New York leads US in Gen Z exodus as young adults seek cheaper housing

New York recorded the biggest net outflow of Gen Z adults among US metropolitan areas in 2024, with 29,554 more young people leaving than moving in, according to a Redfin analysis of US Census Bureau data.The migration, however, does not necessarily mean young Americans are abandoning major cities altogether. Many are making relatively short moves to nearby metropolitan areas, allowing them to stay within reach of existing social and professional networks while seeking lower housing costs and job opportunities.One of the clearest examples is the New York-Philadelphia corridor.Some 9,284 Gen Z adults moved from the New York metropolitan area to Philadelphia in 2024, making it the second-most popular migration route for the generation.The move also comes with a significant difference in housing costs.