Millennials, which form a group of an estimated 80 million youth born between 1980 and the early 2000s, are leaving the suburbs for the city more than ever before and for many reasons.
According to a recent survey reported by The Wall Street Journal, a whopping 88% of Millennials prefer living in an urban setting rather than a suburban area.
Interestingly enough, the U.S. has not experienced such great migration since the 1950s, where city dwellers were migrating to the suburbs.
As a millennial, I often ask myself: “Are the suburbs really the American Dream? Do I really want to spend my Saturdays doing yard work? How sustainable are more cars and suburban sprawls?”
What could have sparked this flight to the cities? Recent surveys indicate popular preference for wanting to walk everywhere increased health consciousness and a declining interest in automotive commutes, as reported by the New York Times.
Places like Miami’s downtown and beachside apartments could provide that kind of environment, especially with the beautiful weather, perfect winters, top notch sports teams and present economic boom.
However, the cost of living for a Miami millennial like myself is overwhelming. Rising fuel costs, daily toll increases and the aggravation associated with heavy Miami traffic has me constantly thinking about relocation to a more urban, car independent environment.
What is it that us Millennials crave you say? For starters, shorter commute times for work and play as well as an effective public transit scheme. Easily accessible places to congregate, like bars and parks are much more important to us than the big house, which once symbolized “The American Dream.”
