This week’s Wall Street Journal had an article on cities it described as “youth magnets.” Des Moines was one of the cities listed. According to the graph that they published, only 19 cities in the US have had more net migration of educated adults over the age of 25 (between 05-07).

“The worst recession in a generation is disrupting migration patterns and overturning lives across the country. Yet, cities like Portland, along with Austin, Texas, Seattle and others, continue to be draws for the young, educated workers that communities and employers covet. What these cities share is a hard-to-quantify blend of climate, natural beauty, universities and — more than anything else — a reputation as a cool place to live. For now, an excess of young workers is adding to the ranks of the unemployed. But holding on to these people through the downturn will help cities turn around once the economy recovers.”

The author of the Census report on these “youth magnet” cities, Rachel Franklin, says a critical mass of young professionals means a city has a “sustained attractiveness” for other young people looking for a place to settle down.

You can read the full text of the article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/ SB124242099361525009.html

Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: Recognition