Why Texas is a Popular Market for Millennials

Three millennials pointing at a laptop screen.

Millennials are in a situation where they are not simply buying homes; they are also making the first significant purchase of their lives. This is why it’s common for them to be much more attentive when looking for a home. They want to make sure that they get their money’s worth. Aside from the fact that Texas is very friendly to millennial buyers, there are also many homes on the market here. They have so many choices here, so Texas is a popular market for millennials. 

The steps necessary for someone to buy a home today are a lot different than what they used to be. One of the main reasons for this is the change in buyer demographics. While baby boomers and Gen-X have dominated the real estate buyers market for decades, the past few years have brought a shift with more and more millennials looking to buy.


Who are millennials?

Millennials otherwise referred to as Generation Y, are a group of people born from 1980 to 1995. Their generation followed the Baby Boomers (1945-1964) and Generation X (1961-1979). Millennials currently make up the largest demographic cohort in the United States. Studies describe the main distinguishing traits of millennials as confidence, innovation, education, and social networks.


Three millennial women sitting in a coffee shop laughing.
Millennials are characterized by unpredictable purchasing patterns.










What are millennials looking for in a Texas home?

Texas has, in recent years, become one of the most popular US states for millennials to buy their first homes. Houston, Dallas, Austin, and McKinney currently lead the Texas real estate market. The main attractions that can explain why Texas is a popular market for millennials are:


Low cost of living,

No state income tax,

Variety in real estate properties,

Variety in real estate pricing.


As previously stated, millennial buyers tend to have precise wants and needs regarding house hunting. They will search until they find a home that checks all the boxes on their lists. Let’s go through some of the most common things which draw millennials to the Texas real estate market.

A wide range of options for location

The fact that millennials purchasing patterns are so erratic makes variety very important. Since it offers a wide range of options regarding a home’s location, it is understandable why Texas is a popular market for millennials. From rural homes in quiet areas for online freelancers who don’t have a commute to work to apartments in commercial areas for young workers who enjoy relaxing in a bar after a hard day.

Research shows that millennials tend to look for a home that can give them a way of life that differs from what they are used to. For instance, millennials who are moving from rural areas in Mississippi tend to look for urban metropolitan areas in Texas. The main reason many decide on this step is that they focus significantly on location. They are traveling a lot to get to work or amenities, so now they want to live close to those places. Understanding how a home’s location will reflect on their lives is a big part of how they choose a place to live.

Large outdoor spaces

As they have spent the last few years locked up because of the pandemic, most millennials want spacious outdoor areas to chill alone or host gatherings with friends and family. This is something that Texas has a lot of. This demographic also very much appreciate specific amenities such as a back porch or deck, a fire pit and grill, and a garden or glasshouse.


A large backyard.
One of the main reasons Texas is a popular market for millennials is that most suburban homes here offer large outdoor areas like backyards.


















Large cooking areas


Younger generations of homebuyers have been known to value spacious kitchens very strongly. And while some of the older generations were fond of separate dining rooms, today’s young adults would much rather have an open concept to easily traverse between the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

While not all homes in Texas have this floor plan, it is prevalent for millennials to buy the ones that do not for less money and then break down a wall or two. Open floor concepts can mostly be found in newly built homes in metropolitan areas, which millennials love since they are often turnkey.

Welcoming neighborhoods


Since most millennials are first-time home buyers, the friendly, family-oriented suburban neighborhoods that Texas offers have been an attractive option for those who are parting with their family homes for the first time. The familiarity makes the transition much more manageable. People from any age group can agree on the importance of living in a place that makes you feel safe and like you belong.

The many planned communities and housing tracts are significant factors for why Texas is a popular market for millennials. They enjoy living in places close to their workplace and decent schools for their children. The availability of public amenities like gyms, community centers with workstations, and cafes where they can work during the day is also essential for millennial buyers.

Personalization


Low-maintenance homes attract millennials very much. However, they also want homes tailored to their individual style and design preferences. The most common choice for exterior and interior design is a classic charm with modern comforts. They also appreciate multi-purpose design a lot.
Modern facilities

Most millennials don’t have as much of a focus on space as previous generations. What they want in their homes is modern, well-functioning features. These include things like dishwashers, washers, dryers, and space to work out.

A smart home thermostat.
Having a smart thermostat is almost a given in the minds of millennial buyers.


















Many millennials want to communicate with their homes through their phones. If you are selling a home in Texas, experts from spydermoving.com recommend installing at least a few cheap home automation devices, such as smart lighting and heating. This is sure to help you entice millennial buyers.

Final thoughts


We really have millennials to thank for the recent skyrocket in homeownership rates. Millennials have slowly been taking over the housing market and shaking it up by looking for different things than previous generations. When they are ready to spend money on a new home, they are also prepared to ask a lot for it. Texas is a popular market for millennials because it can offer all of that to them.


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