Generation Z is on the move, often to places with a high cost of living.
Americans born between the years 1996 and 2004 are choosing job opportunities and sunny skies over affordability when moving, according to a Zillow analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey.
In a summary of the findings, Edward Berchick, a principal population scientist at Zillow, says:
“Gen Z movers are likely drawn to the job opportunities in these states, despite the higher costs of housing. They may also be in a stage of life where they’re willing and able to be flexible in their standards of living while starting their careers.”
Here are the states that are drawing large numbers of new Gen Z residents. To weed out young adults who may have moved temporarily for college, Zillow excluded those who reported going to school in the previous three months.
10. Arizona
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 21,418
Arizona has long been a haven for snowbirds and retirees, but it also has become a prime destination for young adults.
Young people looking for an education have the options of Arizona State University in Tempe and the University of Arizona in Tucson. But it is Scottsdale that is one of the “10 Best Cities for Hopeful Gen Z Homebuyers.”
9. Georgia
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 24,788
Georgia is home to Atlanta, one of the biggest cities in the South and a great place to find job opportunities.
However, it is also among the “15 Cities With the Largest Increase in Home Prices Over the Last Decade.” That means young people might struggle to afford new digs in the city.
As we have reported, members of Gen Z are also flocking to Athens, home to the University of Georgia.
8. Illinois
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 25,890
Members of Gen Z with big career ambitions might want to pack up and move to Illinois: One of the nation’s biggest and most vibrant cities — Chicago — is located in the state.
Illinois also appears to be a go-to destination for those who own golden retrievers, as we reported in “The Most Popular Dog Breed in Every U.S. State.”
7. Virginia
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 26,418
Members of Gen Z who are looking for a more affordable place to live might want to give Virginia a try. Richmond is one of the “10 Places Homebuyers Get the Most Square Feet for the Money.”
Meanwhile, those who are ambitious — and not afraid of a higher cost of living — could settle in Alexandria, Arlington or Fairfax, Virginia, all of which are near the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
6. Colorado
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 30,797
Younger people who love the mountains and spending time in nature find it difficult to resist the charms of Colorado.
Members of Gen Z may also be more comfortable with the higher level of transparency they will find when looking for a job. Colorado is one of the “8 States Where Companies Must Reveal How Much Jobs Pay.”
5. Washington
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 33,534
Washington is home to Seattle, a powerhouse of the technology industry. That makes it an attractive place for tech-savvy members of Gen Z.
Before you head to the Pacific Northwest, however, prepare for a little sticker shock. Not only are housing costs high, but car insurance rates also are surging in Washington.
4. North Carolina
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 33,690
The famed Research Triangle in the Raleigh-Durham area is home to three major universities and one of the most educated workforces in the nation. You might even a find a good deal on a home right now, as Raleigh is one of the “21 Places With the Most Sellers Slashing Home Prices in 2024.”
Charlotte is another great city in North Carolina, and one of the economic engines driving growth in the South.
3. Florida
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 41,394
Florida probably offers the closest thing to paradise in the mainland U.S. Young people looking for fun in the surf and sand are moving to the Sunshine State in big numbers.
However, members of Gen Z who worry about climate change should know that more than a dozen Florida cities featured prominently in our story “These U.S. Cities Will Be Most Impacted by Rising Sea Levels.”
2. California
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 43,913
In recent years, pundits have described California as a state in decline. But if that’s true, members of Gen Z haven’t gotten the message. They are flocking to the Golden State.
Perhaps they have an inkling that forecasts of the state’s demise are premature: Several California cities appeared in our story “Experts Say These 10 Housing Markets Will Boom in 2024.”
1. Texas
How many people from Generation Z moved here in 2022 (net migration): 76,805
Like Florida, Texas is a state that seems to draw hordes of new residents year after year. Members of Gen Z are among those succumbing to the Lone Star State’s charms.
If your heart is set on moving to the state, check out our list of “10 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Texas.”
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