Zoomers Breathing New Life Into Cities

Young renters are flocking to big cities with lucrative job markets and ample social amenities, belying the 'urban exodus' myth.

1 minute read

March 10, 2022, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Market Street

4kclips / Shutterstock

"Currently representing over a quarter of lease applications nationwide, Zoomers are swarming large urban hubs that promise job opportunities, bringing new life into cities that were once considered doomed due to the pandemic." Andrea Neculae reports on new data from RentCafe, which shows that "Nationwide, the number of applications for apartments from renters of all generations increased by an average of 10% year over year, from 2.9 million applications in 2020 to 3.2 million in 2021." 

The youngest renter group is driving the rise in the rental rate. "Meet the next Zoomer hotspots: San Francisco; Jersey City; Manhattan; Philadelphia; and Boston saw the sharpest spikes in lease applications from the youngest generation of adults, with increases of up to 101% in the past year."

Despite high costs, Zoomers are flocking to large urban areas: "The #1 trendiest city for Generation Z, San Francisco logged the greatest increase in Zoomers who moved into new apartments in 2021, at 101%." The second most popular city was Jersey City, followed by Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Boston, with the Northeastern tri-state area holding strong as one of the country's hottest rental markets. Neculae outlines the factors that make big cities attractive, including vibrant job markets and fast and reliable internet infrastructure.

Monday, March 7, 2022 in RentCafé

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog