A recent survey of Gen Z renters conducted by the National Apartment Association in partnership with Statisfacts/Apartment Ratings late last year shows a sharp contrast in preferences compared to other cohorts.   

Compared to pre-pandemic millennials who embraced both migration and dense urban cores, more than half of Gen Zers surveyed said they'll stay put after graduating from college, with 44% saying they prefer a vibrant suburb over city life. And 43% say they want to rent single-family detached properties after graduating.

The Mid-Atlantic and Pacific regions are the top for retention and migration combined among those surveyed. And interestingly, 24% of respondents plan to work in health care after graduating from college, with markets in Arizona, Colorado, Alaska, and Idaho standing out as the most in-demand markets for health care workers.