10 Cities Generation Z Is Taking Over

While some members of Generation Z are still in middle school, others are full-fledged adults with mortgages.

Although this generation struggles with inflation and saving for a down payment, they apparently still associate the American dream with homeownership — and it’s a dream they’re willing to chase.

Financial site SmartAsset recently looked at data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, focusing on 268 cities of 100,000 or more residents. Those cities were ranked by the share of their total population represented by Gen Zers who moved into the city in 2022. For this study, SmartAsset defines Gen Z as those ages 18 to 24.

Most of SmartAsset’s top-ranked cities aren’t just places with historic sites, cultural attractions and recreational activities, but also as home to institutions of higher education. Let’s take a look at the most popular cities for Gen Z homebuyers and what might be drawing them in.

10. Syracuse, New York

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 13.81%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 19.64%

Syracuse boasts more than a dozen art museums and galleries, cultivating a rich cultural experience. Syracuse University provides consistent community events like art pop-ups, exhibitions, workshops and festivals. The university also has a lively sports scene for the community to get involved in.

9. Columbia, South Carolina

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 15.11%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 25.91%

Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, the state’s flagship public university and its largest. Though it is the state capital, the city has the feel of a small community with events like the October Scuppernong River Festival and the four-day River Town Christmas event.

The Saluda River and Broad River merge at Columbia to form the Congaree River. With the resulting wetlands, woodlands and waterways, the city also can be a great place for outdoor activities.

8. Gainesville, Florida

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 15.4%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 35%

Gainesville is home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. With that also comes a variety of nightlife and an energetic sports culture. The city is home to an active live music scene featuring local artists. Gainesville also offers creative and educational experiences at the Hippodrome Theater, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, the Historic Haile Homestead and more.

7. Berkeley, California

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 15.84%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 26.45%

Home to the University of California, Berkeley, the city is an academic hub offering many museums like the Lawrence Hall of Science and the Berkeley Natural History Museum.

Berkeley has become a center for startups and tech companies and is recognized for its progressive and innovation-oriented values. UC Berkeley also employs thousands of residents, providing a variety of career options.

6. Tallahassee, Florida

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 17.37%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 29.49%

As the state capital and home of Florida State University, Tallahassee is a center of culture and history in the state. Residents can enjoy arts attractions such as the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, the Tallahassee Ballet, the Railroad Square Art District and Theatre Tallahassee.

The city also has a lot to offer for those who like the outdoors, with a variety of mountain biking trails that range from smooth to rugged, paddling trails, fishing spots and other activities.

5. Athens, Georgia

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 17.41%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 27.68%

Athens has a rich history as the location of the country’s first-ever chartered university — the University of Georgia. Near the school, downtown Athens is a walkable area full of art galleries, shopping and dining spots. Athens also boasts a historical and still active music scene, including being the home of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members and Grammy-winning band R.E.M.

4. College Station, Texas

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 22.2%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 39.22%

As the name implies, College Station is a college town, home to Texas A&M University. There are many gardens and nature-centric attractions here such as the Botanical Gardens (located on campus) and Lake Bryan where locals go to enjoy kayaking, boating, fishing and wakeboarding. For those looking to stay indoors, there’s the Benz Gallery of Floral Art and the Museum of the American G.I.

3. Boulder, Colorado

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 23.86%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 33.18%

Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado Boulder. Its downtown is a lively area full of restaurants, craft breweries and street performers. During the warmer months, it also has a twice-weekly farmers market.

Nature lovers are likely to feel right at home with such a backdrop of natural beauty. Boulder County has 40,000 acres open to the public, more than 60 parks and 155 miles of hiking trails. Boulder Canyon is a popular place for scenic drives, fishing, rock climbing and, of course, winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

2. Provo, Utah

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 24.65%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 42.43%

South of Salt Lake City, Provo is the third-largest city in Utah and home to Brigham Young University. The area is full of scenic locations featuring mountains and waterfalls. Downtown Provo hosts unique activities like candle making and the FishKiss Fish Spa, where “theraputic” fish provide gentle exfoliation treatments by nibbling on your hands and feet.

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan

New Gen Z residents as a percentage of this city’s population: 26.36%

Percentage of this city’s population who are in Gen Z: 35.92%

Ann Arbor houses the University of Michigan and has a growing tech scene, but it’s also an artistic hub with three major annual art fairs that draw half a million visitors annually — including the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair that began in 1960. There’s also a scene for book lovers, with bookstores offering rare and vintage volumes. When locals aren’t taking in the arts, they also enjoy Michigan’s nature through its accessible forests, kayaking and fishing.