Millennials in Anchorage
The annual "Best Cities in America for Millennials" ranking was recently released and Anchorage came in at 117 of 217.
According to niche.com, the top three cities are 1. Cambridge, MA; 2. Manhattan, NY; and 3. Alexandria, VA. To determine the "best cities" Niche combines demographic and workforce information - number of millennials, unemployment, diversity, etc. - with issues like affordable housing, ease of commute, and access to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. High ranking cities are attractive to millennials because they offer an affordable, diverse community and plenty of activity.
Here’s how Anchorage compares to Cambridge:
Interesting, sure. But why does it matter? Three reasons:
1. Majority Rule.
Millennials — people born between 1980 - 2000, also know as GenY —
#117 Rank: Anchorage, AK
Percent of Population Age 25 – 34: 16%
Millennial Newcomers: 2.1%
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
Median Rent: $1,142
Easiest Commute Grade: A
Crime and Safety Grade: C-
Access to Restaurants: B+
Access to Bars: B
Access to Coffee Shops: A-
Percent Change in Employees: 1.3%
Rent to Income Ratio: 0.4 : 1
Higher Education Rate: 32.3%
Resident Diversity: 63%
#1 Rank: Cambridge, MA
Percent of Population Age 25 – 34: 27.7%
Millennial Newcomers: 6.9%
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Median Rent: $1,612
Easiest Commute Grade: A+
Crime and Safety Grade: C
Access to Restaurants: A+
Access to Bars: A
Access to Coffee Shops: A+
Percent Change in Employees: 2.6%
Rent to Income Ratio: 0.6 : 1
Higher Education Rate: 73.1%
Resident Diversity: 64%