Millennials More Likely to Move for Political Reasons

millennial generation They’re moving to new cities and states driven by politics, according to a new report from Realtor.com.

Although national and local politics Although it can influence anyone’s choice of place to live, millennials seem to have a stronger political inclination to pack their bags than other generations.

About 33 percent of millennials said their decisions about where to live were largely influenced by national policies, while only 25 percent of Gen Zers, 21 percent of Gen Xers and 16 percent of baby boomers said the same.

The survey looked at responses from more than 2,200 adults in September.

One-third of millennials say it is very or extremely important to live in a place where most people share their political views, while the remaining generations fall between 16 percent and 23 percent.

Overall, 28 percent of millennials said they were considering moving because their political views do not align with most of the people they live with.

“It seems like more people these days are less tolerant of other ideas, opinions and political beliefs than in the past,” said Alan Chang, a nationwide title and trust expert. news week. “This is how the media portrays society, and the separation has led many to avoid conflict and seek out like-minded neighbors.”

Compared to the general population, only one in five adults had considered resolving political differences; but this could intensify after the 2024 elections, when many states become more conservative than in past elections.

“Choosing where to live is often a complex decision, and for many Americans, especially millennials, local and national policies are factors that influence where they live,” Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement. he said.

“With politicians, both local and national, making decisions that affect daily life both socially and financially, it makes sense that many people choose to live in areas where the politics align with their beliefs. Some go so far as to consider moving, and believe that this alignment.”

Only 38 percent of Americans think their political views align with the majority of people where they live, but millennials may be more likely to prioritize political leanings as a result of their lives.

“While Generation Z is known to be very politically active, when it comes to deciding where to live, a larger share of millennials will likely be at a stage in their lives where they are considering the type of community they want to purchase a home in,” said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. he said in a statement:

“It makes sense that millennials, more than other age groups, think it is very important to live in a place where most people share their political views.”

In general, those who described themselves as liberal were more likely to prioritize politics when deciding where to live. Nearly 30 percent of liberals said national policies affect where they live, compared to 18 percent of moderates and 27 percent of conservatives.

“In the past, neighbors might disagree but still be cordial and even friendly, but the common media portrayal is one of division and conflict,” Chang said.

Millennials often feel that politics impacts their lives more heavily than younger and older generations, says Ralph McLaughlin, senior economist at Realtor.com.

“Millennials are perhaps more likely to live with others who have similar political beliefs because they are at an age where they feel political decisions affect more aspects of their lives than younger generations or older generations who are still maturing both financially and personally,” McLaughlin said. “Those who have left their family years behind,” he said. news week.

“For them, being in a politically friendly environment probably gives millennials more assurance than other generations that political decisions at the local and state level will best align with their preferences.”