Millennials Paved the Way
After graduating from college, many Millennials moved to big US metropolises like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Source: Freepik
Of course, city life is appealing for many reasons, but most of these young go-getters weren’t just looking for excitement; they were also looking for a well-paying job, which could often be found in the city.
The Pandemic Changed Everything
But then, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country and the world, thousands of companies went remote and allowed their employees to work from home, which drastically changed the corporate world in America.
Source: Freepik
Then, it seemed impractical and unnecessary to live in a big city and pay a fortune in rent for a tiny apartment. And even though many companies have returned to the office at least part-time, several have retained the option for employees to work from anywhere.
Gen Zers Are Taking Advantage of the New Normal
With the ability to only head into the office every so often, many Gen Zers who recently graduated from college have decided to avoid the large metropolises and instead head to states that offer a completely different life.
Source: Freepik
They are moving to those states that offer a lower cost of living overall, less taxes on property and income, and those that offer houses they can actually afford to buy.
Gen Zers Are Looking for the Simple Life
And according to research, it’s not just affordability that’s encouraging this change in migration. Emilia Mann, senior analyst at StorageCafe, explained in an interview, “Gen Zers are increasingly drawn to simpler living in their housing choices.”
Source: Freepik
And StorageCafe even created an in-detail report that explained exactly where these young professionals are moving, and it is quite surprising.
16% of South Dakota’s Newest Residents Are Aged 18-23
The study found that 20,703 Americans aged 18 to 23 moved to the state of South Dakota in 2021, which was 16% of all new residents that year.
Source: Freepik
This is less surprising when you learn that the average rent throughout the state is only $1,096, and the home value is $213,472. And, of course, the gorgeous state is stunning, quiet, and full of outdoor adventures.
North Dakota Is Also Experiencing Thousands of New Gen Z Residents
Next on the list is South Dakota’s neighbor, North Dakota. The StorageCafe report stated that 15% of all new residents of the state were between the ages of 18 and 23 in 2021.
Source: iStock
And experts believe that this number will continue to grow over the next few years as more and more young people realize just how affordable and beautiful the state is.
Idaho Is Also Growing Every Year
Idaho saw more migration than almost any other state in the country in 2021 and 2022. In fact, they essentially had 25 new residents for every 1,000 existing, which is five times more new residents than Texas had.
Source: Facebook
And of all these new Idaho citizens, 15% of them were under 23 years old! Making it the third most popular state for Gen Zers.
Kansas & Iowa Take Fourth and Fifth Place
It’s important to note that while some Gen Zers are searching for that little cabin in the woods, some are still interested in urban living but in a less expensive and overwhelming city.
Source: KAYAK
The study explained that 14% of all new residents in Kansas and Iowa were aged 18 to 23, but some of these young professionals opted for the smaller but still bustling cities of Des Moines and Kansas City.
Utah, Wyoming, Montana, & Indiana Round Out the Top 10
Finally, 13% of all new residents in Utah, Montana, Indiana, and Wyoming in 2021 were Gen Zers, rounding out the top 10 states for the next generation of young adults.
Source: Britannica
It seems the younger generation loves the natural beauty, vast mountains, prairie lands, and simple life that these states offer their residents.
Gen Z Considers Moving “Relatively Normal”
Overall, no matter which state they choose, it seems that Gen Zers are on the move. They’re not afraid to move states or even head across the country to the unknown to find the life they’re looking for.
Source: Freepik
Sean Kyons, a business professor at the University of Guelph, explained, “Millennials really normalized the trend of career mobility and relocation. For Gen Z, relocating might be viewed as relatively normal.”
The Urban Boom is Over, For Now
It’s important to note that the Gen Z migration away from cities and toward simple life in various other states will undoubtedly affect the landscape of the country’s cities, such as San Francisco and New York.
Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
What will happen next to these urban areas is anyone’s guess, but it may be some time before they get back to their former glory and appeal to the masses again.