Portland State University released a study back in September exploring YCE's (Young, college educated) moving to Portland. Here is brief introduction to what they learned:
- The Portland region attracts YCE's at some of the highest levels of any metro in the United States. And they keep those YCE's at high rates too.
- The number of YCE's migrating to the Portland metro consistently exceeds expectations given the region's labor market conditions.
- Portland also attracts empty-nester and retirement-age boomers (age 40 and above) at higher levels than its metro peers.
- Between 2008 and 2010, almost 1 in 7 YCE migrants to Portland were immigrants. The region's foreign-born population also has education attainment levels "that rival the region's native-born population."
What is driving young people to Portland? Economic opportunities? Not likely. Quality of life? Definitely! Portland is a big city of small communities. It is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. which is a major factor for young people. it is the #1 bicycling city in the U.S. despite the rain!
The authors conclude, "In the end, our findings suggest that most Portland college-educated migrants appear to place greater relative value on amenity values compared to economic opportunity. Moving to and remaining in Portland despite less-than-stellar economic opportunities is truly ‘voting with your feet’ for the region’s quality of life. What’s more, given Portland’s ability to not only attract, but also retain YCEs, amenities will likely remain important for keeping college‐educated individuals as residents of Portland. In addition to YCE migrants, our results suggest that Portland’s urban and natural amenities are also strong pull factors for empty-nester and retired (age 40 and above) college‐educated migrants."
Do you (#namb_sbc) want to make a difference in the world? Come live as a disciple-maker in Portland OR. Are you a young person OR a person above 40 looking for the same "quality of life" amenities as the YCE's? We have a 20-minute community for you to PLANT your life.
Read more of the study here: Where Young People Go to Retire
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