Recent research indicates that while the majority of millennials remained stationary in 2023, those who relocated often preferred states and cities with a conservative leaning over more liberal areas. This trend was highlighted in a study by HireAHelper, utilizing Census Bureau data to explore millennial migration patterns, destinations, and motivations in 2023.
The proportion of millennials who moved has seen a notable decrease over the decade, falling from 21% in 2013 to just under 11% in 2023. This decline in mobility among millennials outpaces the national average for moving.
Key factors driving millennials to relocate included economic motivations and lifestyle shifts, with primary reasons being the pursuit of better housing or job opportunities, the establishment of independent households, and the search for more affordable living arrangements or homeownership.
The study underscored a significant rise in millennials moving to seek more economical housing, reaching levels not seen since 2011, amid escalating mortgage and rent costs.
In 2023, millennials showed a distinct preference for conservative-leaning states and cities. Texas, for example, emerged as a major draw, with approximately 400,000 millennials choosing it as their new home.
Montana experienced the highest net positive migration rate, attracting 95% more millennials than those leaving. This trend was also notable in Connecticut and Maine, with positive migration rates of 56% and 54%, respectively. Other states like Oklahoma, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona also saw a net influx of millennials.
Miranda Marquit of HireAHelper attributed this migration pattern to the allure of a more relaxed lifestyle and the availability of city amenities in these states. She pointed out that both Montana and Connecticut offer a slower pace of life and access to mid-sized cities with various amenities.
In contrast, deeply liberal states such as New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois experienced the most significant millennial exodus, with notably higher percentages leaving than arriving.
At the city level, Tampa, Florida, led the way as a favored destination, followed by Las Vegas and Austin, Texas, showing strong net positive millennial migration.
Conversely, urban areas like New York City, San Jose, Los Angeles, and others saw a net loss of millennials.
The study also revealed financial constraints as a major barrier to relocation, with 60% of millennials wanting to move in 2023 citing economic difficulties as the impediment. Marquit suggested that the migration trend reflects not only the economic climate but also a natural progression in life stages for millennials. She anticipated that many would continue to stay put in the near future, awaiting potential declines in mortgage rates and housing prices.
