Millenials Lean Away From McMansions

Surveys show that those born between 1980 and the early 2000s want to live in an urban setting -- and not in a humongous house.

1 minute read

January 14, 2011, 10:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Much of this week's National Association of Home Builders conference has dwelled on the housing needs of an aging baby boomer population. But their children actually represent an even larger demographic. An estimated 80 million people comprise the category known as "Gen Y," youth born roughly between 1980 and the early 2000s. The boomers, meanwhile, boast 76 million.

Gen Y housing preferences are the subject of at least two panels at this week's convention. A key finding: They want to walk everywhere. Surveys show that 13% carpool to work, while 7% walk, said Melina Duggal, a principal with Orlando-based real estate adviser RCLCO. A whopping 88% want to be in an urban setting, but since cities themselves can be so expensive, places with shopping, dining and transit such as Bethesda and Arlington in the Washington suburbs will do just fine."

We selected Gen Y housing preferences as one of our Top Planning Issues of 2010.

FULL STORY: No McMansions for Millennials

Thursday, January 13, 2011 in The Wall Street Journal

Housing Social / Demographics United States Youth McMansions Surveys Millenials View More

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