Young Families Leaving Large Cities For Smaller Towns

A recent study of US population trends shows that young families are leaving major urban areas in search of a quieter, slower way of life.  

Starting in 2020 with the shutdowns related to the pandemic, families with children chose to leave crowded cities and relocate to suburban and rural areas.  Populations of young children fell by 10% in large urban counties that make up metro New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago.  

This preference for smaller towns and rural areas has continued over the last four years - Americans, ages 25 to 44, are increasingly choosing to settle in small metro areas instead.  

As young adults and families with small children seek out a slower paced lifestyle and quieter environment to raise their kids, cities like Boise are at the top of their list.  Affordable housing, lower cost of living, access to recreational activities, quality education, and reduced crime rates all contribute to Boise’s attractiveness.  

According to research published recently by the Idaho Business Review, there are many benefits to encouraging young families to call Boise home. This demographic contributes to the economy, the job market, and the overall investment in building and maintaining thriving communities. Families spend on housing, groceries, child care, health care, recreation, and education, often creating demand for family-oriented goods and services such as retail and education. Families with small children often advocate for high-quality public services such as schools, parks, libraries, and recreational amenities - amenities that benefit the entire community. And the presence of this demographic often means a more thriving, connected community - one where neighbors know each other, invest in the safety and cleanliness of the area, and contribute by volunteering and planning local events.     

Especially for a smaller city, growth can be a touchy subject. Some people are pleased to see our city evolve, while others do not like the inevitable growing pains that come with change. Despite this difference of perspective, there is one thing we can all agree on - Boise is a lovable town that provides an extraordinary lifestyle. With safe neighborhoods, highly-ranked schools, friendly neighbors, and access to parks and outdoor recreation, it’s easy to understand why young people and families want to make our city home.