The Regret of American Millennials: Moving to New Cities

Many Americans, especially millennials, who made big moves during the pandemic to escape high rents and find more affordable housing in suburbs and rural areas are now experiencing regret. The pursuit of the American dream of owning a single-family home with a large yard has led to compromises and challenges, including feeling isolated from social and professional networks, struggling to assimilate into new communities, and missing the amenities and conveniences of city life. The desire for affordable housing and personal space clashes with the reality of limited options and the impact of restrictive zoning laws. The pandemic has highlighted the need for a reevaluation of housing policies and a balance between individual desires and collective needs.