This list is for the rest of us twenty- and thirtysomethings who can’t justify paying $2,500 to live in a closet in Bushwick.
Savinly compiled a definitive list of the top 25 coolest yet budget-friendly cities for millennials. The ranking draws on a thorough review of housing and local price figures, economic indicators and an amusing metric called a Coffee Fanatic Score. Yes, really. (Thanks SmartAsset!)
Many of these places probably haven’t shown up on “Top Millennial City” lists you’ve seen, and that’s intentional.
These cities are where millennials burdened by student loans can realistically find employment and afford a one-bedroom apartment, while still discovering a new brewery or wine bar on the weekends. Their millennial populations are expanding — or already substantial — and they often lend themselves to walking or biking commutes. A few locations even have services like MetroMile to make driving and insurance more affordable if you need a car.
Did your city make the cut?
No. 1 — St. Louis
Affordability Rank: 2
Millennial Happiness Rank: 4
Economy Health Rank: 11
Elizabeth Semko grew up in a suburb of St. Louis that technically sits in Illinois, just across the Mississippi River.
After attending Southern Illinois University, the 24-year-old digital editor at the Riverfront Times faced a familiar millennial challenge: the intimidating job hunt. Fortunately, the alt-weekly was hiring and she eventually relocated to downtown St. Louis.
“Not to sound biased or brag about my city, but I wasn’t surprised,” Semko said when told St. Louis topped the affordable millennial cities list.
She notes St. Louis residents have access to lots of free offerings — and they embrace them. There’s The Muny with free seats at the back and free concerts in Forest Park.
And the food scene: Semko said she stopped frequenting chains thanks to a growing array of independent restaurants on Cherokee Street and elsewhere.
“I think St. Louis is underrated in many ways,” she says. “You always have something to do no matter what you’re into.”
Things to do: Spend a day at Forest Park—ice skating, museums, a zoo, an outdoor theater and eateries all in one place. Catch a Cardinals game, grab fried chicken at Byrd & Barrel and share a brew at Earthbound Beer.
No. 2 — Grand Rapids, Michigan
Affordability Rank: 1
Millennial Happiness Rank: 14
Economy Health Rank: 5
Ashley Harvey, a 27-year-old writer for equestrian magazine Heels Down Magazine, was a bit surprised to see Grand Rapids appear on the list.
“It’s surprising to call it affordable because housing is climbing so quickly,” she said. “But compared to the coasts, it’s still reasonable.”
With one-bedroom rent around $840 and reasonable costs elsewhere, plus a growing millennial population, Grand Rapids landed at No. 2.
Two words explain a lot: beer and jobs.
“We’re known as Beer City USA. You can’t walk a few blocks without spotting a brewery,” Harvey said. “There’s also an influx of good jobs.”
Grand Rapids has one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates at 3.4% and falling.
“There are lots of music scenes too, so it’s not shocking that it’s a millennial hotspot,” Harvey adds. “East siders say Grand Rapids is outpacing Detroit’s resurgence.”
Things to do: The 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park blends community, art, nature and live music. And craft beer is so central there are even hotel packages built around brewery tourism.
No. 3 — Indianapolis
Affordability Rank: 8
Millennial Happiness Rank: 12
Economy Health Rank: 3
When the humidity’s low and her schedule isn’t packed with meetings around the city, Laura Granieri walks or bikes to her downtown Indianapolis office.
The 27-year-old communications manager for IndyHub, a nonprofit connecting twenty- and thirtysomethings with volunteer, social and career opportunities, says bikeability is a big reason Indy has appeared on several millennial lists in recent years.
“As an adult living and working downtown, Indy feels connected,” says Granieri, who moved there five years ago after attending Ball State University. “It’s easy.”
Above all, she credits the wide array of affordable housing choices for drawing young people.
“A young professional moving to Indianapolis can adopt nearly any lifestyle,” she says — high-rise downtown apartments or houses with a neighborhood vibe.
Things to do: Get around without a car on the eight-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which links six cultural districts. The Canal and White River State Park Cultural District offers everything from gondola rides to festival venues.
No. 4 — Columbus, Ohio
Affordability Rank: 7
Millennial Happiness Rank: 8
Economy Health Rank: 9
On a June weekend full of festivals in Columbus, 36-year-old Derek Grosso had trouble deciding which to attend — Pride, the Tour De Grandview bicycle race, or Zoofari at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
“You don’t want to miss out, but you can’t do everything,” said Grosso, founder and CEO of the Columbus Young Professionals Club.
He moved there 12 years ago after a friend recommended it as a place with big growth potential. Since 2010, the millennial share of the population has grown to more than 17% — up about 4%.
“I think the cost of living is fantastic,” Grosso said. “It’s ideal for people starting their careers.”
Another draw: jobs.
Columbus hosts 10 Fortune 1000 headquarters, attracting young professionals from around the globe, including firms like Nationwide and Big Lots.
Public transit — such as a free circulator route run by the Central Ohio Transit Authority — and a reviving downtown also bolster Columbus’s appeal as an affordable millennial center.
And yes, there’s literally a Brewery District.
Things to do: Columbus has abundant nightlife—live music, distilleries and arts. The Gallery Hop in Short North is a favorite local tradition.
No. 5 — Pittsburgh
Affordability Rank: 9
Millennial Happiness Rank: 1
Economy Health Rank: 16
Pittsburgh might evoke images of steel mills and tough sports teams, but for 36-year-old Christopher Bajgier, a senior product manager at PNC who’s lived most of his life in the ‘Burgh, the city is increasingly about tech.
“Google and Uber have moved in, largely to tap Carnegie Mellon’s talent pool,” he said. “There are startup incubators and a solid venture community, and the tech scene keeps expanding.”
With varied nightlife—from college-focused Southside to upscale Shadyside—many young natives “boomerang” back to Pittsburgh for its low living costs and job prospects.
Although winters limit walkability a bit, MetroMile helps ease car insurance costs for owners.
Don’t expect Pittsburgh to lose its Rust Belt soul anytime soon.
“People here are down to earth, without the brusque vibe you get in bigger cities like Philadelphia or New York,” Bajgier said. “It’s a hardworking place shaped by its industrial roots.”
Things to do: Visit The Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in North America dedicated to one artist. With three nearby sports stadiums, there’s always a game to attend. Local life revolves around spots like the Strip District.
No. 6 — Colorado Springs, Colorado
Affordability Rank: 19
Millennial Happiness Rank: 6
Economy Health Rank: 2
Things to do: Colorado Springs is a relaxed, outdoorsy millennial hub. Hike Pikes Peak for views and a workout. Fuel up at Loyal Coffee, a local millennial favorite. If you’re still energetic after dark, catch a punk show at the Black Sheep or learn swing dancing at the Loft.
No. 7 — Nashville, Tennessee
Affordability Rank: 12
Millennial Happiness Rank: 8
Economy Health Rank: 8
Things to do: Music and food dominate — it is Nashville, after all. There’s usually a music or food festival happening. After sampling hot chicken from Hattie B’s, grab a beer at Jackalope Brewing Company, Fat Bottom Brewing Co. or one of the many other local breweries.
No. 8 — Boulder, Colorado
Affordability Rank: 18
Millennial Happiness Rank: 11
Economy Health Rank: 1
Things to do: Wander along Pearl Street Mall—it’s an open, lively downtown with tourists and college students mingling. Enjoy the dining scene that earned Boulder a nod from Bon Appétit as one of the nation’s food havens with a downtown dining tour. For a cultured afternoon, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art charges just a buck.
No. 9 — San Antonio, Texas
Affordability Rank: 13
Millennial Happiness Rank: 7
Economy Health Rank: 13
Things to do: Get artsy at the Blue Star Arts Complex, which includes a brewery, multiple galleries and the farm-to-pizza spot Stella Public House. San Antonio also boasts a lively food truck scene—don’t miss the Mexican offerings.
No. 10 — New Orleans, Louisiana
Affordability Rank: 15
Millennial Happiness Rank: 2
Economy Health Rank: 17
Things to do: In the Big Easy, it’s hard to list what not to do. Locals recommend Coliseum Square and the Lower Garden District for young crowds. The Freret Market is a must-visit. Browse boutiques, admire Greek Revival homes, grab brunch or beers—this city serves up plenty of charm and, yes, crawfish.
No. 11 — Savannah, Georgia
Affordability Rank: 14
Millennial Happiness Rank: 16
Economy Health Rank: 7
Things to do: Savannah may be historic, but it’s lively. Grab a beer at veteran-run Service Brewing Co. and stroll the riverfront restaurants and bars—try Rocks on the Roof for views. The Jepson Center for the Arts provides modern exhibitions, and a Telfair Museums membership unlocks more art and architecture.
No. 12 — Roanoke, Virginia
Affordability Rank: 5
Millennial Happiness Rank: 18
Economy Health Rank: 15
Things to do: The Roanoke Valley Greenways combine outdoors and walkability—two big millennial considerations. Roanoke also offers parks like Explore Park, Mill Mountain Park and trails on Roanoke Mountain. You can even use local bike-share options and, if you have a car, services like MetroMile can help with insurance costs.
No. 13 — Charleston, South Carolina
Affordability Rank: 17
Millennial Happiness Rank: 15
Economy Health Rank: 10
Things to do: Full disclosure: I had my bachelor party in Charleston because it balances nightlife, food and outdoor opportunities. King Street is the spot for brunch, shopping and bars. Check out Revelry Brewing Co. and hit a local farmers market.
No. 14 — Virginia Beach, Virginia
Affordability Rank: 21
Millennial Happiness Rank: 10
Economy Health Rank: 14
Things to do: Bayville Farms Park spans 68 acres and includes a large dog park and disc golf. The city has over 4,000 acres of parkland and easy beach access for downtime. The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater hosts big-name shows (even the Vans Warped Tour stops here). Don’t miss the contemporary art museum.
No. 15 — Columbia, Missouri
Affordability Rank: 3
Millennial Happiness Rank: 24
Economy Health Rank: 18
Things to do:Rose Music Hall and Blue Note host alternative country and blues acts; “E.T.” will be shown at Movies in the Park next month. College students and locals flock to Logboat Brewing Co., and as a college town there are plenty of coffee shops to work or hang out in.
No. 16 — Portland, Maine
Affordability Rank: 22
Millennial Happiness Rank: 17
Economy Health Rank: 6
Things to do: Summer brings stand-up paddleboarding opportunities on the Saco River—try SUP rentals. If standing on a board isn’t your thing, visit the local Belgian-style brewery or catch a minor-league game at Hadlock Field. There are scenic trails on Mackworth Island.
No. 17 — Minneapolis
Affordability Rank: 24
Millennial Happiness Rank: 3
Economy Health Rank: 19
Things to do: When the lakes thaw, Minneapolis millennials hit local spots like Hidden Beach on Cedar Lake. After exploring trails, visit a farmers market or take a brewery tour. The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum is a solid pick for a cultured date.
No. 18 — Ann Arbor, Michigan
Affordability Rank: 23
Millennial Happiness Rank: 20
Economy Health Rank: 4
Things to do: As a college town, the Kerrytown District hosts daily events—farmers markets, food truck rallies, outdoor films and more. Ann Arbor is home to many independent bookstores and a public art exhibit along the Huron River. Also yes, FootGolf is real.
No. 19 — Omaha, Nebraska
Affordability Rank: 11
Millennial Happiness Rank: 13
Economy Health Rank: 24
Things to do: Thrillist once named Omaha one of the next big beer cities. From Bright Eyes to Jenny Lewis and newer bands and rappers, Omaha’s music scene shines. Catch emerging acts at venues like the Slowdown.
No. 20 — Durham, North Carolina
Affordability Rank: 16
Millennial Happiness Rank: 21
Economy Health Rank: 12
Things to do: The Brightleaf District showcases historic architecture and nightlife in revamped tobacco warehouses. If nightlife isn’t your thing, visit the Duke Lemur Center to see lemurs and learn about conservation.
No. 21 — Lawrence, Kansas
Affordability Rank: 6
Millennial Happiness Rank: 23
Economy Health Rank: 21
Things to do: Wander Massachusetts Street to admire Victorian architecture, grab a beer at Free State Brewing or cool off with one of over 1,000 sodas at Mass Street Soda. Visit the free Prairie Park Nature Center for walking trails and wildlife, or explore local art and history museums.
No. 22 — Fargo, North Dakota
Affordability Rank: 4
Millennial Happiness Rank: 22
Economy Health Rank: 25
Things to do: Fargo offers a surprising variety of amusements: a gaming cafe, indoor skateboarding, a classic pinball arcade and performances at the historic Fargo Theatre, which hosts films, comedians and music acts. There are also film festivals and other events year-round.
No. 23 — St. Paul, Minnesota
Affordability Rank: 25
Millennial Happiness Rank: 5
Economy Health Rank: 23
Things to do: Sample Italian specialties at Cossetta’s Alimentari, tour the infamous Wabasha Street Caves, visit the gardens at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and enjoy local brews at spots like The Bulldog. The city even offers a handy brunch guide.
No. 24 — Rochester, Minnesota
Affordability Rank: 10
Millennial Happiness Rank: 25
Economy Health Rank: 22
Things to do: Start your day at Kutzky Market for coffee and tea, then grab a beer and pizza at Forager Brewery. For a speakeasy vibe, try cocktails at The Doggery. For exercise, pedal or run along the 12.5-mile Douglas Trail through scenic farmland.
No. 25 — Salt Lake City
Affordability Rank: 20
Millennial Happiness Rank: 19
Economy Health Rank: 20
Things to do: The Sugar House District is Salt Lake City’s young, hip neighborhood with brewpubs and record stores. Shop at City Creek Center and then enjoy a meal and local beer at Squatters. For Mexican fare and reportedly amazing margaritas, try Red Iguana.
Methodology
We know millennials want to be both ahead of trends and part of a vibrant peer group. No matter how cheap a place is, if there aren’t enough young people living there or moving there, we’re not interested. “Community” came up repeatedly in our research—millennials want to be with their peers.
We examined every U.S. county* and calculated the total and average annual change in the share of 25- to 34-year-olds from 2011 to 2015, along with the current proportion of that age group. Each variable received a standardized score and an average ranking. We limited the pool to counties with populations above 70,000, then selected the top 200 counties as our starting sample.
Next came the more technical portion. To avoid a week of math detail, here’s a summary of what factored into the analysis:
- The average and total change in unemployment rate from 2011 to 2015
- Regional prices, rent and how each city compared to its state median income
- Millennial happiness: the average and total change in the share of 25- to 34-year-olds from 2011 to 2015, walkability (via Walk Score), and the top 100 cities for coffee fanatics (courtesy of SmartAsset)
From there, Savinly staff picked the top 25 based on affordability and whether we’d actually consider living there. Those cities were then given three ranks—Millennial Happiness, Affordability and Economy Health—derived from the same factors listed above.
And that’s it!
*We used counties as a starting point to include suburbs surrounding city centers and to match unemployment rates to their regions.
