Not only are millennials having kids, but they’re also picky about where to raise them.
The 20 best cities for millennial families to move to
By now, there’s no secret that millennials are waiting longer to start families than previous generations. But more than 1 million millennial women become moms each year, according to Pew Research. And that number is expected to grow as members of this generation do, too.
Where millennials aren’t that unique is their criteria for where to raise their children. Financial research site ValuePenguin crunched 16 government data sets to rank the best cities for millennial families to move to. The findings are based on a few traits that attract younger Americans with children, such as:
- Job stability
- Work-life balance
- Costs of living
- Education
- Health and safety
Scroll through to see if your city made the top 20...
1. Des Moines, Iowa
After weighing the factors of cities for millennial families it's clear what brought Des Moines, Iowa to the forefront — low unemployment rates. Looking at the jobs category, this city ranks well for work opportunities. The typical resident's age is 33, and household income is $48,000, according to government data compiled by Data USA.
- Jobs: 1
- Work-life balance: 84
- Housing and Livability: 56
- Education: 7
- Health and Safety: 61
2. Columbia, Missouri
Something millennials will like from the job market there is the work-life balance. Columbia, Missouri scored second highest on this list, based on the averages of how many hours workers put in, their commute time, and even the divorce rate in the city. Those factors equal a work-life balance, according to ValuePenguin's study.
- Jobs: 32
- Work-life balance: 4
- Housing and Livability: 59
- Education: 41
- Health and Safety: 34
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Last year, Time Magazine reported Raleigh, North Carolina as No. 16 out of the 25 cities where millennials are moving to. Its reporting was based on the findings of a study from real estate advisory firm RCLCO. There was a 4.2 percent uptick in the millennial-aged population between 2010 and 2015, according to the study.
- Jobs: 20
- Work-life balance: 107
- Housing and Livability: 14
- Education: 26
- Health and Safety: 50
One way you know a lot of millennials live in this city is the number of residents in debt for college. Debt.com has previously reported that Raleigh, North Carolina is among the five cities with the highest student loan debt.
4. Lincoln, Nebraska
The bulk percentage of the population is 20-29-years-old, according to Census data. And the highest percentage of women giving birth is among that age group as well. With the average income per person being $30,012 and the household income at $56,160, younger workers looking to settle down and start a family can live the simple life there.
- Jobs: 27
- Work-life balance: 9
- Housing and Livability: 63
- Education: 25
- Health and Safety: 97
5. Dubuque, Iowa
Located 201 miles away from Des Moines — No. 1 on this list — is Dubuque, Iowa. Clearly, the employment and economic rates aren’t as strong judging by the jobs category in this study. However, young parents will have an easier work-life balance for more time with their family. As well as a better quality education system for their children.
- Jobs: 58
- Work-life balance: 11
- Housing and Livability: 35
- Education: 4
- Health and Safety: 91
6. Lynchburg, Virginia
What’s most appealing for younger moms and dads is the housing and livability, and health and safety scores. Living costs are easier on the wallet. Meanwhile, crime, child healthcare, and child death rates make up one of the better performing health and safety scores on this list. Parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have better chances of raising their kids in a safe place.
- Jobs: 118
- Work-life balance: 32
- Housing and Livability: 9
- Education: 15
- Health and Safety: 4
7. Fargo, North Dakota
The state has the highest millennial population in the country, according to the North Dakota Census Office. Unemployment rates are low. And the average pay fits nicely to the younger workers living there.
A report from think tank the Brookings Institution, called the Hamilton Project, found that despite the fact that wages are higher in coastal states like New York and California, millennials in North Dakota will hold on to more of their income after adjusting the living costs compared to those stereotypical millennial-friendly states. The economy is one of the major reasons 5,000 millennials moved there in 2015 alone.
- Jobs: 10
- Work-life balance: 19
- Housing and Livability: 52
- Education: 54
- Health and Safety: 108
8. San Jose, California
This city made financial advice and research site SmartAssets’ top 10 on its 2018 “Where Are Millennials Moving” study. Roughly 20,000 20-34-year-olds moved there in 2016. And as you can see, one of the major factors driving them to the Silicon Valley city is the economy. San Jose, California ranked No.2 in the jobs category for employment and economic strength.
- Jobs: 2
- Work-life balance: 80
- Housing and Livability: 97
- Education: 60
- Health and Safety: 25
The city is also one of the top 10 cities where Americans pay their bills on time.
9. Huntsville, Alabama
What would motivate younger parents to move to Huntsville, Alabama most? Judging by the research, it looks like the costs of living. The housing and livability score, which is based on income level compared to rent and mortgage costs, is the best on ValuePenguin's list. The costs of living are 5 percent lower than the national average, according to salary and compensation research site PayScale.
- Jobs: 42
- Work-life balance: 63
- Housing and Livability: 2
- Education: 51
- Health and Safety: 115
10. Green Bay, Wisconsin
The median age of people living there is 34, which would make up older millennials. And the median household income is $43,473, which is more than $17,000 under the median household income nationally. But on the bright side, the costs of living may balance out the pay.
The state of Wisconsin is eager to attract millennials to move there. Earlier this year, Governor Scott Walker announced he signed a bill to create a $6.8 million ad campaign to attract younger workers to the Badger State, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- Jobs: 26
- Work-life balance: 45
- Housing and Livability: 21
- Education: 123
- Health and Safety: 39
11. Rochester, Minnesota
This city made No.11 out of the 150 best cities for millennial families that ValuePenguin analyzed. However, the state it’s located in made No.3 on financial and credit advice site WalletHub’s “2018 Best & Worst States for Millennials.”
On that list, Minnesota came in highest for millennial homeownership rates, which is great for those interested in planting roots with their family. This city could be a better career move for millennials who work in the healthcare sector. The city announced an initiative called Destination Medical Center, which it claims will add 35,000 new jobs to Rochester, Minnesota over the next 20 years.
- Jobs: 33
- Work-life balance: 40
- Housing and Livability: 84
- Education: 34
- Health and Safety: 38
12. Madison, Wisconsin
Unlike Green Bay, the jobs situation is much better in this Wisconsin city. Based on unemployment rankings and economic strength, Madison is No. 3 in job performance for young workers raising a family. They may put in some extra hours and commute a little longer based on the work-life balance score. But with parenting comes sacrifice.
- Jobs: 4
- Work-life balance: 23
- Housing and Livability: 105
- Education: 85
- Health and Safety: 45
13. Waterloo, Iowa
It’s safe to say the state of Iowa is quite friendly for millennial families. This is the fourth city on this list located in the Hawkeye State. And Debt.com has previously reported that Iowa houses four of the top 15 cities where millennials are moving to. From the looks of the data, the work-life balance is a major factor to drive young families to settle down there. Its rankings came in highest under that category.
- Jobs: 68
- Work-life balance: 3
- Housing and Livability: 59
- Education: 23
- Health and Safety: 94
14. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Last year, real estate listing site Trulia released a report calling Grand Rapids, Michigan the "second best place in the country to be a millennial" — just behind Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The reasons? Millennials are more likely to have jobs, earn more, and own homes than those older than them. All the right ingredients for millennials to raise families
- Jobs: 24
- Work-life balance: 17
- Housing and Livability: 47
- Education: 137
- Health and Safety: 40
15. Fort Wayne, Indiana
This city made No. 15 on ValuePenguin's list for best cities for millennials to raise a family. However, it’s also No. 14 on SmartAsset’s “Best Cities to Raise a Family” list. What’s so special about Fort Wayne? Well, to start it has some of the lowest unemployment rates. And the rents are under $800. Combine that with lower living costs, and a better scoring child education system and you have quite the place to raise your little ones.
- Jobs: 78
- Work-life balance: 72
- Housing and Livability: 8
- Education: 10
- Health and Safety: 96
16. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Research, ranking and review website Niche classifies this city as the 12th best in the U.S. for millennials. It’s a hot spot for young professionals with a vibrant nightlife. But even better, the city scores a B+ on Niche’s report card as good for families.
Between the scenic parks and walking trails, it’s a nice place to take the family out for the weekend. Oh, and it’s home to the award-winning Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
- Jobs: 73
- Work-life balance: 85
- Housing and Livability: 27
- Education: 36
- Health and Safety: 23
17. Sioux City, Iowa
If you’re an older millennial without a college degree, this Iowa city may be a little more appealing than Des Moines. The median age is 34. And the economy there is built up of jobs that don’t always require secondary education.
According to Data USA, the city’s economy is “specialized in manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, hunting, and wholesale trade." The median household income is $46,028.
- Jobs: 59
- Work-life balance: 74
- Housing and Livability: 16
- Education: 17
- Health and Safety: 112
18. Waco, Texas
We’re getting close to the end of this list and we finally hit a city in Texas. There are two scores for millennial families that make this city stand out: Work-life balance and education. The costs of living in Waco, Texas are 9 percent lower than the national average, according to PayScale. Education was ranked as fifth on this list.
- Jobs: 56
- Work-life balance: 14
- Housing and Livability: 84
- Education: 16
- Health and Safety: 83
19. Albany, New York
Albany, New York has the second best health and safety grade for children’s medicine and low crime levels. Aside from that, last year, this city made No. 8 on Realtor.com’s “Top 10 Cities Where Young People Want to Be” list. If there are millennial parents who still want to go out to local music venues on their weekends, this state has a vibrant indie music scene. It’s OK for parents to have a little “us time” to call a sitter for a night on the town.
- Jobs: 36
- Work-life balance: 35
- Housing and Livability: 80
- Education: 99
- Health and Safety: 10
20. Gainesville, Florida
Here we are at the end of the list for millennial families to move to. This city is home to the University of Florida, which may be good news to young parents that want to live in a college town. One thing the kids will love is it’s just under a 2 ½ hour drive to Disney World.
- Jobs: 79
- Work-life balance: 23
- Housing and Livability: 67
- Education: 28
- Health and Safety: 47
Looking to Relocate? Make Sure Your New City Won’t Break the Bank
This article by Joe Pye was originally published on Debt.com.
Published by Debt.com, LLC
