Arizona has become a hotspot for the Gen Z crowd looking to relocate, as per a recent Zillow analysis. The state ranks tenth among destinations for these young individuals, born between 1996 and 2004. Despite higher housing costs, they're flocking to Arizona, drawn by the promise of employment and a willingness to adapt their living standards as they embark on their careers, explained Edward Berchick, a principal population scientist at Zillow to ABC15.
But it's not just Arizona getting all the attention. According to new findings from Zillow obtained by PR Newswire, California, despite its high cost of living and being the leader in outbound migration, has experienced a net increase of nearly 44,000 Gen Zers moving in. Similarly, Washington, Colorado, and Virginia, while generally seeing minimal or negative net migration numbers, are among the top 10 states welcoming the Gen Z populace.
Rental prices in these states, however, remain above the national average, potentially a big draw with more than three-quarters of Gen Z transplants choosing to rent their homes. For instance, renting in California costs an average of $1,856 per month, which overshadows the median national rent price of $1,300. "Gen Z movers are likely drawn to the job opportunities in these states, despite the higher costs of housing," Berchick reiterated in a statement obtained by PR Newswire.
The Lone Star State of Texas has emerged as the unparalleled champion in this demographic shift, boasting a net gain of more than 76,000 Gen Z movers. Florida, meanwhile, observed the highest net migration overall but follows California in the Gen Z category. In contrast, Michigan, Maryland, and Idaho seem to be losing their appeal among this generation, with Michigan having more Gen Zers leaving than arriving.
Zillow's data, which sifts out college students by excluding those who reported attending school in the past three months, paints a picture of Gen Z as a group valuing job prospects over affordability, even if it means facing steeper rents and costs of living. This reflects a broader trend of mobility among younger adults who prioritize career advancement and lifestyle factors in their decision of where to plant roots, as reported by ABC15.
