Our city of residence has a profound impact on our professional and personal lives. It affects everything from the ability to find work and access health care, to whether we can own a house and meet a spouse. Expats and people aged 30+ make up the majority of our population today. The availability of flexible working arrangements and digital nomad visas, as well as the accessibility to air travel has allowed young professionals to relocate abroad.
Certain cities offer more opportunity than others, as life for a 30-year-old average has dramatically changed over the past 40 years. We considered factors such as cost of living, accessibility to affordable and quality education, child care and jobs, high salaries and parental leave.
Denver, Colorado
Denver was the number two destination in 2019 for millennials. A quarter of its population falls between the ages of 27-42. Mile High City attracts young people with its craft beer culture, access to outdoor activities and proximity to mountains. It also has an international airport phrazle.
Gretchen Rosenberg of Kentwood Real Estate told Travel + Leisure that young people are being drawn to Colorado by energy and tech jobs. Once they get there, most of them settle down permanently.
The first-time buyer may be put off by the high cost of the Denver market — the median value for a home in 2023 is $560,000 — but there are many affordable alternatives in the suburbs. What’s another reason for you to purchase your first house here? Rosenberg said, “Property tax rates are more affordable than in many cities with similar population.” Denver offers fun, sunshine, and stunning mountain views.
New York City
The 30s is the time to explore all life offers while building a successful career. Matthew Hughes, Manhattan broker at Brown Harris Stevens said that New York City is the best city to achieve this.
New York is unmatched in its diversity and entertainment. MoneyNerd’s survey found that the Big Apple ranks among the five best cities for work-life harmony, with the most job opportunities and the average salary. The city’s real estate is also notoriously expensive. This shouldn’t deter first-time home buyers.
Hughes said, “Whilst it’s expensive, there are plenty of residential areas in Queens Brooklyn and Bronx that offer more affordable rates than Manhattan.” New York City’s residential real estate market has proven to be resilient, and I believe that there are no better places for investment.
Zurich, Switzerland
It is not uncommon for the largest Swiss city to be ranked amongst the best in terms of work-life harmony and standard of living. According to a survey, residents earn an average of $82,191 per year, and are very happy, as well. Zurich has a great health care system and a lot of employment in many industries. It also boasts exemplary infrastructure. It’s also very safe.
If you enjoy spending time outside, then this city is for you. Locals and tourists alike enjoy hiking, biking, climbing mountains, phrazle and skiing. What’s another bonus? The city’s central location makes it easy to reach other European cities.
Austin, Texas
Austin attracts people who are in their 30s. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Austin’s median age is 35,8 years. It was also among the cities in America that had the highest number of millennials. Why? The reason? The city’s housing market is still relatively affordable for those who want to live here.
Millheiser said, “Austin makes a good place for a first-time home buyer because you can find options in every price range within 30 to 40 minutes from the center of town.” Zillow reports that the median value of a home in Austin is $561.613. However, Millheiser says prices are typically around $350,000 in suburbs.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital is a safe place with great public transport, affordable health care and an excellent education system. Danish citizens also self-assess themselves as among the happiest people in the world. This makes sense, given that employees are paid on average 25.9 hour per week, and have 25 holidays a year.
According to Danish law, parents get 52 weeks parental leave. Child care costs are also subsidised, meaning that kindergarten fees do not exceed $590. What do Copenhageners do during their spare time? The city has many museums, parks and restaurants. And even better, Copenhagen is bike-friendly.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, one of North America’s most liveable cities, offers many benefits to people in their 30s. These include great healthcare and education, low rates of unemployment, safety and an entertainment and arts scene that is world class. This is on top of Canada’s generous parental leaves, which are important for anyone looking to have a child. The North Shore Mountains, Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are all backdrops to postcard-worthy views.
Jonathan Cooper, President of Macdonald Real Estate Group shared this information with T+L. Mount Pleasant, Fraser Street and Yaletown are some of the neighborhoods that offer condominiums or townhomes with access to nearby amenities.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is home to a large number of people aged 30 and older. They make up almost one third of Portland’s population.Portland, unlike many other major cities along the West Coast is also a real estate market that favors new buyers. In the past five years, the number of millennial homeowners in Portland has increased by 146 per cent.
Portland is pet friendly. It’s bike-friendly. The area is kid-friendly…We can reach the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast in one or two hours. There are many outdoor activities to choose from, including fishing, camping and hiking. We also have wind sports, ski, etc., according to Kathryne Psihogios, of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty.
Aimee Vinig, Windermere Real Estate’s principal broker, said that depending on the budget of the buyer, several Portland neighborhoods are attractive to 30-something buyers. For those with larger budgets we still see a preference for the central core – Irvington and Laurelhurst. Hawthorne is also a popular choice. Many first-time home buyers do not have an unlimited budget. We prioritize what is most important – size and yard of the home, distance to schools and work – and find great fit in areas like Cully, Roseway, Parkrose, and Argay terrace in outer Northeast Portland. These neighborhoods offer bungalows, craftsman style homes and older bungalows.
Stockholm
Stockholm is consistently ranked as having the best quality of living in the world. This is due to the city’s stable economy, its excellent public transport, the many parks and the top health and education system. Stockholm is the home of the Swedish Royal Family and many cultural and historical institutions. It’s a paradise for art and history enthusiasts.
Anders Elbe, of Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty, told T+L that Stockholm is surrounded with natural beauty. There are many parks, forests, and lakes offering hiking, cycling, swimming and other outdoor sports. In the winter there is also ice-skating, skiing and other winter activities.
Elbe said that Stockholm’s real estate remains stable. It’s a great place to invest and build wealth. Elbe said that the median home price in Stockholm is 6.8 million SEK, which is approximately $659,000.
Washington, D.C.
The capital of our nation has transformed into a hub of activity for youths, as entire neighbourhoods have sprung up. People in their 30s are attracted by a stable and strong job market that ensures high-quality of life. D.C. offers fun all year round. In the summer residents flock to beaches in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. In the winter West Virginia and Pennsylvania provide the ideal conditions for snowboarding and skiing.
Andrew Pariser is a great place for a new home, especially if you’re in your 30s. When it comes to future resale values, the real estate market in Washington D.C. is more resistant to fluctuations than other parts of the United States.
Asheville is the most famous destination in Western North Carolina, but that’s not all the area has to offer. Mountain towns, waterfalls and hiking trails are all within easy reach of scenic drives and mountain communities. Madison County is home to Pisgah National Forest and Appalachian Trail. It’s also less than one hour away from Asheville.
Hot Springs North Carolina: Best things to do
Hot Springs is a small town of 500 people located along the French Broad River. This quaint little town is not small when it comes down to tourist attractions and outdoor activities. Hot Springs is known as a healing spa town for mineral water springs that have attracted visitors to the area since late 17th century. It’s also the only geothermal springs in North Carolina. This, plus the Appalachian Trail that runs through the town is enough to make this a great place to visit in the summer and fall.
Two places offer therapeutic water in the region: Broadwing Farm and Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Broadwing Farm offers cabins for overnight stays that include a hot tub outside filled with mineral water. Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers a variety of accommodations, some of which include hot tubs. You can stay at the resort overnight (many of them have their own), or you can reserve jetted hot-tubs along the French Broad River or Spring Creek by the hour. After each use the tubs will be drained, sanitized and cleaned. However you must bring your towels. Hot water is said to relieve fatigue and stress. It also helps with stiffness and joint pain.
