Introduction to Gen Z’s Preferred Cities
Houston is proving itself to be a highly desirable place to live for Gen Z individuals, according to a new survey by online platform CommercialCafe. The report analyzed nine metrics across the largest U.S. cities with populations of more than 400,000 residents. These key indicators consisted of a cost of living index, the share of the employed population working in jobs requiring a college degree, the percentage of the population aged 20-24, and the diversity of recreational activities, among others.
Houston’s Ranking and Demographics
Houston was chosen as the 9th best city for Gen Zers nationwide and the 5th best city in the South. CommercialCafe notes that Houston is the largest city in the top 10, with a population of nearly 2.4 million residents. About 7.6 percent of the city’s population is between 20 and 24 years old, which translates to approximately 175,000 residents. Although the study focuses on Gen Zers in their early twenties, the youngest members of this generation are 13 years old (born in 2012) and the oldest are up to 28 years old (born in 1997).
Advantages of Houston for Gen Z
The report highlights that Houston, as the only true ‘big city’ on the list, provides several advantages compared to smaller university towns or innovation hubs higher on the list. These advantages include a large number of recreational establishments and third places like restaurants, bars, stadiums, or museums. Houston boasts the second-highest number of recreational establishments nationwide and is the 10th most affordable city on the list, according to the report’s findings.
Gen Z’s Preferences and Characteristics
Gen Zers have been flocking to Houston for the last several years, with the city having the third-highest inflow of Gen Zers nationally in 2023. CommercialCafe classifies Gen Z as a "potential asset for companies and communities" due to their tech-savviness and community-minded personalities. The report notes that while Gen Zers may have inherited the title of ‘most-criticized generation’ from Millennials, they are proving themselves to be financially astute, community-oriented, and cost-conscious. Moreover, their digital-native upbringing makes them uniquely positioned to leverage emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, with unprecedented skill.
Other Texas Cities and the Top 10 List
Elsewhere in Texas, Austin ranked as the 8th best U.S. city for Gen Z to live, followed by San Antonio (No. 11), Fort Worth (No. 20), El Paso (No. 26), and Dallas (No. 27). The top 10 best cities for Gen Zers in 2025 are:
- No. 1 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- No. 2 – Atlanta, Georgia
- No. 3 – Boston, Massachusetts
- No. 4 – Tampa, Florida
- No. 5 – Raleigh, North Carolina
- No. 6 – Omaha, Nebraska
- No. 7 – Columbus, Ohio
- No. 8 – Austin, Texas
- No. 9 – Houston, Texas
- No. 10 – Kansas City, Missouri
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston’s appeal to Gen Zers is multifaceted, ranging from its affordability and diverse recreational activities to its large and vibrant community of young people. As Gen Z continues to grow and make its mark on the world, cities like Houston are likely to remain popular destinations for this tech-savvy and community-minded generation. With its unique blend of urban excitement and economic opportunity, Houston is well-positioned to attract and retain Gen Z talent, contributing to the city’s ongoing growth and development.
