Despite popular opinion, millennials are growing up. And though they may still let their man buns down as they take their French bulldog named Henry for a walk, they are also starting to settle down and search for homes.
In a recent study compiled by Realtor.com, the Buffalo Niagara region ranked as the seventh most attractive city to millennials.
The report looked at home list viewing habits of older millennials from 25 to 34-years-old. The study considered Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and Niagara Falls. Of the Buffalo region’s zip codes considered in the study, those in the City of Buffalo accounted for eight of the top 10. The others included Gowanda and Depew, showing heavy signs of a millennial index in their areas.
Overall, age 25 to 34-year-old millennials have a 13.4 percent share of the population in the Buffalo region. The study found that millennials are generally attracted to the region for its affordability.
According to Realtor.com, it takes 22.7 percent of an income to purchase a home in Buffalo, boasting the most cost efficient rate on the list of the top 10 cities.
Invest Buffalo Niagara’s Relocation Guide, a great tool for those considering a move to the area, cites the median price for an existing home in Buffalo is around $135,000, which stands well below the national average. Renting prices are wide-ranging, but consistently reasonable. In 2015, the National Association of Home Builders chose Buffalo as the most affordable major U.S. housing market.
Though millennials may come for the affordability, we like to think they stay for, well, everything else.
The Buffalo Niagara region offers a flourishing art scene, delicious food, professional sports teams, beautiful views, and the flexibility to go from downtown biking to four-wheel driving in just a short distance.
As millennials continue to show stronger interest in urban communities, the City of Buffalo continues to be a perfect fit. With 126 restaurants, 28 food trucks, 11 breweries and distilleries, and 10.8 miles of bike lanes, downtown Buffalo is a bustling hub for the millennial (and his French bulldog Henry, too).