Realtor.com recently released a list of the top 10 cities that are ‘Millennial Magnets.’ Looking at the 60 largest markets in America, the site analyzed millennial page views on listings in each particular area compared to the national average.
Our very own Orlando, Florida was surpassed only by Salt Lake City, Utah at number one, and Miami, Florida coming in at number two.
The city’s number three ranking on the list outranked cities like Los Angeles, CA, Seattle, WA, Albany, NY, and Houston, TX. Here's why Millennials are searching for homes in Orlando!
The Atmosphere
Orlando hosts a certain vibrancy young professionals are drawn to. The atmosphere is an active one, buzzing with events to attend, new local hotspots to try, and friends to meet up with after work - the type of lifestyle sought-after by Millennials.
The area’s artistic culture is complimented by art murals sprawling walls and buildings, numerous art museums, and local art events such as Thornton Park’s Art & Wine Walks or Winter Park’s Art Festivals.
The friendly and unique walkable/bikeable communities in around Downtown Orlando are loved for accessibility - allowing residents to explore their community while living an active lifestyle.
With an emphasis on local dining and shopping, Orlando has created a community supportive of local businesses where residents prefer one-off hotspots to chain venues. Smaller, locally owned bars and restaurants in Orlando’s niche boroughs are generally where you’ll find millennials for happy hour, brunch, or to catch their favorite sporting event. This has significantly contributed to the close-knit community atmosphere of Orlando.
Overall, the area is artistic, welcoming, and active, a huge reason it's such a popular option for Millennials looking for their next home.
The Action
The vibrant atmosphere of Orlando is also driven by the action of endless entertainment and uncountable ‘things to do,’ an important factor for this generation when it comes to their hometown.
First, its Central Florida location offers ease of commuting to job opportunities from popular communities - Realtor.com noted that a ‘supershort’ commute is one must-have for Millennials. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for Orlando locals to take weekend to trips and enjoy popular events in other cities like Tampa or Jacksonville. It’s also under an hour to the beaches - the best of all worlds.
Right at home, being able to bike or walk to the numerous events held throughout the city is another plus - there’s always an event happening somewhere around town, always. Walking and biking trails make it easy to explore the city and encourage a healthy active lifestyle - a popular way of life among millennials in Orlando. From outdoor yoga at Lake Eola, paddleboard rentals on Lake Ivanhoe, or workout-stations found along the Orlando Urban Trail, you’ll often notice locals taking advantage of the recreation opportunities found throughout town.
There are clubs to join such as biking, running, or general athletic clubs, or clubs where you can cheer on your favorite local sports team alongside other fanatics. Between Orlando City Soccer and the Orlando Magic, The Solar Bears, and the Orlando Pride, your sports entertainment needs are met here.
If sports aren’t your thing, you'll find a unique event happening at a local museum, the Science Center, or in a borough community. If you’re up for a show, check out the lineup at the Amway Arena, Dr. Phillips Performing Art Center, House of Blues, HardRock, or any of the smaller venues throughout town. From concerts to Broadway performances, the entertainment scene surely isn’t lacking around here.
Whether it's a weekend road trip or local Sunday brunch, a Farmers Market, sporting event, or your favorite band in town - the list goes on and on. There’s truly always something to do in Orlando, another clear reason it’s such a Millennial hotspot.
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The Opportunity
The job opportunity offered in Orlando and its unemployment rate of just 4.4%, according to Realtor.com, is a huge draw for young professionals.
They also noted that Orlando ‘leads Florida in job creation,’ and that 54,600 jobs were added in Orlando in January alone, a fact they pulled from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
With major corporations such as Disney, Lockeed Martin, Verizon, and many more calling Orlando home, young professionals have unique opportunities for career growth here.
The Homes
The historic, charming, character of homes found throughout Orlando are another drawing factor. Brick streets lined with mature oaks and craftsman-style burrows situated within walking distance to dining and entertainment is the type of housing millennials seek - Downtown Orlando offers them just that.
Orlando's average median home value is just under $215,000*, a good average price point for Millinnians looking to purchase their first home.
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But Orlando is a rather big place and there are a number of neighborhoods and communities within the city to choose from. Where should Millennials moving to the city narrow their focus? Our professional Real Estate experts weigh in:
Which Orlando Community is best for Millennials?
According to our local specialists, these sought-after communities are the ones that should be on a Millennial's radar when moving to The City Beautiful:
Mills50
Located just about 10 minutes North East from the heart of Downtown Orlando is the Mills50 District, one of the most popular places to find homes for sale in Orlando and a swiftly growing community.
With the Orlando Urban Trail running right through the community, this walkable area is brimming with everything a Millennial could ask for!
SoDo (South Downtown)
Just South of Downtown Orlando is another popular area offering desirable homes and easy access to hotspots:
Learn about each of Downtown Orlando's distinct boroughs
Downtown
Those looking to be right in the middle of the action should consider a home in Downtown Orlando. Explore living in Downtown Orlando in this spotlight video!
Downtown boroughs such as Lake Eola Heights or Thronton Park put its residents within walking distance to everything that makes Orlando a Millennial hotspot!
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Browse all Homes for Sale in Downtown Orlando here!
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Welcome to The City Beautiful with these two homes for sale in Orlando, Florida with amenity-filled communities & perfect locations! See Homes
*Based on information provided from NARRPR as of April 10, 2017
