No other state draws as many young Americans as the Lone Star State.
Gen Zers, the demographic born between 1996 and 2004, continue to flock to Texas, settling here more than in any other state in the nation, according to a Zillow assessment. In 2022, 76,805 Gen Z Americans relocated to Texas. For comparison, California, at number two, welcomed just 43,913.
Not only that, but Texas is also attracting Gen Zers from the Golden State. Last year, The Dallas Express reported that Texas and states like West Virginia continue to attract Americans from traditionally popular places like New York and California.
And it is not just Gen Z, either. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, have also been flocking to Texas, especially Dallas, in recent years.
Young Americans say they are moving to seek out better job opportunities, according to Zillow. Cities like Dallas are seen as having more opportunities, given the high number of significant employers. Dallas also has a thriving remote worker scene, perfect for mobile and motivated young Americans.
Respondents to the Zillow survey also said weather was a factor in their decision. With plenty of sunshine, places like Texas can offer welcome relief from cloudy and cold winters in the Northeast.
Unsurprisingly, states in the Northeast experienced a poor showing on the survey. Michigan was dead last in terms of desirability, while four New England states also landed in the bottom 10.
Even some states with high living costs were found to attract Gen Z. In part, said Edward Berchick, principal population scientist at Zillow, it is because of the job opportunities in these locations, like Washington and Colorado.
“Gen Z movers are likely drawn to the job opportunities in these states, despite the higher costs of housing. They may also be in a stage of life where they’re willing and able to be flexible in their standards of living while starting their careers,” said Berchick.