WASHINGTON — Millennials really have a thing for D.C.
A new ranking has named the D.C. area the most attractive place for young college graduates, based on their migration patterns.
But moving trucks aren’t backing up just for bigger paychecks — the study shows that college grads ages 22-35 place a high value on quality of life.
“The thinking is that people move for jobs, so economics is supposed to drive these kinds of moves,” says Rosalind Greenstein, the director of research and education at the American Institute for Economic Research. “But we also know it’s not just economics.”
The study found the most important factors for drawing millennials to town were a high density of other college grads, a low unemployment rate and the ability to get around without a car.
The availability of bars and restaurants also makes a difference, Greenstein says.
Among major metro areas, the top destinations were:
1. Washington
2. San Francisco
3. Boston
4. San Jose
5. New York
6. Seattle
7. Denver
8. Austin
9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
10. Raleigh
