Top Cities for Millennials (2025 Update) — Why Salt Lake City Keeps Climbing
Written By: Connor Anderson
Millennials continue to chase career opportunity, livability, and value. In 2025, Salt Lake City keeps climbing national lists—thanks to a resilient job market, easy mountain access, and a strong pipeline of new housing. And right within the metro, Daybreak fits how Millennials live: bikeable streets, TRAX access, lakes and trails, and a wide mix of attainable new homes.
Jump to:
- What “millennial‑friendly” means in 2025
- Where Salt Lake City ranks now
- What it costs in 2025
- Why Millennials choose Daybreak
- Tour homes & models
- FAQ
What “millennial‑friendly” means in 2025
Rankings weigh different factors; however, the themes are consistent. To compare cities fairly, look for:
- Career momentum: job growth, diverse industries, and short time‑to‑hire.
- Relative affordability: entry‑level home prices or competitive rents.
- Vibrant everyday life: parks, trails, arts, food, and events you can reach without a car.
Community: neighborhoods that make it easy to meet people and get involved.
Transit & mobility: light rail or commuter options plus safe biking and walking.
New‑home supply: options that fit roommates, new families, and remote‑work setups.
Where Salt Lake City ranks now (2025)
Top‑10 “Hottest Housing Markets 2025” Top‑5 “Best‑Performing Cities 2024” Youngest state in the U.S.
- Hottest housing markets 2025: Zillow ranks Salt Lake City #10 among the nation’s 50 largest metros—citing fast time‑to‑pending and forecast price gains.
- Best‑Performing Cities: The Milken Institute places Salt Lake City #4 among large U.S. metros for overall economic performance (jobs, wages, high‑tech activity).
- Utah’s demographic edge: The U.S. Census Bureau confirms Utah remains the nation’s youngest state (median age ~32), which helps fuel a deep bench of early‑career talent.
What it costs in 2025
| Metric | Salt Lake City (metro) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Typical home value | ~$558K (city); prices projected to rise modestly | Signals competitiveness; plan financing early. |
| Time to pending | ~19–20 days | Homes move quickly; tour and pre‑approve before you fall in love. |
| Young homeowners | Share of owners under 35 beats U.S. average | Shows real entry paths for Millennials. |
Bottom line: Affordability remains tight nationwide; nevertheless, Salt Lake City continues to offer a rare combo of strong careers, outdoor access, and attainable new‑home choices compared with coastal hubs.
Why Millennials choose Daybreak (inside the SLC metro)
1) Commute your way
Ride the TRAX Red Line from Daybreak Parkway, connect to the university or downtown, or bike the neighborhood’s trail network.
Bikeable NeighborhoodParks & Trails
2) Outdoor lifestyle, daily
Launch a kayak on Oquirrh Lake, explore the outdoor lifestyle, or head for the canyons after work.
3) New‑home variety
From townhomes to single‑family and Upper Villages neighborhoods near the Watercourse, you’ll find fresh plans for roommates, home offices, and pets.
4) Built‑in community
Join clubs, concerts, and classes via LiveDAYBREAK. Meet neighbors at SoDa Row or around the parks.
Tour homes & models
Ready to compare neighborhoods? Use the mobile guide, then tour in person or virtually.
Start at TourDaybreak.comSee Model HomesSee Move‑In Ready Homes
FAQ
Is Utah still the youngest state?
Yes. New Census releases show Utah remains America’s youngest state in 2025 (median age in the low‑30s), which supports a deep pool of early‑career talent and a lively social scene.
What about affordability?
Mortgage rates and prices keep pressure on first‑time buyers nationally. Even so, SLC’s continued job growth and new‑construction pipeline create more entry points than many coastal metros. Touring a range of neighborhoods—and considering new homes with builder incentives—can help.
