The youngest generation of adults, Gen Z is seeking a simple life at lower costs, leading them to migrate to the Great Plains and the mountain West, according to data from a report by StorageCafe and LendingTree.
Changing Preferences: Why Gen Z Is Seeking A Simple Life?
In 2021, Gen Z represented the largest percentage of people moving to states like South Dakota (16%), North Dakota (15%), Idaho (15%), Iowa (14%), and Kansas (14%). Whether renting or buying, they are making their way to these regions.
When looking to purchase a home, these young adults, with an average age of 22, are most interested in taking out a mortgage in Salt Lake City (22.59%), followed by Oklahoma City (22.36%) and Birmingham, Alabama (20.79), as reported by LendingTree.
Emilia Mann, a senior analyst at StorageCafe, noted that Gen Zers are increasingly inclined toward simpler living in their housing choices.
Unlike millennials, who often gravitate toward densely populated areas, Gen Z favors states with lower population density, such as Montana, Idaho, Kansas, and Nebraska, which offer natural beauty and strong economies rooted in energy production, manufacturing, and technology.
Additionally, Gen Zers are drawn to Southern states that offer affordable homes, promising job opportunities, and active lifestyles. On the other hand, they show minimal interest in buying homes in urban hotspots like San Francisco, New York, and San Jose, California, as per LendingTree data.
Remote work has played a significant role in shaping Gen Z’s housing preferences. As more individuals spend increased time at home, amenities like dedicated home offices and larger yards have become increasingly desirable, often requiring relocation away from bustling urban areas, according to Doug Ressler, business intelligence manager at Yardi Matrix.
A recent Pew Research Center study revealed that in 2021, one-quarter of U.S. adults aged 25 to 34 were living in multigenerational family households, a notable increase from 1971 when only 9% of adults in the same age group lived in such arrangements. In 2011, approximately 20% were in multigenerational homes.
In summary, Gen Zers are opting for simpler lives, moving to less densely populated regions in the Great Plains and mountain West for lower costs and quality of life.
Their housing choices are driven by affordability, promising job prospects, and a preference for a quieter, more natural environment. Remote work has further influenced their housing preferences, making amenities like home offices and spacious yards more important.
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