Is it just me, or does it frustrate you when people call millennials narcissistic or entitled? Seriously, we’ve faced some major challenges! Between the recession and the pandemic, life hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. But to me, the hardest part is juggling all that hustle while dreaming of retiring as a millionaire, knowing full well that the cost of living just keeps climbing.
With over 70 million of us in the U.S., millennials are the largest generation in history, outpacing the Baby Boomers. Love us or hate us, we’re the ones steering the economy, shaking up politics, and influencing American culture. But where exactly are we hanging our hats these days?
A new study took a deep dive into all 50 states to pinpoint the best and worst places for millennials to settle down. They looked at key factors like affordability, job markets, quality of life, education, health, and civic engagement.
Are you a millennial? Check out which states have the best opportunities for our generation!
Washington
It’s no shock that Washington state tops the list as the best place for millennials. Just look at the facts: it ranks second for quality of life, third for economic health, fourth for earnings, and sixth for affordability.
The state is a magnet for innovation with its forward-thinking politics, no state income tax, and a tech-focused higher education system. The University of Washington plays a major role in driving the state’s booming economy, making it a hotspot for young professionals looking for opportunity and growth.
Washington, D.C.
You might think of D.C. as more of a city, but since it’s a federal district with no governing state, it’s counted as its own state (sorta). Millennials are flocking to our nation’s capital. They have every reason to go there: D.C. is buzzing with job opportunities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant neighborhood scene that keeps young professionals hooked. The political heart of the country draws ambitious, idealistic people and keeps them around with a solid job market.
It has the highest concentration of millennial residents in the U.S. in spots like Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Logan Circle-Shaw, where they make up a third of the population.
Massachusetts
It’s more fun in Massachusetts because everything’s just a few minutes away, whether it’s a great restaurant or some fun entertainment. It’s also one of the best places for those looking to launch a startup.
The rankings don’t lie either. Unsurprisingly, Massachusetts scored high on education as the home to Harvard and MIT. This East Coast state also ranks high for health, with the highest percentage of millennials with health insurance. Oh, and let’s not forget it’s got the third-highest average earnings for millennials. Talk about a win-win!
Utah
Utah seems like a sweet deal for millennials, offering a high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living. The beehive state boasts the highest employment rate for young adults, so career opportunities are abundant. The education system is top-notch, too, featuring excellent public schools and universities that rack up impressive SAT scores.
Adventure is the name of the game in Utah. There’s no shortage of outdoor fun, from hiking trails to breathtaking national monuments. I bet you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy your weekends.
Illinois
Surely, the bustling life in Chicago is hard to resist. However, job opportunities, affordable housing, and a rich cultural scene are major draws.
Whether you’re aiming for a position at Amazon or Abbott Laboratories, this state offers career prospects across finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing for every skill level. Housing in Chicago can be pricey, but plenty of budget-friendly neighborhoods and suburbs are available. Even better, you’ll find Illinois conveniently situated near other major cities like St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Detroit.
Minnesota
Millennials have experienced their fair share of challenges, especially post-pandemic. It makes perfect sense to seek out the least stressed state in America! A study measuring factors like work hours, housing affordability, and financial anxiety highlights Minnesota as a surprisingly worry-less option for young adults.
Living in Minnesota is easier on the wallet, too, with costs about 4% lower than the national average. The Gopher State offers a diverse economy, a stable job market, and a top-notch healthcare system.
Oregon
If you’re a millennial eyeing a tech career, Portland is definitely worth a look. As Oregon’s largest city, it’s become a thriving tech hub, drawing in young professionals interested in software development, engineering, and more. Beyond that, Oregon’s progressive values and open-minded culture resonate with millennials who care about social and environmental issues.
You’ll find a vibrant scene here filled with craft breweries, marionberries, and Salt & Straw ice cream. The variety of landscapes makes it hard not to fall in love with everything Oregon has to offer
Wisconsin
Millennials really appreciate the simple joys of Wisconsin, where cities are super walkable and bike-friendly. It’s comforting to know that unemployment rates are low, making it a stable place to live.
A large population of this generation lives in Madison, the state capital. Many millennials are discovering what locals have known all along: it’s an awesome place to live, work, and start a family. The University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts students from all over, and the cost of living is about 6.5% lower than the national average.
Virginia
Virginia is a melting pot of history, nature, and modern living. Alexandria and Arlington are two cities in the state that millennials should definitely check out. Alexandria has a low unemployment rate of just 2.27%, and renters spend only about 27% of their income on housing, making it a great place to live.
However, if you’re searching for nightlife, Arlington may not be your best choice, with only about 31 restaurants and bars and five entertainment venues per 10,000 residents.
Colorado
Imagine waking up to mountain views every morning! Colorado is not just about the great outdoors, though; cities like Denver and Boulder buzz with a vigorous culture, a booming tech scene, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for young professionals. The state even scores high on economic health and quality of life, making it on the top ten list.
However, there’s a catch for millennials: the cost of housing can be pretty steep. While Colorado has plenty to offer, that high price tag might make it a challenge for some young people trying to settle down.
Source: WalletHub
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