Affordability, a good job market and clean, livable cities are major factors in where Gen Z is choosing to put down roots. As millions of Gen Z Americans continue to seek out cities that best meet those needs, a new study found that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the best Mid-Sized City in the U.S. for Gen Z.
The study, published this week by Commercial Cafe, compared cities across the U.S. with populations between 250,000 and 400,000 residents. The cities were scored in nine different categories:
- Affordability
- Jobs for recent graduates
- Unemployment rate for those between 20 and 24 years old
- Share of Gen Z residents
- Gen Z educational enrollment
- Internet cost
- Things to do
- Green commuting
- Parks per 10,000 residents
The scores were compiled using U.S. Census data, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other sources. Gen Z is considered to be anyone born between 1997 and 2012.
Pittsburgh topped the list with a score of 69.4 despite not finishing first in any category. Instead, the Steel City earned its top ranking through consistently high scores across multiple categories. Pittsburgh finished in the top half of all nine categories…