Gen Z’s Best Colorado Cities and Why Denver Isn’t Listed
Ryan Haarer July 10, 2023
Ryan Haarer July 10, 2023
In the recent US News' listing of the top 25 best cities for young professionals, an unexpected pair of Colorado cities stole the limelight, while the state's capital, Denver, surprisingly missed the mark.
US News' newest list concentrates exclusively on Generation Z. As many of these young individuals are on the brink of exiting college or have already launched their careers, it's a relevant ranking to analyze.
The ranking system took into consideration several factors with the job market being the most prominent, accounting for 55% of the overall score. The desirability of a city, or as they phrased it, the likelihood of friends and family wanting to visit, contributed 30% to the score. Lastly, affordability accounted for a mere 15% of the overall score.
Some critics argue that affordability should carry more weight in the ranking system. When considering the financial situation of many recent graduates, affordability could indeed be a major deciding factor in where they choose to establish their lives.
The top 25 list presents an interesting array of cities, from Madison, Wisconsin, at 23, to Honolulu at 14, and Huntsville, Alabama, at 5. Each city offers different attributes, be it a strong job market, desirable locales, or affordable living conditions.
States like Florida and California saw significant representation with six and three cities respectively. The median home prices of these cities, despite being touted as suitable for young professionals, ranged from under $500,000 to over a million.
San Francisco, despite being one of the priciest places to live globally, took the second spot. San Jose, not far from San Francisco, claimed the top spot, even though its median home price stands staggeringly at $1.5 million.
Interestingly, Colorado, with its pristine beauty, made it twice to the top 5, albeit without its capital city, Denver. At number 4, Colorado Springs boasts of affordability compared to other Colorado cities, along with an array of outdoor activities, despite a rising cost of living.
Boulder, at number 3, ticks all the boxes for desirability with incredible views, a vibrant community, and quick access to outdoor activities. But the charm comes at a high price, with median home prices nearing $800,000.
Denver, despite a robust job market and a bevy of entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants, didn't make it to the list. The city's affordability issue might have weighed it down, as the median home prices have climbed to about $600,000.
In comparison to Boulder, Denver offers better affordability and is just a 40-minute drive away, with access to similar outdoor amenities. The city is home to a plethora of job opportunities in aerospace, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications, and boasts of the famous Red Rocks and National Championship sports teams.
It's curious to see smaller cities like Madison, Sarasota, and Huntsville rank while Denver misses out. But perhaps, this ranking might shed light on lesser-known cities perfect for young professionals to kick-start their careers.
Have some thoughts? Feel free to share them in the comments below. Stay tuned for our next post!
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
He pays great attention to detail, ensuring his clients make sound, smart real estate choices and investments. Contact him today to discuss all your real estate needs!