The 2026 Gen Z Migration Report

DanielC Written By Daniel Cobb
  • Published on February 16, 2026
  • Gen Z residents walking in a walkable downtown neighborhood with mid-rise apartments and a moving truck on the street

    Gen Z is just starting to enter the moving market, and they’re already showing patterns that set them apart from older generations. From prioritizing tech job market hubs to seeking affordable housing in major metros, Gen Z is relocating for reasons unique to them.

    Using PGM’s proprietary database of almost 15 million nationwide adult moves between January 1 and December 31, 2025, MovingPlace determined the hottest ZIP codes, cities, and states for Gen Z moves.

    While Gen Z accounts for a smaller share of total moves compared to older generations ( just 2.2% of total moves in the U.S.), their relocation trends provide early indicators of emerging residential hotspots and shifts in demographic composition across states and cities.

    Key Takeaways

    • Gen Z is flocking to urban and job-focused ZIP codes like 55401 Minneapolis, MN; 34762 The Villages, FL; and 10016 New York, NY.
    • Gen Z is leaving behind smaller suburban areas such as 43065 Powell, OH; 93536 Lancaster, CA; and 92563 Murrieta, CA.
    • State-wide, Gen Z are seeing the largest net-migration to Texas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin while they’re leaving California, New Jersey, and Minnesota.
    • Gen Z is moving in droves to Sun Belt cities, including Dallas, Nashville, and Phoenix.
    • Wealthier Gen Z are clustering in affluent urban and suburban ZIP codes, including 53593 Verona, WI; 60611 Chicago, IL; and 20003 Washington, DC.
    • Members of Gen Z are the least mobile generation, accounting for just 2.2% of moves, and also move the shortest distances.

    Author

    Daniel Cobb

    Daniel Cobb is the Senior Editor at MovingPlace, where he brings nearly a decade of writing and editorial expertise to help demystify the moving process for people across the country. With firsthand experience from multiple cross-country relocations, Daniel understands just how complex and stressful moving can be. He now applies that insight to create clear, helpful content that empowers customers to move with confidence—supported by vetted professionals and smart, streamlined solutions.

    The Hottest Zip Codes for Gen Z

    Gen Z’s relocation choices offer a crucial early look at the residential hotspots of tomorrow. As this generation graduates, enters the workforce, and secures their first stable housing, their migration patterns show different values than those of the older generations. They are prioritizing a mix of affordability, job market vitality, and vibrant social scenes, often flocking to burgeoning metros and specific urban neighborhoods. 

    The ZIP Codes Gen Z Is Flocking To

    Where Gen Z chooses to relocate reveals a lot about their priorities, lifestyle preferences, and the urban trends shaping the next generation. The ZIP codes attracting the most members of Gen Z tend to have a combination of career opportunities, vibrant culture, walkable neighborhoods, and access to social and recreational amenities. In other words, young people are seeking places where work, play, and community coexist.

    These ZIP codes were identified using an in‑migration to out‑migration ratio, which compares the number of Gen Z residents moving in versus those moving out. A ratio of 1 means an equal amount of Gen Z are moving in as are moving out, while a ratio above 1 signifies net growth. For example, Minneapolis’ ratio of 25.00 shows that for every Gen Z resident leaving the area, 25 new Gen Z residents moved in

    Based on MovingPlace’s analysis of 335,678 moves in 2025, the ZIP codes Gen Z are moving to the most are:

    1. 55401 Minneapolis, MN – Ratio 25.00

    The top ZIP code Gen Z is moving to in 2025 is 55401, a central area of Minneapolis on the banks of the Mississippi River. Homes in the area are mainly made up of stylish condos and commands a median house price of $372,500, which is lower than the average U.S. house price. Plus,  the average income is $115,651, higher than the U.S. average salary and higher than that of the surrounding areas. This makes it an attractive ZIP code to Gen Z, but it’s also an incredibly walkable area, with many amenities and a strong job market.

    2. 34762 The Villages, FL – Ratio 24.00

    The second hottest ZIP code for Gen Z is 34762, located in The Villages, Florida. Although the area is one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S., recently, there has been a large influx of working-age people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this age group has increased by 19.1% over the past decade, making it the fastest-growing metro area in the U.S. for working-age people. This is likely due to those in the surrounding county moving to the area for job opportunities that provide services to that growing population of retirees 

    3. 10016 New York, NY – Ratio 23.50

    Another top choice for Gen Z is 10016 in New York City. The ZIP code covers a central location in Midtown Manhattan known for its busy urban environment with plenty of trendy cafes and eateries. It’s also home to iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, and the Chrysler Building. While Gen Z may not be buying homes here (which cost an average of $826,250), they’re likely renting apartment buildings in an area where they can earn a high average salary of $153,065. 

    4. 02127 South Boston, MA – Ratio 17.50

    Further north in Massachusetts, 02127 in South Boston is a popular choice for Gen Z. With the number of apartment blocks and an average house price of $955,000, Gen Z moving to this area are likely renting. While the average rent for a studio is $2,150, salaries are high enough to offset that higher price point at an average of $99,163. The median age is 32.5, making it a hub for young professionals with a thriving job market and great nightlife options.

    5. 11221 Brooklyn, NY – Ratio 17.50 

    Our second New York ZIP code goes to 11221 in Brooklyn, a hub known for its creative density of studios, cafés, bars, pop-ups, and community spaces. Rent here is cheaper than much of central New York City, with studios going for a monthly cost of $2,375, but still with a relatively high median household income of $85,122. The area is close enough to Manhattan that residents can jump on a train and be there in 20 minutes while still enjoying the space and savings of a less central location.

    ZIP Codes Becoming Gen Z Ghost Towns

    While some ZIP codes are emerging as magnets for Gen Z, others are seeing the opposite trend. Areas with high out-migration that Gen Z are abandoning are effectively becoming Gen Z ghost towns.  These areas are often characterized by fewer job opportunities, limited social amenities, higher living costs without commensurate lifestyle perks, or suburban and rural locations that don’t align with the preferences of younger residents.

    Based on MovingPlace’s analysis of 335,678 moves in 2025, the ZIP codes Gen Z are moving away from the most are:

    1. 43065 Powell, OH – Ratio 0.08

    The ZIP code seeing the largest influx of Gen Z leaving is 43065 in Powell, Ohio. The area is very family-friendly, with highly rated public schools and an average age of 40.2 years. Many young people will grow up here and then move to more urban areas, either for better job prospects or cheaper housing close by. Up to 88% of people own their own homes in the area, a prospect that may not be realistic for Gen Z.

    2. 93536 Lancaster, CA – Ratio 0.10

    The second biggest Gen Z ghost town is 93536 in Lancaster, a suburban area north of Los Angeles. Some of the reasons this area isn’t Gen Z-friendly include not being very walkable. Those who live in Lancaster are reliant on owning a car. It also doesn’t have a livelier downtown area with cafes, bars, and clubs, and there is a lack of renter-friendly urban apartments. Possibly worst of all, the area doesn’t have a booming job market, which is one of the biggest considerations for young people when moving home.

    3. 92563 Murrieta, CA – Ratio 0.15

    Another California ZIP code unpopular with Gen Z is 92563 in Murrieta, south of Los Angeles. The area is a classic family-friendly suburb, with a safe environment, good schools, and a housing stock that favours single-family homes—everything Gen Z is less keen on in the current market. Murrieta is also not a major employment hub for tech, creative industries, or corporate careers, the kinds of sectors many Gen Z workers enter. This means Gen Z members are more likely to move out to Los Angeles or San Diego, where there are higher-paying jobs and a booming market.

    4. 23323 Chesapeake, VA – Ratio 0.19

    Looking to the opposite coast of the U.S., 23323, Chesapeake in eastern Virginia is also seeing a large exodus of younger people. The area is generally suburban, commuter-centric, and family-oriented, with 41% of households being families with children. The median household income is high at $105,912, above the national average of $80,734, but those in Gen Z are more likely to move towards surrounding employment hubs like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Portsmouth.

    5. 80016 Aurora, CO – Ratio 0.22

    The suburban Denver neighbourhood of 80016 in Aurora, Colorado, is another Gen Z ghost town. Although the ZIP code is a 30-minute drive away from the booming job market of Denver, Gen Z seems to prefer being closer to the action. Both home prices at a median of $723,500 and rents, averaging $3,097, are steep relative to typical Gen Z income early in their career, so renters may prefer other nearby ZIPs with lower housing costs.

    The Top Cities and States Attracting Gen Z

    Gen Z’s moving habits are reshaping it all: urban neighborhoods, cities, and states. While their overall mobility is lower than that of older generations, the moves they do make are highly selective, concentrating in urban centers and regions that offer jobs, culture, lifestyle, and opportunity.

    To understand where Gen Z is truly choosing to live, not just where they pass through, we look at net migration in each state and city. Rather than simply counting how many Gen Z residents a place has, net migration measures the balance between those moving in and those moving out, allowing us to pinpoint the cities and states that are gaining Gen Z.

    The States Gaining the Most New Gen Z Residents 

    Some states are emerging as clear magnets for Gen Z, attracting young residents with a mix of job opportunities, affordable living, and vibrant cultural scenes. States like Texas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are seeing the largest net inflows, reflecting a combination of strong local economies, growing industries, and urban centers that align with Gen Z’s lifestyle priorities. 

    1. Texas – 1526 Net Moves

    Texas is seeing the highest net moves of Gen Z, with 5,081 younger people moving to the state and 3555 moving out. While this churn is large, it means the state is still holding on to the largest number of new Gen Z residents than any other state. Texas could be a magnet due to its booming job markets across multiple sectors, including tech, energy, and finance. This is attractive to any member of the younger generation looking for strong entry-level opportunities and high-paying jobs.

    2. Tennessee – 970 Net Moves

    The runner-up Tennessee has a lot of job opportunities in growing metro areas, meaning younger generations are flocking to Nashville and Memphis. Median home prices in Tennessee are also significantly below the national averages at $385,800 compared to $357,275, even in major metros. Tennessee also has no state income tax on wages and lower utility and transportation costs compared with more popular coastal cities, meaning it’s an attractive option for those beginning their careers.

    3. Wisconsin – 970 Net Moves

    In joint second-place with Tennessee is Wisconsin, which also sees 970 net moves of Gen Z residents in 2025. Madison and Milwaukee are major destinations for Gen Z thanks to their thriving student populations from local universities, and vibrant nightlife, cafes, co-working spaces, and cultural events. The two big metros also offer great rental options for those not ready to buy.

    4. South Carolina – 762 Net Moves

    South Carolina also sees a large influx of Gen Z, possibly drawn by the state’s mild climate and coastal access, which is appealing for younger adults who enjoy year-round outdoor activities. Compared with coastal metros or the Northeast, South Carolina has relatively low home prices and rent, even in its larger cities like Charleston or Greenville, which is also an enticing prospect to those just getting into the workforce.

    5. Maryland – 653 Net Moves

    While Maryland’s cost of living is not universally cheap, it does offer high proximity to major job hubs. The state provides access to high-paying, entry-level roles in places like Washington D.C., while avoiding the extreme housing costs of living inside the major metro. Nearby Baltimore also attracts younger adults in healthcare, education, and tech, though the neighborhoods vary in accessibility and appeal.

    The Cities Gaining the Most New Gen Z Residents

    Zooming into the city level, Gen Z moves are highly concentrated in urban hubs with bustling neighborhoods, social amenities, and career opportunities. Cities like Dallas, Washington D.C., and Phoenix are leading the way, drawing young adults to specific ZIP codes that offer access to jobs, nightlife, transit, and peer networks.

    1. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area – 484 Net Moves

    The Dallas metro area in Texas is ranked as the hottest city for Gen Z. The younger generations who are early in their careers are drawn to places with high-entry-level job availability and strong upward mobility. Which means Dallas, being one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S., is an attractive prospect. Many major companies located there, including AT&T, American Airlines Group, and Southwest Airlines. 

    2. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metro Area – 460 Net Moves

    The Nashville metro area in Tennessee is also a popular choice for Gen Z. The city has a strong job market for entry-level professionals and internships, and while median home prices in the metro are higher than rural Tennessee, they’re much lower than New York City, Boston, or San Francisco. This makes homeownership or renting in Nashville much more attainable for young adults, and thus makes the city a popular moving destination.

    3. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Metro Area – 390 Net Moves

    The Phoenix Metro Area in Arizona is the third most popular with Gen Z due to its recent significant economic growth. There are ample career opportunities in tech and finance companies like Intel, American Express, and Wells Fargo. It also helps that the nearby suburbs of Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert offer more affordable rentals and first-time homeownership options.

    4. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-VA-MD-WV Metro Area – 354 Net Moves

    Washington D.C. is the fourth top city in the U.S. for younger residents. Gen Z is moving here largely because of federal agencies, defense contractors, and consulting firms offering job opportunities. Places like the Pentagon, Department of State, NASA, Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, and Deloitte often have stable pay, benefits, and upward mobility, which is rare compared with startup-heavy metros. This makes Washington D.C. a unique job center for potential new residents, and is likely why it’s such a magnet for Gen Z.

    5. Madison, WI Metro Area – 277 Net Moves

    Finally, Madison, Wisconsin rounds out the top five cities. It differs significantly from larger coastal or southern metros, mainly because its appeal lies in a mix of college graduates and those looking for a good lifestyle balance. Many members of Gen Z arrive for college, internships, or grad programs, and a significant portion stay after graduation for local jobs.

    The ZIP Codes in America’s Biggest Cities Gen Z is Flocking To

    The ZIP Code Gen Z Is Moving To in Each Major City

    A trend that’s repeated is that members of Gen Z are mainly moving out of rural or suburban areas and instead moving to cities and metropolitan areas. This is because of ample job offerings and a high quality of life in terms of things to do. But within those metros, which neighborhoods and areas are the most attractive to Gen Z?

    Below, explore the top cities in the U.S. and the specific ZIP codes in each that Gen Z are flocking to:ng to:

    Chicago, IL – 60657 (Lakeview)

    ZIP code 60657 in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood stands out for blending diverse urban energy with everyday livability. Lakeview is one of the city’s most vibrant and social areas, filled with walkable streets, cafés, bars, and cultural venues. It’s also anchored by major attractions like Wrigley Field and has easy access to Lake Michigan. Nearly half the population here is between ages of 20 and 34, making it a natural hub for young professionals and recent graduates seeking community and convenience close to transit, nightlife, and jobs.

    Washington DC – 22201 (Arlington / Clarendon / Ballston)

    ZIP 22201, encompassing Clarendon, Courthouse, and parts of Ballston in Arlington, is highly attractive to younger generations because it pairs direct Metro access to Washington D.C. with a dense cluster of restaurants, bars, shops, and coworking spaces. This neighborhood also has one of the highest shares of educated young adults in the country and strong employment prospects in government, tech, and professional services. This makes it uniquely ideal for early‑career growth while allowing new residents to live in an urban yet slightly less expensive environment than downtown D.C.

    Seattle, WA – 98122 (Capitol Hill)

    ZIP 98122 covers parts of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, which combines central location with neighborhood character. This area has dense residential clusters and strong walkability close to downtown, along with historic housing stock and evolving cultural amenities that appeal to young adults and the LGBTQ+ community. It attracts Gen Z because it sits between core job centers and authentic local history, offering a balance of urban access and distinctive neighborhood identity.

    Phoenix, AZ – 85281 (Tempe / ASU area)

    ZIP 85281, centered around Tempe, is particularly popular with younger generations. This is partly due to its proximity to Arizona State University and a youthful demographic. The area has a high concentration of students and young professionals, a lively street life with cafés, parks, and nightlife, and housing stock that includes more accessible rental options than some other Phoenix neighborhoods. This blend of social vitality and convenience makes it appealing for Gen Z who want vibrant, community‑oriented living.

    Dallas, TX – 75204 (Uptown)

    ZIP 75204 in the Dallas metro includes portions of Downtown and Uptown Dallas. These are areas that have been transforming into dynamic urban environments with new apartments, restaurants, and entertainment within walking distance. For younger generations, the combination of job access, nightlife, cultural venues, and central location ticks the boxes for lifestyle and convenience. It’s also connected by transit and bike infrastructure that supports urban living without heavy reliance on cars, a key draw for Gen Z residents.

    New York City, NY – 10016 (Midtown East / Murray Hill)

    In the New York metro, ZIP 10016 sits just east of Midtown Manhattan, offering proximity to major job centers in finance, media, and tech alongside a mix of rentals and amenities that suit younger adults. Its central location means easy subway access to virtually anywhere in the city, while the neighborhood itself is packed with cafés, fitness studios, and social venues that make it easy to work, live, and socialize in one area. For Gen Z entering the workforce, this blend of career opportunity and urban lifestyle is a major appeal.

    The ZIP Code Seeing the Slowest Growth of Gen Z in Each Major City

    Just as there are areas that appeal to Gen Z, there are some that don’t manage to draw members of that generation, for several reasons. The cost of living and unsustainably high housing prices are sometimes a culprit. It could also be as simple as new university graduates wanting to move somewhere new.

    Below, explore the top cities in the U.S. and the specific ZIP codes in each where Gen Z are experiencing the slowest growth:

    Chicago, IL – ZIP 46410 (East Chicago / Hammond area)

    ZIP 46410, which covers parts of East Chicago and Hammond, is experiencing the slowest Gen Z growth largely because it’s distant from the urban core and has fewer economic opportunities relative to central Chicago neighborhoods. Industrial legacy, limited nightlife, and weaker labor markets often mean younger adults leave for downtown Chicago, its near‑in suburbs, or other metros with stronger job prospects and social amenities.

    Washington, D.C. – ZIP 22204 (Arlington)

    In the Washington metro area, the slowest growing ZIP code in the area is actually, ZIP 22204 in Arlington, Virginia. While the broader area offers plenty of jobs in the centre of Washington D.C., Arlington is actually on the other side of the river, in the state of Virginia. It may not be as popular for Gen Z due to its lack of vibrant nightlife, cafes, coworking spaces or creative hubs which tend to cluster around Metro corridors and more developed urban cores.

    Seattle, WA – ZIP 98103 (Fremont / Wallingford)

    ZIP 98103 spans neighborhoods like Fremont and Wallingford in Seattle, areas once popular with young creatives. However, the rising cost of living, especially housing and rent increases near tech job centers, has pushed some Gen Z residents to seek more affordable alternatives further from downtown or even outside the region. As Gen Z navigates early careers, the financial pressure of living in these high‑demand ZIPs often outweighs the appeal of the urban lifestyle they once offered.

    Phoenix, AZ – ZIP 85004 (Phoenix central)

    In central Phoenix, ZIP 85004 includes parts of the urban core where rising rents and gentrification have pushed younger residents outward. Combined with a job market that is still maturing in high‑growth sectors, many younger adults choose to relocate to more affordable suburban ZIPs within the metro or to other Sun Belt cities with comparably lower living costs and more entry‑level opportunities.

    Dallas, TX – ZIP 76227 (Aubrey)

    ZIP 76227 in the Aubrey area has seen a low number of Gen Z migration, likely because it lacks the dense urban amenities, strong public transit, and concentrated professional networks found in central Dallas or Fort Worth. Younger prospective residents often gravitate toward ZIPs with tighter walkability, more nightlife, and stronger local job markets, driving relocation away from more sprawling, car‑dependent neighborhoods. 

    New York City, NY – ZIP 07030 (Hoboken)

    ZIP 07030 in Hoboken is a desirable but expensive area on the Hudson River just outside Manhattan. While its walkable streets, cafés, and transit proximity once made it a magnet for young residents, its housing costs and saturation of renters now outpace what many Gen Z can afford long‑term. As a result, many members of Gen Z are relocating to more affordable but still transit‑connected areas in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, where rents and lifestyle costs stretch further.

    Where High-Income Gen Z Are Moving

    Potentially one of the defining factors of where Gen Z is moving can be determined by their wealth. Richer Gen Zers are more likely to have the freedom to move anywhere, as they’re rarely shackled by house prices, a city’s cost of living, or the cost of moving long distances. 

    Looking at higher-income Gen Z separately reveals where real economic momentum is building, not just where young people are moving, but where spending power is concentrating. It helps distinguish neighborhoods gaining long-term investment potential from those seeing population growth without the same level of purchasing power.

    Explore the map below to find out where higher-income Gen Z are moving:

    To understand where higher-income Gen Z are truly putting down roots, we analyzed each area’s in-migration to out-migration ratio.This shows not just where they’re arriving, but where they’re choosing to stay, revealing the neighborhoods attracting and retaining affluent young residents, rather than simply seeing short-term churn.

      1. 53593 Verona, WI – 27 Ratio

    The top ZIP code for high-income Gen Z is 53593 Verona, a suburb of Madison. The area has a high median household income of $135,699, about 1.5 times the amount in the surrounding Madison, WI Metro Area. Housing in the area is also 1.4 times more than the rest of Madison at a median value of $464,700. The area also benefits from proximity to the University of Wisconsin‑Madison and a growing regional tech corridor, meaning plenty of high‑earning job prospects near Verona

    2. 60611 Chicago, IL – 26.00 Ratio

    60611 is one of Chicago’s most central and upscale areas, and is the second-most popular ZIP code for Gen Z high earners. Income in this ZIP code per capita is $133,057, more than double the amount in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Metro Area. Median house prices in the area sit at $608,200, with 27% of the population owning homes between $500k and $1 million, while 13% own homes even more expensive than this.

    3. 20003 Washington, D.C. – 13.50 Ratio

    The ZIP code 20003 in Washington, D.C., is another hub for wealthy members of Gen Z. The area sits just east of Capitol Hill and downtown DC, putting residents within walking or short transit distance of government offices, lobbying firms, and tech startups. The housing stock is modern and high-end, including luxury apartments, condos, and high-rise buildings that appeal to the wealthy and young renters who want upscale urban living.

    4. 60657 Chicago, IL – 8.00 Ratio

    Our second Chicago ZIP code that high-income Gen Z flock to is 60657. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant and desirable urban neighborhoods, centered on the Lakeview area on the North Side. This ZIP code has one of the highest proportions of residents aged 20–34 in Chicago, and median home values are significantly above the state average at $625,000, and values are only increasing.

    5. 22201 Arlington, VA – 7.17 Ratio

    The ZIP code of 22201 in Arlington, Virginia, sits just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Residents have direct access to high-paying jobs in tech, consulting, federal government, law, and policy.. It’s a neighborhood designed for young, affluent professionals who want work, play, and community in one place.

    How Gen Z is Moving Compared with Older Generations

    Gen Z is just starting to enter the moving market, with their eldest group aged 24 years old. So their overall number is still relatively small.

    In fact, Gen Z is the least mobile population, making up only 2% of all moves in the U.S., a total of 335,678 moves. This is far behind Gen X, which commands the largest moving market at 49%, and Millennials coming in second place at 28%. A combination of financial constraints, student debt, and early-career pressures means many Gen Zers aren’t moving as freely as older generations.

    Compared with their share of the U.S. population, Gen Z is the most underrepresented movers, with a move share 80% below their population share. Other generations move less than their population share as well with Millennials (-19%), Baby Boomers (-29%), Traditionalists (-27%), while Gen X is the outlier, moving at a rate 99% above its population share.

    When we examine generational migration, it’s not just where people move but how far they move that tells the deeper story. Distance reveals trends about financial flexibility, career risk, family ties, and freedom to experiment with where you live. For Gen Z, distance is especially telling: as the youngest generation in the workforce, their relocation choices are constrained by rising housing costs, student debt, and early-career uncertainty in ways older generations didn’t face at the same stage.

    As well as being the generation that moves the least, Gen Z also moves the shortest distance when compared to previous generations. Unlike Baby Boomers or Gen X, who frequently relocate long distances (sometimes over 1,000 miles), Gen Z tends to stay local. Most of their moves are short, just 1-10 miles away, with very few venturing beyond 500 miles. This could highlight a strong tendency to stay near familiar neighborhoods, schools, or family.

    By contrast, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers move across longer distances. For example, Gen X and Baby Boomers each have hundreds of thousands of moves over 1,000 miles, often driven by careers, family, or lifestyle changes. Even Millennials, who share some similarities with Gen Z in urban living patterns and income pressure, still make substantial long-distance moves, suggesting greater flexibility or life-stage mobility.

    Gen Z Migration as an Early Indicator of Urban Change

    Daniel Cobb, Senior Editor at MovingPlace, shares his perspective on what Gen Z’s migration patterns reveal about the future of U.S. metro areas:

    “Gen Z functions like a friction test for the housing and job market. Because they have the least financial slack, no relocation packages, and little tolerance for inefficiency, they only move when a city removes enough barriers to make early adulthood viable. This includes high average salaries, lower living costs, plenty of affordable rental options, and a booming job market to support.

    “When Gen Z shows up in a ZIP code, it’s often not because it’s trendy, but because the math finally works for them. Their movement patterns act as an early indicator of which cities have removed enough friction to compete for long-term talent.

    “Employers, landlords, and city planners should take this as a signal to align opportunities with Gen Z’s priorities: provide affordable housing, accessible transit, and entry-level jobs in growing neighborhoods. By making these ZIP codes truly livable and career-ready, they can attract and retain the next generation of talent, or encourage them to expand into underdeveloped areas where infrastructure and opportunity can grow alongside them.”

    Methodology

    The findings in this report are based on MovingPlace’s proprietary data analysis of 335,678 verified residential moves made by Gen Z in 2025, alongside broader U.S. moving data totaling over 15 million relocations. Gen Z is defined as individuals born between 2001 and 2020. The analysis identified ZIP codes, cities, and states experiencing the highest influx and outflow of Gen Z residents. The hottest ZIP codes were determined using an in-migration to out-migration ratio, comparing the number of Gen Z residents arriving versus leaving each area.

    At the state and metro levels, net migration figures were calculated by subtracting outflows from inflows, allowing for the identification of emerging urban and regional hotspots. To provide additional context, this study also looked at where higher-earning Gen Z ($100k+) are choosing to settle.  Short-distance versus long-distance moves were also analyzed to compare Gen Z’s mobility with that of Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.

    Supporting house price data came from Redfin, average salary in each ZIP code from Income By ZIp Code or Census Reporter, demographic data from Niche and average rental costs from RentHop.

    In Partnership With PGM

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    This study was made possible with in-depth consumer insights provided by data provider PGM. Their advanced audience data helps businesses reach the right people through the right channels at the right time. This exclusive partnership enables MovingPlace to surface truly proprietary consumer trends shaping today’s marketplace.