Millennials are taking the world by storm. They have their own distinct, atypical way of thinking, doing, being and living. And it rarely resembles traditionalism. According to Amanda Slavin, 31, a millennial, CEO and founder of CatalystCreativ, the average age of this generational cohort is 17 to 37. CatalystCreativ is a full service, experience studio geared toward millennials.
These five cities are appealing for millennials to work, play and stay. They have an amazing job market, offer great affordability, boast low unemployment rate, are on the cutting edge of technology and other booming sectors, are entrepreneur-friendly and are recognized globally in the areas of cuisine and the arts. But additionally, what do millennials actually like? We asked Amanda to give some unique insight into “What Millennials Want”. Before sharing the Top Five Cool Cities for Millennial to Live, check out her perceptive responses.
What type of dining do millennials prefer?
Millennials love to spend money on going out to dinner as well as ordering in food. With the accessibility of apps like yelp, uber eats, seamless, grub hub, Postmates, infatuation among food blogs, and resources that tell millennials where and when to eat every given moment, they are choosing going out to eat over cooking.
Do millennials have an interest in arts and culture? If so, what type?
Millennials definitely have an interest in arts and culture – especially if it is “instagram-worthy”. A great example is when refinery 29 activated a museum-like experience called “29 rooms” in Brooklyn, in which thousands of people lined up to participate in the experience.
What are three things that would prompt millennials to move to a new city?
- A local coffee shop with great coffee, wifi and a friendly, open environment.
- Co-working spaces that allow for millennials to collaborate and work in an environment that is conducive to meetings.
- A plethora of restaurants and shops led by locals, (not chains).
Moreover, according to HotelTonight, a mobile travel app, millennials prefer luxury hotels at a discount, allowing them to post to social media, rather getting much cheaper accommodations just to save money. As such, as an added bonus, the editors have visited several of the most beautiful, picturesque, luxury hotels in these respective cities to offer suggestions for you to conduct reconnaissance (recon) and research, stay while on job interviews or hangout at their trendy bars, cafes and restaurants.
Atlanta, Georgia
Live the Charming Landscape of This Jewel of The South
If you are looking for great job opportunities in an internationally diverse city, head down to the ATL. It’s not called “Hotlanta” for nothing. Ranked by Wallethub as the #3 city for job opportunities, the metropolis boasts 16 Fortune 500 companies. Ready to get into biz for yourself? Having over 1,000 Atlanta-based startups, Inc. listed the city as #3 of emerging startup hubs to watch. For all the ladies and millennials seeking locales of diversity, Atlanta is the #1 fastest growing city for women entrepreneurs and #3 for minority entrepreneurs. The unemployment rate is 4.9 while simultaneously having a low cost of living that rivals many cities its size. If your interest lies in tech, leisure, hospitality and the film and digital field, you have selected the right place. These fields have had the highest increases and Atlanta is rated #1 in film production in the world. There are 70 music venues, 35 year-round music festivals and Atlanta chefs have earned 56 James Beard Award nominations in the last five years. The globally renowned cuisine includes exceptional restaurants such as Davio’s, Sweet Potato Café, Proof + Provision, City Winery, Arizona’s Steakhouse, The Cowfish, Chequers Seafood Grill and SAVOR bar & kitchen. CityPASS gives you entrée into attractions such as The Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Zoo Atlanta, Museum of Civil Rights and Human Rights, World of Coca Cola, CNN Studio Tours and The Georgia Aquarium – the #1 aquarium in the US and #2 in the world.
Instagram Worthy Luxury “Recon & Research” Hotels: The iconic, elegant Westin Peachtree Plaza presents a heavenly stay for sure with its stately guestrooms, year round fitness studio and Tangent at Westin Workspace. It boasts the amazing, revolving Sun Dial restaurant with panoramic views of the city from the 73rd floor. AC Hotel Atlanta Downtown, European-inspired, offers exquisite, contemporary rooms, a zen garden, media salon and other distinctive amenities. The five-star, extraordinary Four Seasons Atlanta hotel, has ultra-spacious rooms, award-winning cuisine, a relaxing spa and communal lounge at Bar Margot.
For more info: www.atlanta.net and www.chooseatl.com.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Become Woven into the Tapestry of “Doing Life Differently”
As of May 2017, the unemployment rate of Washtenaw County where Ann Arbor resides is an amazing 2.8%. The city of Ann Arbor, an exurb of Detroit, boasts strong manufacturing, education, life science and high tech industries. The University of Michigan, the leading employer in the city, is internationally recognized for its research programs and priceless art collected from around the globe that has spanned centuries. Other top employers include Trinity Health and General Motors. Ann Arbor welcomes the entrepreneurial spirit. Join Ann Arbor SPARK and its community partners to gain knowledge in marketing, business plans, financing and more. Having an internationally-inspired and eclectic cuisine scene, residents dine on fabulous fare from Ayse’s, Vin Bar, Frita Batidas, Gratzi, Teahaus, Zingerman’s Taste Kitchen, Adventura, Jerusalem Garden, Arbor Brewing Company, Ollie Food + Spirits, Pacific Rim and Mani Osteria and Bar. The nighttime is the right time to be in Ann Arbor, meet your besties at hotspots and microbreweries such as HOMES Brewery, Chelsea Alehouse, Necto, Sidetrack, LIVE/aut/BAR, the Wurst Bar and Salt Springs Brewery. Pleasurable attractions include the Gerald Ford Library, various downtown galleries, Comedy Jamm and the especially delightful MUSE Atelier Vintage Boutique and Fantasy Boudoir Shop. Diversity is paramount in Ann Arbor, take part in events celebrating all cultures such as Downtown African American Festival, YA’SSOO Greek Festival, African American Underground Tours and Juneteenth Celebration.
Instagram Worthy Luxury “Recon & Research” Hotels: Reserve a suite at one of the premier boutique hotels. The Kensington Hotel is smartly decorated with an urban traditional design. The Graduate Hotel, in the heart of the town’s best restaurants, shops and near the campus, brings back nostalgic memories of your campus days.
For more info: www.visitannarbor.org and www.a2ychamber.org.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Discover the Cosmopolitan Life in a Modern-day Metropolis
Ranked #1 in the Tech Momentum Market by CBRE and #2 for growth in small businesses by Wallethub.com, Charlotte is one of the most popular cities for millennials to live. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. Fortune 500 companies include Bank of America, Lowe’s Duke Energy, Nucor, Sonic Automotive, Sealed Air and Domtar. Its arts, culture and cuisine are remarkable. One of the culinary capitals of the southeast, the locals dine at outstanding locales like Amelie’s French Bakery, 7th Street Public Market, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, The Gallery, eeZ Fusion Sushi, The Asbury, Rush Espresso Café & Wine Bar and Bonterra Dining and Wine Room. Have after work craft cocktails and beer with your friends and colleagues at The Punch Room at the Ritz Carlton, The Asbury at The Dunhill and The Gallery Bar at The Ballantyne. For its amazing arts and culture, visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center for Arts and Culture, The Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Learn how to play golf with two of the world’s greatest golf pros at the Dana Rader Golf School.
Instagram Worthy “Recon & Research” Luxury Hotels: Stay uptown at the lovely, historic Dunhill Hotel. This chic hotel combines European luxury with American comfort. Within walking distance of some of the city’s trendiest eateries and night spots, you are sure to enjoy whether visiting or living in the city. Elegant and breathtaking, The Ballantyne Hotel, sitting upon lush green, sprawling acres of land is a magnificent retreat just outside of the city. Impress your clients and colleagues by arranging rounds of golf and tennis sets onsite. Reserve a charming cottage, lodge or guestroom. Dine, thrive and live in this upscale Ballantyne community too.
For more info: www.charlottechamber.com and www.charlottesgotalot.
Madison, Wisconsin
Finding Hearth and Home in the Heartland
In recent years, Madison has become a magnet for millennials. Epic Systems, merging information technology and healthcare jobs is a large part of it. Numerous hospitals contribute greatly as well. Tech companies include Google, Microsoft, Broadjam and many others help Madison enjoy 3.4% unemployment rate which is far below the national rate of 5.2%. The median two-bedroom rent is $1,017 monthly and mortgage plus interest is $1,282. Having the largest farmers market in the United States, much of the food is farm-to-table. Breweries and specialty cuisine are a big hit in Madison. Local favorites are Fresco, A Pig in A Fur Coat, Sardine, Naples 15, Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, Tornado Steakhouse, The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co, Red, La Taquara, Marigold Kitchen and Graze. Night spots to hang out with your friends include The Old Fashioned and The Frequency. Rich in culture the city’s museums include Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Overture Center for the Arts. Music fests include Waterfront Festival, Isthmus Jaz Festival and WORT Block Party.
Instagram Worthy Luxury “Recon & Research” Hotels: The historic Edgewater Hotel has Mendota lake views, a full service spa, ice skating rink in the winter and public pier and boating in the summer. The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club features exclusive lounges, well-appointed guest rooms and premier amenities.
For more info: www.visitmadison.com and www.greatermadisonchamber.com.
San Antonio, Texas
This Friendly, Forward Thinking Town of Opportunities Awaits You
The quite friendly city of San Antonio is on track to double its population by 2040. Recognizing the explosive growth potential, many companies are investing heavily in the great city. In May 2017, it experienced a 2.5% increase in employment. Its unemployment rate is now at 3.6%. Home to five Fortune 500 companies such as USAA, Valero Energy, Rackspace, Teroso, Frost bank and other major companies like Toyota, Hulu, Boeing, Accenture and Caterpillar, millennials are sure to have great opportunities here. Freelancers and startups are certainly welcome. Coworking spaces such as Geekdom, a creative blend of entrepreneurs, technologists, developers, creators and visionaries are integral part of the city’s fabric and landscape. San Antonio’s ranking of #6 in high wage jobs in the nation and 12.5 percentage points below national average for the cost of living creates an irresistible dynamic and welcoming home to millennials. Bioscience, healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, new energy and other prominent sectors, including the military, offer jobs and careers galore. Live the marvelous life in downtown San Antonio by getting a low cost, classy apartment in the Maverick building. International cuisine is of San Antonio is quite alluring and appealing. Dining and sensational restaurants like La Panaderia, Jazz, TX, The Boiler House, La Gloria and Fruteria y Botanero by celebrity Chef Johnny Hernandez is simply divine. Delight in an upscale dinner at Dorrego’s at Hotel Valencia and Supper restaurant at Hotel Emma. A great place to live, eat, play and stay, the historic Pearl mixed use complex, formerly a historic brewery, featuring restaurants and shops is simply marvelous. Museums and attractions include the famous Alamo, The Witte Museum, San Antonio River Walk, Market Square, San Antonio Museum of Art and San Antonio Botanical Gardens.
Instagram Worthy Luxury “Recon & Research” Hotels: The magnificent Hotel Valencia, Spanish Colonial and modern Mediterranean-designed, features in-room spa services, complimentary continental breakfast, signature Sevilla No. 03 scent throughout the sophisticated rooms and chic collective areas and unparalleled amenities. Greet your friends for lunch at Replenish and have a facial or massage at Lantana Spa in the striking JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa.
For more info: www.visitsanantonio.com and www.sachamber.org.
A varied version of this article was featured in Upscale magazine.