city centers, which, in turn, attracts more younger people and high-income households. I expect this pattern to persist as preferences for non-tradable goods and high-quality urban living continue to grow.

JoonYup Park is an assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) and the University of Hawai’i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. He also serves as the Hawai’i Community Reinvestment Corporation (HCRC) Professor of Affordable Housing Economics.

Full Data

Methodology

We analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates for 2013, 2022, and 2023 and calculated net migration figures by generation across 166 major U.S. cities and all 50 states. 

Generations were mapped to the following age ranges for 2022 and 2023 migration figures:

• Gen Z: Ages 18–29
• Millennial: Ages 30–44
• Gen X: Ages 45–60
• Baby boomers: Ages 60–75
• Silent Generation: Ages 75 and up

“Millennial” was mapped as ages 18–29 for 2013 migration figures.

We used the following metrics for each city for each year to calculate net migration:

• Inflow: At the city level, this is the number of people moving into the city from a different county within the same state or from a different state. At the state level, this is the number of people moving to the state. 
• Outflow: At the city level, this is the number of people moving out of the city to a different county in the same state or to a different state. At the state level, this is the number of people moving out of the state.

Questions about our study? Please contact the author here.

Fair Use Policy

We encourage journalists and reporters to share our findings on moving by generation. If you choose to do so, please link back to our original story to give us proper credit for our research.