However, our latest survey suggests the script is changing. We surveyed 3,052 18- to 35-year-olds. The study’s biggest observation? Over half (51%) said they are prepared to either stay in their hometown or move back to further their career.
On the flip side, 49% do not intend to do so, so this can hardly be considered a mass homecoming. However, when we dug into the data, it is the small details that signal a shift in which cities will be driving future growth across the country.
What We Did
We polled 3,052 Americans (who currently live or originally come from cities of fewer than 500,000 residents) and asked them a simple question about where they want to build and develop their careers.
Based on the survey data, we were able to create a ranking of 150 towns and small cities, based entirely on how committed young adults are to staying there or moving back.
We also quizzed them with additional questions: for example, asking what they would like to do for the place once they are established, and how much pay they would give up to work there.
Top 10 Hometowns Where Young Adults Want to Work
1. Pensacola, Florida
2. Panama City, Florida
3. Amarillo, Texas
4. Ocala, Florida
5. San Angelo, Texas
6. Carson City, Nevada
7. Tyler, Texas
8. Roanoke, Virginia
9. Erie, Pennsylvania
10. Jackson, Tennessee
Key Findings
Where The Pull Of Home Is Strongest
Young adults who either live in or were raised in Florida and Texas are the keenest to build their careers there. In fact, the data shows that 6 of the first 7 cities are in those two states: Pensacola, Panama City, and Ocala in Florida, and Amarillo, San Angelo, and Tyler in Texas. Moreover, they are the only states with all three of their towns in the top ten.
No-Income-Tax-States Dominate The Rankings
Eight of the top ten cities are in states with no income tax on wages. Florida, Texas, Nevada, and Tennessee fill every place from first to seventh, plus tenth.
This correlates with the feedback we received from respondents later in the survey. They stated that a lower cost of living was the second most common reason for wanting to work at home. It strongly suggests that, while not a primary driver of whether to develop your career in your hometown, low taxes seem to be a strong supporting factor.
Cities With Employers That Have Deep Roots There Are Among The Most Popular For Young People
For example, we found that four of the top five cities are built around a military base or a defense plant. We also found that state capitals do well for a similar reason.
Eight capitals appear in the ranking, and seven of them finish in the top 44: Carson City, Charleston, Helena, Augusta, Concord, Dover and Bismarck. Juneau, in 95th, is the exception. Government offices, hospitals, and colleges don’t leave an area, but they provide ongoing employment, which is a big factor for people who value job security.
Young People From The Midwest Are The Least Keen To Stay Put Or Move Back
Just one Midwestern town makes the top 25, and that is Rapid City, in 25th place.
Young People Primarily Want Their Towns To Benefit Economically
When asked what they would like to do for their hometown, 62% cited economic reasons: shopping with local businesses (22%), working for a local employer (16%), creating jobs (13%), or starting or expanding a business (11%).
Giving time was much less popular. Mentoring and volunteering drew 9% each, public service work 6%, and only 3% would run for office or sit on a community board.
Young People Want To Help, But Don’t Want To Feel Obliged To Do So
79% said it matters that their career benefits the place they grew up, but only 22% strongly agree that successful people owe something to their hometown.
Final Thoughts
The standard narrative for years has been of young people leaving small towns and cities in search of better opportunities. However, our study suggests a significant shift, with over half of young people wanting to build their careers where they grew up, and 79% say it matters that their work benefits the place.
The reasons are varied, but not all are driven by money. Many are personal, including wanting to give back. However, practicality does play a big role when towns with established employers, such as a hospital system, a military base, a state government, or a big manufacturer, are close by and rank highly.
Methodology
A survey of 3,052 Americans aged 18 to 35 was conducted in October 2026. Respondents were asked whether they are committed to staying in, or returning to, their hometown to build their career, what attracts them to working there, what they would like to do for their hometown in the future, and the largest pay cut they would accept to work there, assuming the same role, hours, and living costs. The ranking covers 150 towns and small cities, three in each state. The average pay cut is calculated among respondents who said they would accept one. Regional comparisons use U.S. Census Bureau regions.
