Zoomer Boomtowns: Mid-Sized U.S. Cities Drawing Graduating Gen Zers

The following feature showcasing Lexington, KY as a top destination for graduating Gen Zers was published in CommercercialCafe:

As more Baby Boomers retire and Millennials continue playing out their role in the U.S. economy, Generation Z is the next cohort in line to make headlines and bring change. The cohort’s digital fluency, the value they place on work/life balance and their keen sense of social responsibility all promise to shape the future of American cities in many ways. Whether they’re choosing a city for its job prospects, educational opportunities, or overall quality of life, their preferences will determine which cities get the most population and talent boost.

But, although the largest U.S. cities are often targeted by young professionals for the opportunities they entail, mid-sized population centers offer advantages that Gen Zers are keenly aware of — from shorter commutes to more affordability or lower barriers to entry for some career directions. With this in mind, we set out to rank the best U.S. cities with populations between 250,000 and 400,000 residents based on several Gen Z-friendly factors, such as employment opportunities for fresh graduates, affordability and green spaces. In doing so, we found that up-and-coming bastions of urban renewal in the Midwest are mostly competing with sunny locations in the South when it comes to attracting Gen Zers.