NYC ranks 10th among the best cities for Gen Z

Many Gen Zers are graduating and getting their first jobs. With the rise of remote work, this generation has more flexibility when it comes to choosing where to settle down. CommercialCafe found which US cities are best suited for 18- to 25-year-olds, looking to move to a new place.

Atlanta ranked first among the best places for Gen Zers. With the highest number of parks, this city is perfect for pet owners, joggers, and anyone who prefers to be surrounded by green spaces. In addition, Zoomers make up almost 10 percent of Atlanta’s population, the fourth-highest share on CommercialCafe’s list. The low unemployment rate and great job and educational opportunities make Atlanta Gen Z’s haven.  

Minneapolis received second place. This city scored well in Gen Z population share and school enrolment. According to the study, Minneapolis has a “booming co-working scene,” which presents plenty of networking opportunities for freelancers and remote workers. The 3.8 percent unemployment rate, lower than in Atlanta and the fourth-lowest overall, is another advantage of Minneapolis. 

CommercialCafe listed Boston as number three. The capital of Massachusetts has the most educated Gen Z population, with almost two-thirds of the city’s residents aged 20 to 24 enrolled in some form of education. Boston is known as one of the country’s best tech spots, making it especially appealing to college graduates. Last year, Boston was named the best city for Zoomers. However, low affordability pushed this city to third place. 

New York City rounded out the top ten list thanks to its fast internet, rich cultural scene, and a variety of green commuting options (i.e. public transit, biking, and walking). The city’s disadvantages include low affordability, low Gen Z population share, and a high unemployment rate. If you are looking for the most affordable destination, head to Oklahoma City, and if you want to be surrounded by your peers, pick Tucson, AZ. 

Gen Zers face many obstacles while trying to enter adulthood: from the coronavirus pandemic to inflation and rising rents. The financial challenges have pushed many young adults to return to their childhood homes. The New York Times reported that roughly 80 percent of those who had to move back at the start of the pandemic are Generation Z. Currently, nearly a third of Americans aged between 18 and 25 live with their parents or other relatives. 

Resources:

“Top 20 Cities for Gen Z: Atlanta, Minneapolis & Boston Steal the Spotlight,” by Lucian  Alixandrescu (CommercialCafe, 2022)

“The Best Cities for Generation Z,” by Michael Kolomatsky (The New York Times, 2022)

“These are the 10 best U.S. cities for Gen Zers based on affordability, internet speed and more,” by Celia Fernandez (CNBC, 2022)

“Nearly a Third of Gen Z Is Living at Home (and They Plan to Stay),” by Anna P. Kambhampaty (The New York Times, 2022)