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As of 2026, millennials—now aged 25 to 40—comprise approximately 25% of the U.S. population. However, this demographic is unevenly distributed across the country, with many millennials gravitating towards certain urban areas while avoiding others.
In our exploration of the cities that millennials favor, we’ve compiled a list of the 100 most popular cities for this generation. Below are the top 10 cities millennials are flocking to:
The Most Popular Cities For Millennials in 2026
- Somerville, Massachusetts
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Redmond, Washington
- Arlington, Virginia
- Orlando, Florida
- Sunnyvale, California
- Seattle, Washington
- San Francisco, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Washington, DC
These cities are noted for their high concentration of millennials. The top four may not be widely recognized, but they are conveniently located near major metropolitan areas. This trend reflects a broader movement: as millennials age and housing costs soar, many opt for more affordable suburban locales while still enjoying proximity to urban centers.
If your city isn’t listed in the top 10, scroll to the bottom to discover its ranking, or continue reading to learn how we identified the most popular cities for millennials.
How We Determined the Most Popular Cities for Millennials
Our methodology was straightforward. We utilized the most recent data, including insights from the 2021 American Community Survey, to identify cities with the highest concentrations of millennials. By analyzing the percentage of each city’s population within the 25-40 year age bracket, we obtained a comprehensive understanding of millennials’ preferences.
The cities with higher percentages of millennials are deemed more popular among this demographic. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10:
1. Somerville, Massachusetts
Population: 81,568
Percentage Of Millennials: 40.1%
Somerville residents often refer to their city simply as “Boston,” thanks to its proximity—just a 15-minute drive away. With nearly half of its population being millennials, Somerville provides the conveniences of Boston at more accessible prices.
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Population: 118,967
Percentage Of Millennials: 35.9%
Home to prestigious institutions like Harvard, Cambridge boasts a significant millennial population. Its close distance to Boston makes it an attractive commuting option.
3. Redmond, Washington
Population: 67,680
Percentage Of Millennials: 33.8%
Located just 15 miles east of Seattle, Redmond is home to a thriving millennial community, making it a sought-after location for many young professionals.
4. Arlington, Virginia
Population: 237,521
Percentage Of Millennials: 33.7%
With many millennials commuting to Washington, D.C., Arlington offers affordable housing and spacious homes, making it an attractive alternative to city living.
5. Orlando, Florida
Population: 285,705
Percentage Of Millennials: 32.8%
Orlando’s warm climate, favorable job market, and nostalgic ties to childhood experiences at Disney make it a popular home for many millennials.
6. Sunnyvale, California
Population: 153,175
Percentage Of Millennials: 32.6%
As a key player in Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale attracts many millennials eager for fresh career opportunities in the tech industry.
7. Seattle, Washington
Population: 744,949
Percentage Of Millennials: 32.5%
Seattle is a must-include city for millennials. While Redmond has a higher percentage of millennials, many prefer the vibrant lifestyle and job opportunities in Seattle itself.
8. San Francisco, California
Population: 883,305
Percentage Of Millennials: 32.5%
Despite rising living costs, San Francisco remains a top choice for millennials who value its cultural richness and job prospects.
9. Denver, Colorado
Population: 716,492
Percentage Of Millennials: 32.3%
Known for its stunning scenery and outdoor lifestyle, Denver remains a popular city for millennials seeking a balance between urban living and nature.
10. Washington, DC
Population: 702,455
Percentage Of Millennials: 32.0%
Washington, D.C., retains its status as a top city for millennials, despite challenges like home ownership rates. The capital’s diverse opportunities continue to attract young professionals.
Summary of the Most Popular Cities for Millennials
While major cities retain their appeal to millennials, there’s a noticeable shift toward nearby suburbs as this generation ages and seeks more affordable living options. The trend of millennials migrating from urban centers to suburban areas is likely to persist due to rising living costs and housing shortages. Nonetheless, cities like San Francisco and Seattle will continue to draw millennials, who are willing to invest in the vibrant opportunities these urban hubs offer.
Check Out The Top 100 Most Popular Cities For Millennials:
| City | Population | Percent Of Millennials |
|---|---|---|
| Somerville, MA | 81,568 | 40 |
| Cambridge, MA | 118,967 | 35 |
| Redmond, WA | 67,680 | 33 |
| Arlington, VA | 237,521 | 33 |
| Orlando, FL | 285,705 | 32 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 153,175 | 32 |
| Seattle, WA | 744,949 | 32 |
| San Francisco, CA | 883,305 | 32 |
| Denver, CO | 716,492 | 32 |
| Washington, DC | 702,455 | 32 |
| Boston, MA | 695,926 | 31 |
| Alexandria, VA | 160,530 | 31 |
| Jersey City, NJ | 265,560 | 31 |
| Mountain View, CA | 83,377 | 31 |
| Portland, OR | 66,420 | 31 |
| Austin, TX | 964,243 | 31 |
| Lewisville, TX | 106,205 | 31 |
| Silver Spring, MD | 81,816 | 30 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 425,395 | 30 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 200,576 | 30 |
| Santa Monica, CA | 91,417 | 30 |
| Oakland, CA | 429,114 | 29 |
| Quincy, MA | 94,590 | 29 |
| Beaverton, OR | 98,951 | 29 |
| Atlanta, GA | 498,073 | 28 |
| Portland, OR | 652,573 | 28 |
| Richmond, VA | 228,783 | 28 |
| Miami Beach, FL | 91,715 | 28 |
| Renton, WA | 102,152 | 28 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 129,489 | 28 |
| Tempe, AZ | 192,354 | 28 |
| Nashville, TN | 665,498 | 28 |
| North Charleston, SC | 119,214 | 28 |
| Wilmington, NC | 70,653 | 27 |
| Kissimmee, FL | 73,596 | 27 |
| Kirkland, WA | 89,557 | 27 |
| Columbus, OH | 895,877 | 27 |
| Killeen, TX | 149,102 | 27 |
| Charleston, SC | 141,088 | 27 |
| Irving, TX | 242,228 | 27 |
| Alhambra, CA | 84,650 | 27 |
| Clarksville, TN | 156,800 | 27 |
| Chicago, IL | 2,705,988 | 27 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 301,038 | 27 |
| Enterprise, NV | 187,078 | 27 |
| Durham, NC | 274,497 | 27 |
| Round Rock, TX | 128,490 | 26 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 200,230 | 26 |
| St. Louis, MO | 302,838 | 26 |
| Milpitas, CA | 80,424 | 26 |
| Gainesville, FL | 133,851 | 26 |
| Union City, CA | 68,521 | 26 |
| Greenville, SC | 68,543 | 26 |
| Cheektowaga, NY | 74,223 | 26 |
| Union City, NJ | 74,568 | 26 |
| San Mateo, CA | 105,016 | 26 |
| Manchester, NH | 112,529 | 26 |
| San Diego, CA | 1,425,999 | 26 |
| Paradise, NV | 242,266 | 26 |
| Dallas, TX | 1,345,076 | 26 |
| Missoula, MT | 74,427 | 26 |
| Chino, CA | 91,589 | 26 |
| Sacramento, CA | 508,517 | 26 |
| Baltimore, MD | 602,495 | 26 |
| Charlotte, NC | 872,506 | 26 |
| Sandy Springs, GA | 108,798 | 26 |
| New Haven, CT | 130,407 | 26 |
| Tacoma, WA | 216,271 | 26 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1,584,138 | 26 |
| Houston, TX | 2,326,090 | 26 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 3,990,469 | 26 |
| Hillsboro, OR | 108,382 | 26 |
| Raleigh, NC | 470,509 | 25 |
| Rockville, MD | 68,252 | 25 |
| Everett, WA | 111,263 | 25 |
| Redwood City, CA | 86,186 | 25 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 86,765 | 25 |
| Norfolk, VA | 244,076 | 25 |
| Madison, WI | 258,034 | 25 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 72,443 | 25 |
| Schaumburg, IL | 73,970 | 25 |
| Fargo, ND | 125,040 | 25 |
| Midland, TX | 142,339 | 25 |
| New Orleans, LA | 391,006 | 25 |
| Bryan, TX | 85,447 | 25 |
| El Cajon, CA | 103,229 | 25 |
| Richmond, VA | 110,175 | 25 |
| West Valley, UT | 136,420 | 25 |
| Santa Ana, CA | 332,727 | 25 |
| Tampa, FL | 392,905 | 25 |
| Rochester, NY | 206,290 | 25 |
| Conroe, TX | 87,656 | 25 |
| Norman, OK | 123,469 | 25 |
| Thornton, CO | 139,430 | 25 |
| Bellflower, CA | 77,132 | 25 |
| Lakewood, CO | 80,132 | 25 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 302,615 | 25 |
| Cranston, RI | 81,282 | 25 |
| Bellevue, WA | 147,595 | 25 |
| St. Paul, MN | 307,701 | 25 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
