February 27, 2018
Tamera Twitty
Since 2010, Colorado has reigned in the top 10 the fastest growing states in the country. The state has held the second fastest population growth for five consecutive years.
Colorado now holds the sixth spot, but the population has continued to steadily increase. According to the Denver Post, the vast majority of this growth in Colorado newcomers are millennials.
America’s largest generation seems to be flocking to the Colorado Springs area in search of the Colorado lifestyle. According to a 2014 study on how millennials define happiness, they “associate it with good health, a strong social network, and a well-balanced life.”
Colorado Springs has become an ideal settling place for millennials, according to some students.
“Initially, I moved to Colorado because it’s so beautiful. You can walk in any direction into
something gorgeous,” said Jessica Williams, a sophomore communication major.
Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Williams said that she had been planning her move to Colorado Springs in part because of the diverse activities available.
“I was really excited to be a part of a community with so many layers,” she said.
Research shows that 38 percent of people who regularly participate in outdoor activities are of the millennial generation. Additionally, Colorado’s growing economy and employment opportunities has made it an attractive option for young people who want to be successful.
The state has also experienced lower rent prices compared to other states. Coupled will affordable living, Colorado Springs has shown a 14 percent increase in millennial residents, according to a study from Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program.
Senior communication major Marcy Lopez says that the economic benefits of living in
Colorado Springs outweigh those in her home state of California.
“Here, I am able to do things I wouldn’t if I was still there. The cost of living is so high in California that a lot of people my age can’t afford a to move out of their parents’ house,” said Lopez.
However, although the millennial generation have carried around a fairly negative connotation, studies have suggested that millennial population growth will benefit the city long term.
Since the millennial generation has long surpassed the size of the baby boomers, their impact is
certain. Statistics have shown that thousands of both Colorado-born millennials and millennial transplants have chosen to reside in Colorado Springs.
Its culture and economic gains have shown to match closely with the common ideals within the group, and the city has proven attractive home for many of them.