Young Professionals Are Opting To Live In Charm City
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Young professionals are moving to Baltimore at a rapid speed.
Tracey Leong has the details on why they're choosing to live here.
These millennials are picking Baltimore to live, work and play---welcoming news for the city's economy and future.
Young college graduates are flocking to Baltimore for many reasons.
"The affordability of the region, the growing technology industry and just the all-around character of the city and the neighborhoods and the opportunities that exist here," said Steven Gondol, who lives in Baltimore.
Gondol is the Live Baltimore executive director. His organization provides resources to prospective residents and says most millennials are choosing to live near the Inner Harbor.
A study from our media partner, the Baltimore Sun, shows a huge spike in growth. College educated people ages 25-34 have increased 92%, increasing from 13,000 to 25,000 in recent years.
"I just love the area, the Harbor, the water, the good people, the bars," said Sarah McLaughlin, who lives in Canton.
McLaughlin enjoys not having to use her car as much because everything is in walking distance.
"Hang out with the dogs," she said. "I have a great neighborhood."
And when these young professionals get out of work, they aren't just heading home---they go out into their neighborhoods and spend money.
"I support local businesses. We work here, so a lot of work happy hours and functions are in this area," and Andrea Grzybowsky. "I love the nightlife, I love the festivals and the farmers' market on the weekend and that I can walk everywhere."
These young professionals spur vibrancy and boost the city's economy.
"I consider myself a bit of a glutton," said Peter Hennings, who lives in Fells Point. "Having everything at your fingertips...I think this city is the best for that."
Now that they've arrived, Live Baltimore says the next step is getting them to stay and raise their families.
Baltimore's boost ranks fourth highest out of 51 in the study.