Where is Gen Z looking to locate?

A recent Corebridge Financial survey set out to rank the best cities for the generation of 13- to 28-year-olds, who continue to transition into the workforce and sway migrational patterns.

Texas dominated the list, as the only state with more than one city ranked in the Top 10. Austin reigned over all other Texas cities, slotting in an eighth place ranking.

San Antonio just missed the Top 10, coming in at No. 11. Houston, home to 2.3 million residents, ranked No. 9 on the list, by far surpassing the other cities on the list by population size.

The survey’s findings, released Oct. 6, looked at U.S. cities with populations of over 400,000 people. The study then ranked cities using a variety of factors – like the population of young people, affordability, amount of green spaces and unemployment rate.

“Our study ranks the large cities that are best equipped to provide Gen Z with their desired affordability and lifestyle amenities, which will also position these urban centers to reap the benefits of drawing in the nation’s newest generation of professionals and taxpayers,” the study said.

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The Midwest and South commanded the list, with the previous reigning city Atlanta being surpassed by Minneapolis, which ranked as the ideal location for Gen Z. With nearly 10% of its population between 20 and 24 years old, as well as having a low unemployment rate, Minneapolis secured the top spot.

Austin’s place in the Top 10 is attributed to a high concentration of startups and an abundance of jobs for college graduates, making the city a hotbed for young professionals. The variety of recreational activities, like this month’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, doesn’t hurt either.

“Austin has become eponymous with youth culture in Texas and the entire south, contributing to the city’s growing innovation scene and its expanding population,” the study said.

Around 175,000 of Houston’s population are around 20 to 24 years old. The advantages of a big city – like a robust rotation of restaurants, bars, stadiums and museums – helped the city lock in a Top 10 spot.

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Texas’ rule over the list strengthened when it was narrowed to southern cities, with four Texas cities in the Top 10. With that filter, San Antonio’s ample job opportunities and nearly 8% Gen Z population boosted the Alamo City to a sixth place position.

The list explores how integral job opportunities are to where the Gen Z population decides to settle down, as they seek affordable and attractive lifestyles.

“Gen Zers are proving themselves to be financially astute, community-oriented and cost-conscious,” the survey said. “Their digital-native upbringing makes them uniquely positioned to leverage emerging technologies – particularly artificial intelligence – with unprecedented skill.”

This article originally published at Texas dominates in new ranking of U.S. cities that best suit Gen Z.