California | March 8, 2017

Why are Millennials Buying in Suburbs?

New research reveals that a majority of millennials are interested in buying a home in the suburbs. In fact, the studies show they are already making the move, largely basing the decision on affordability.

The reports by by Zillow and Harvard University show millennials are breaking from stereotypes of primarily preferring to rent in urban living environments that offer experience over equity. Zillow found that the group makes up roughly 10% of the nation’s homeowners, with nearly half owning in the suburbs, 33% in urban environments and 20% in rural areas.

Harvard’s study found millennial homeownership rates were 5% higher in metro areas, where median home prices were 20% below the national median. The metrics demonstrate that, if millennials can afford to become homeowners, they will.

Inside The Story

About Dennis Kaiser

Dennis Kaiser is Vice President of Content and Public Relations for Connect Commercial Real Estate. Dennis is a communications leader with more than 30 years of experience including as a journalist and in corporate and agency marketing communications roles. He is responsible for Connect’s client content operations and is involved in a range of initiatives ranging from content strategy, message development, copywriting, media relations, social media and content marketing services. In his most recent corporate communications roles, he led a regional public relations effort across Southern California for CBRE, played a key marketing role on JLL’s national retail team, and was responsible for directing the global public relations effort at ValleyCrest, the nation’s largest commercial landscape services company. In addition to his vast commercial real estate experience, Dennis has worked on communications and launch strategies for a number of residential projects such as Disney’s Celebration in Florida, Ritter Ranch in Palmdale California (7,200 homes, 22,000 acres), WaterColor in Florida and PremierGarage in Phoenix. Dennis’s agency background included firms such as Idea Hall and Macy + Associates. He has earned an outstanding reputation with organization leaders as a trusted advisor, strategic program implementer, consensus builder and exceptional collaborator. Dennis has developed and managed national communications programs for Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, both public and private. He’s successfully worked with journalists across the globe representing clients involved in major-breaking news stories, product launches, media tours, and company news announcements. Dennis has been involved in a host of charitable and community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, BoyScouts, Chrysalis Foundation, Freedom For Life, HOLA, L.A.’s BEST, Reach Out and Read, Super Bowl Host Committee, and Thunderbirds Charities.

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