Gen Zers are flocking to these Midwest housing markets where homes are about 30% cheaper than the coasts

Younger generations are looking to the Midwest for homeownership because of the region’s significantly lower housing costs compared to major coastal cities. Many Midwest metros have median home prices well below the national average, while also offering a lower cost of living. As a result, some Midwest cities have higher rates of young homeowners.

Younger generations are typically associated with wanting to live a big-city lifestyle, but the high cost of housing on the coasts is driving Gen Z to consider other options. 

The Midwest is becoming a more attractive place to plant roots, considering housing costs there can be at least 30% cheaper than living in major coastal metros like New York City or Los Angeles. 

In fact, seven out of the 10 most accessible metros for young homeowners are in the Midwest, according to a ConsumerAffairs’ analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) data published in July 2025. 

The Midwest cities with the highest rates of homeownership under age 35 include: 

Omaha, Nebraska (18.2%)

Grand Rapids, Michigan (21.1%)

Des Moines, Iowa (19.8%)

Wichita, Kansas (18.4%)

Cincinnati, Ohio (17%)

Minneapolis, Minnesota (16.5%)

Minneapolis is also considered as one of the most affordable places to live, according to Zillow, along with other Midwest cities........

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