Urban revival by Millennials? Intraurban net migration patterns of young adults, 1980–2010

Abstract

This study investigates neighborhood scale net migration of young adults in the top 20 urbanized areas (UAs) in the United States between 1980 and 2010. Both descriptive and regression analyses show that Generation Xers and Millennials were more likely to net migrate into central locations and less aversive to high density at their young ages than late boomers were in the 1980s. Consumption amenities are a critical factor that distinguishes the net migration patterns between young and old adult groups and became a more important location factor for young adults in the 2000s (late Gen Xers and older Millennials) than in the 1990s (early Gen Xers). There exists a considerable degree of heterogeneity across UAs and neighborhoods even within the same UAs.