Gen Z is young, tech-savvy and well-educated -- and many are looking to snag a first job or new position. The cohort, born between 1997 and 2012 (the oldest tops out at 28), is at an age that's ripe for relocation. But according to a recent study from Checkr, a data-driven background-checking company, Gen Z isn't going to settle for any ol' city. Instead, this group longs for a spot with low unemployment, affordability and a pretty cool social life.
The folks at Checkr kept these three demands in mind while doing a deep data dive to find out the best cities for Gen Zers in 2025. Ahead, we crunched the numbers with Sam Radbil, research and content strategist at Checkr, to learn more. If you're a Gen Z member looking to make a move, or an employer hoping to tap some young talent, keep reading for the top 10 cities for Gen Zers in the market for a new place to call home.
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How did the report determine the best cities for Gen Z?
The report determined 2025's best cities for Gen Z by analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Checkr looked at seven factors in 100 cities specific to Gen Z, including:
* Employment and unemployment rates
* Income-to-rent ratio
* Percentage of renters paying less than 30% of their income in rent
* Real personal income
* Number of Gen Zers in the population and per entertainment venue
Results were weighted, scaled and ranked into the best cities for Gen Z workers in the country.
What are the top 10 cities for Gen Zers?
The top 10 cities for Gen Zers stand out because of what's not on the list. At first glance, you'll notice that the biggest metropolitan areas in the country are pretty much absent. "For Gen Zers or any emerging professional, these cities represent an overlooked but strategic launchpad for long-term success," says Radbil.
Here are the cities that are well-situated for Gen Z success, in descending order.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Coming in at No. 10 is Boston, capital of the Bay State and the biggest (and only coastal) city on the list. "Its inclusion is likely due to its strong showing in workforce participation, public transit access and industry diversity, particularly in health care and tech," Radbil says.
It's definitely more expensive to live in Boston, but when compared against other cities in the group, wages are also higher. And don't forget those sports fanatics, Radbill adds, as lots of young people adore the Beantown teams.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City gets high marks for affordability and a booming economy, and its gorgeous mountain locale is popular with hikers, skiers and anyone who loves the outdoors. Add in the pro teams, such as the NBA's Jazz and the newest NHL hockey team, the Mammoth, and you've got a recipe for success.
8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Midwest represent! Milwaukee joins several other mid-sized cities on this list that are located in America's heartland. According to Radbil, "they consistently performed well across metrics like affordability, employment and livability." Lots of lakeside views await young workers here, and culturally, Milwaukee is on fire, with new and expanding arts and music venues on the horizon. "Milwaukee also deserves attention for its proximity to Chicago," he adds. (It's about an hour and a half away by car.)
7. Austin, Texas
Austin has long been a destination for the cool kids, thanks to its very hot employment opportunities in the tech field. And that's not changing anytime soon. "Austin continues to shine in the data for its overall quality of life, including the mild weather, the many green spaces, a booming job market and a lifestyle that balances work and play," says Radbil.
6. St. Louis, Missouri
If Gen Zers want to make a down payment on a home, St. Louis is probably the place to do it. "St. Louis offers a powerful combination of affordability, upward mobility and quality of life, and it's a place where you can build career momentum faster, stretch your paycheck further and access strong professional networks early in your journey," he points out.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Of course, live music is huge here -- Nashville is nicknamed the Music City! But the appeal of both Nashville and Austin goes beyond concerts, says Radbil. "The data shows that year-round livability plays a major role -- think mild winters, long patio seasons and access to outdoor recreation like hiking, biking or paddle boarding right within or near the city limits."
4. Omaha, Nebraska
The tough winters and extreme weather here aren't for the faint of heart, but Omaha has plenty of other important attributes. Jobs in insurance, health care, education and finance are attractive to Gen Zers, and affordability gets strong marks. Omaha also offers safe, diverse neighborhoods and a strong sense of community among its residents.
3. Des Moines, Iowa
Here's another Midwestern charmer that, like St. Louis and the No. 1 city, offers low-cost living, a high quality of life and a chance to move ahead in terms of employment and home ownership. "This city and others like it may not have the same name recognition as a New York or San Francisco," explains Radbil, but they're an excellent starting point for Gen Zers.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is a well-deserved No. 2 on this list because it sports the kind of vibrant art scene you'd normally find only in bigger metro areas. Young workers will also appreciate the city's excellent transit system, cool restaurants and bars and an impressive park system, plus its progressive values, community spirit and robust social life.
1. Madison, Wisconsin
And here it is -- the best city in the nation for Gen Z workers is Madison, Wisconsin. Radbil says that "a few cities stood out for the ways they combine practical opportunity with strong community identity -- and Madison is one." The city is "anchored by world-class universities, which creates a sense of vibrancy, civic engagement and innovation, and that academic energy spills into the job market and social life, making the city feel tight-knit yet intellectually dynamic." Hurray for Madison!
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