Redfin’s analysis finds Gen Z and millennials are leaving costly coastal metros for cheaper or opportunity-rich cities, often in the South. Millennials (≈30–45) prioritize affordability and space in places like Houston and Las Vegas, while older Gen Z (20s) target cities with strong entry-level job markets such as San Antonio, Austin and Nashville. Fewer young adults are relocating than a decade ago, and most moves are regional corridors like LA→Riverside and NY→Philadelphia.
Where Gen Z and Millennials Are Moving — And Why They Choose Different Cities
A cyclist travels across the James D. Pfluger Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge with a clear view of downtown Austin, Texas, April 27, 2026.
A new Redfin analysis of U.S. Census American Community Survey microdata shows Gen Z and millennials are leaving expensive coastal metros for more affordable and opportunity-rich cities — often in the South — but the two groups are picking different destinations based on life stage.
Different Priorities by Age
Millennials (roughly ages 30–45) are prioritizing space and affordability. They are relocating to metros such as Houston, Las Vegas and Atlanta where wages go further and homeownership is more attainable. Gen Z adults (mostly in their 20s) are favoring cities with stronger entry-level job markets and active social scenes — notably San Antonio, Austin and Nashville — while Washington, D.C. stands out as a popular non-Southern option for career-focused young adults.
What the Data Shows
Redfin used ACS one-year microdata for 2014, 2019 and 2024 and limited the analysis to adults aged 19 and older. By Redfin’s count, San Antonio recorded the largest net gain of Gen Z residents (+10,678), followed by Washington, D.C. (+8,631) and Austin (+8,590). For millennials, Houston led with a net inflow of 16,365, followed by Dallas (+13,072), Baltimore (+11,724), Las Vegas (+8,860) and Atlanta (+8,753).
Labor Market And Housing Pressures
Both cohorts face higher housing costs and a tighter entry-level job market: Revelio Labs reports entry-level job postings are down roughly 35% since early 2023, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates recent-graduate unemployment near 5.7% — above the 4.1% rate for all workers. Those realities help explain why Gen Zers often choose metros with concentrated early-career opportunities while millennials chase lower home prices and more living space.
Regional Moves And Common Outflows
Most moves remain regional rather than cross-country. The most frequent corridor for both generations is Los Angeles → Riverside; New York → Philadelphia is also common. At the same time, New York and Los Angeles are top sources of out-migration for both groups: New York had the largest net outflows for millennials and Gen Z, and Los Angeles also saw substantial net losses.
City Profiles
San Antonio: Strong healthcare sector and growing cybersecurity presence make it attractive to early-career workers. Austin: Tech, healthcare and a vibrant cultural scene; median sale price noted by Redfin was $549,636 (August), above the national median ($398,596) but far below Los Angeles ($1.05M) and San Francisco ($1.6M). Houston, Dallas, Nashville: Broader corporate bases and more affordable housing drew many millennials.
“Gen Zers are chasing opportunity, while millennials are chasing space,” said Sheharyar Bokhari, principal economist at Redfin.
Overall, fewer young adults are relocating than a decade ago: the share of 19–24-year-olds leaving their metro fell from 15.3% in 2014 to 13.5% in 2024, and relocations among 25–34-year-olds dropped from about 11% to 9% over the same period.
Sources: Redfin analysis of U.S. Census ACS 1-year microdata (2014, 2019, 2024); Revelio Labs; Federal Reserve Bank of New York; National Association of Realtors.
Help us improve.
