11 Best Places to Live in the U.S. For Young Adults

Arlington, Virginia

“Arlington is a unicorn,” says John Mentis, a sales agent at Long & Foster Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, adding that the Virginia city, located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., has “a rare combination of good-paying jobs, restaurants, entertainment, parks and recreation, and public transportation in an environment of diverse, charming, and attractive neighborhoods that feel something between urban and suburban.”

Last year, Niche.com named Colonial Village, one of Arlington’s neighborhoods, the best in America, while the city topped America’s fittest city ranking for the seventh year in a row, thanks to its residents’ overall health and access to recreational facilities. The Washington Metro connects Arlington with our nation’s capital, but you can even walk there. If, for example, you live in the Rosslyn area, popular with young professionals, it will take you around 30 minutes (give or take, depending on your starting point) to walk to Georgetown via the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

According to Mentis, other Metro-convenient neighborhoods are Clarendon, Ballston, and Courthouse, as well as the up-and-coming National Landing area, where Amazon’s headquarters are located.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

GoBankingRates.com recently named Cambridge the best place to live for “the young and wealthy” after analyzing data on crime, household income, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Of course, education is what Cambridge is known for.

“Cambridge is home to two of the best schools in the world: Harvard and MIT. Both schools are magnets for young people because of their quality and prestige and the weight their respective undergrad and graduate degrees carry throughout the world. Many businesses and amenities in the area therefore tailor toward this progressive, youthful, and intelligent audience making the area a center for the demographic,” Dave Costello, managing director at Advisors Living/Luxury Portfolio International, explained.

The city is home to 118,000 residents and is located across from Boston on the Charles River. Costello explained that there are five major squares in Cambridge — Harvard, Central, Inman, Kendall, and Porter — so its residents often identify their neighborhood by the nearest square, each “offering unique sub-neighborhoods with their own flair, whether that be cultural cuisine, museums, shops, schools, and proximity to the Charles River and Boston.”

However, the real estate market here is competitive, and prices reflect that. Zillow reports that the median home value is $996,000.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Homeownership is out of reach for many young Americans these days, so if affordable housing is a top priority, consider settling in Steel City. A Zillow analysis recently found that three out of four homes on the market are affordable in Pittsburgh, meaning that housing costs don’t exceed 30 percent of the household income. And the current median home value of around $225,00 reflects that. “Pittsburgh has transformed into a thriving hub for young adults over the past decade. The city attracts young adults with its affordability, career opportunities, vibrant neighborhoods, arts and entertainment scene, and a multitude of neighborhoods, each with their own identity,” Helen Cestra, a sales director at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services/Luxury Portfolio International, said.

She explained that young adults tend to gravitate towards neighborhoods that offer “a blend of amenities and walkability,” such as Aspinwall, Lawrenceville, Dormont, Strip District, and Highland Park.

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The city is nestled along the Willamette River and is home to expansive Forest Park, along with over 270 more public parks and gardens. Residents can also drive to the coastline to surf or head to Mount Hood for skiing within an hour and a half.

“Portland stands out as one of the few major cities on the West Coast that still offers relatively affordable housing alongside plentiful access to nature and rich cultural experiences,” Alex Cole Juer, a sales agent at Windermere Real Estate, said. In addition to its natural diversity, it has an entertainment and cultural scene to match. Portland’s breweries are second to none, and its restaurants and chefs have won dozens of James Beard distinctions through the years.

“Young people can easily find their niche here, thanks to a variety of celebrations, nonprofit organizations, artisan groups, and unique boutiques and galleries. Rather than having a single cultural hub, Portland is characterized by diverse neighborhoods—each with its own distinct vibe — such as Alberta Arts, Sellwood, and Multnomah Village,” Juer added.

Currently, the median home price in Portland is around $525,000. Jouer explained that while prices may not drop in the future, they are also not likely to skyrocket as they did in 2021 and 2022.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

As the happiest city in America, Minneapolis offers an excellent work-life balance that draws young professionals from across the country, providing ample job opportunities and a wide range of leisure activities. The city has over one hundred biking lanes, a convenient skyway system, several major professional sports teams, and a thriving arts scene with over a dozen museums. And, of course, there are the lakes — Minneapolis alone is home to 22 of them — offering ample opportunities for water activities, sunbathing, picnics, or just strolling along the shoreline.

Sharry Schmid, president of Edina Realty, explained that the Twin Cities real estate market, which encompasses 13 counties, has seen an inventory increase of 15 percent over the last year, which is good news for prospective buyers. According to Zillow, the median home value is $314,000.

“Young adults are often drawn to Uptown, Northeast, and North Loop neighborhoods in Minneapolis because of their lively social scenes, proximity to popular lakes and trails, and trendy dining options. The city offers a variety of condos, townhomes, and twin homes, blending historic buildings with modern high-rises,” Schmid added.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s cultural attractions, strong job market (especially in tech and innovation), and culinary scene, which boasts some of the finest seafood in the world, have made it a magnet for young adults for decades. The city was just named the 19th best in the world, up an impressive 15 spots from last year, leaving behind cities like Boston and Vancouver.

“With walkable neighborhoods, a laid-back atmosphere, and unbeatable summers, Seattle is the perfect spot for those looking to balance career opportunities with an active, outdoor lifestyle,” Candace Hagen, a sales agent at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, said.

Hagen explained that young adults are usually drawn to walkable neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and Ballard, “where vibrant communities and easy access to amenities are key attractions.”

However, life in Seattle is not cheap. The median home value is over $850,000, and consumer prices are 13 percent higher than the national average.

As a result, Hagen explained that “detached additional dwelling units,” essentially a separate house located on the same property as a primary single-family residence, are becoming increasingly popular among younger demographics and first-time buyers as they offer a lower entry price “while still providing the convenience of core Seattle neighborhoods.”

Denver, Colorado

As the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Denver‘s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts is pretty evident. But this is not the only reason young people flock to the Mile High City. Denver’s charms are many, including a world-famous brewery scene, a thriving job market, and year-round outdoor activities.

As Kayla Schmitz of Kentwood Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International summed it up: “Denver offers a lifestyle balance that’s hard to beat.” She explained that the city’s real estate market has cooled since its pandemic days, and prospective buyers see fewer bidding wars and more price stabilization.

“Many young adults prefer townhomes and condos for their low-maintenance appeal, but new single-family homes in emerging areas like Green Valley Ranch or Central Park are also gaining traction with those looking for more space,” Schmitz added.

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia’s capital has been making headlines thanks to its high quality of life, especially for young adults. Last year, WalletHub named it the best city for singles, while according to the prestigious Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index, it is the best place to live on the East Coast.

“Atlanta is the epicenter for arts, culture, sports, and exceptional neighborhood amenities, including the renowned Atlanta Beltline,” Joel Perkins, a sales agent at Harry Norman, Realtors/Luxury Portfolio International, said, referring to the 22-mile loop that connects 45 of the city’s neighborhoods through trails and parks.

“Walkability remains a top priority for many home buyers, and Atlanta has made significant investments in mixed-use developments along the Beltline, expanded bike lanes throughout the city, and even live-work-play communities in the suburbs — setting it apart from other markets across the nation,” Norman added.

Atlanta’s diverse real estate market offers something for everyone, and most importantly, it offers something for every budget, from spacious condos under $200,000 and townhomes under $500,000 to multimillion-dollar estates.

Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina

Raleigh and neighboring cities Durham and Chapel Hill have been at the forefront of America’s tech industry, resulting in impressive population growth. Raleigh is now the third-fastest-growing big city in the country, and it’s first for quality of life on the East Coast according to U.S. News., which also ranked it sixth overall in its annual report on the best cities to live in America. While the region is also popular with retirees, Raleigh’s median age is 35, and over 40 percent of its population is between 20 and 44 years old. 

“Compared to other tech hubs like Austin and San Francisco, Raleigh and Durham offer more affordable housing,” Jenny Barber, a sales agent at Allen Tate Company/Luxury Portfolio International, said. “It continues to be a great time to invest in these markets, and this area continues to be one of the top areas for relocation.” The median home value in Raleigh is $435,00, and in Durham, it’s $397,000, according to Zillow.

Barber said that urban condos and lofts are ideal for those who like to walk everywhere, while townhomes in urban and suburban communities with shared amenities are “desirable for those preferring less upkeep than a single-family home with outdoor space, but not a large yard.”

Nashville, Tennessee

Music City may be your go-to place for a girls getaway or for a weekend of brewery and distillery hopping, but Nashville also has a lot to offer those looking to make it their permanent home. The city was named the third-best destination for young professionals, with over a fifth of the city’s population now aged between 20 and 34. Its growing job market, top-notch entertainment scene, and endless list of things to do in Nashville make for a natural draw with young adults.

“Young adult buyers in Nashville are gravitating toward vibrant neighborhoods like East Nashville, Germantown, The Nations, and Wedgewood-Houston. These areas offer a mix of historic charm, trendy local businesses, and proximity to nightlife and dining,” Chris Fumia, a sales agent at Crye-Leike Real Estate Services/Luxury Portfolio International, said.

Zillow reports that the current median home value is $427,00, while the cost of living is just slightly higher than the national average, according to Chase.

Houston, Texas

Houston’s booming economy, which spans industries like energy, healthcare, technology, and aerospace, is making it an attractive destination for young professionals. In addition, residents have access to a wide range of cultural and entertainment options, such as the Museum District, performance arts, and professional sports venues. Recently, five of the city’s restaurants were awarded Michelin stars, demonstrating the quality of the city’s growing dining scene.

“Houston also boasts a lower cost of living compared to other major cities like New York or Los Angeles, which is a huge draw for young buyers looking to maximize their budgets without sacrificing lifestyle,” Nancy Almodovar, CEO and broker at Nan and Company Properties/Luxury Portfolio International, said. “Prices are starting to level out, with some areas seeing small price reductions, making this a more favorable time for buyers who were previously priced out.”

Almodovar added that young adults gravitate toward areas with a good mix of walkability, nightlife, and accessibility to major employers. Neighborhoods like the Heights, Midtown, Montrose, and EaDo (East Downtown) are some of the most sought-after areas.