CommercialCafe set out to rank the Best Mid-Size U.S. Cities for Starting Out, analyzing cities with populations between 250,000 and 400,000 residents based on several Generation Z-friendly factors. Among these were internet cost, green commuting, employment for fresh graduates, affordability and places for recreation.
Madison was ranked No. 1 among these mid-sized U.S. cities. Key findings included:
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15.2% of Madison’s residents are Gen Zers aged 20-24, representing the largest share of this cohort among the cities compared;
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With 16.4% of commuters using public transportation, walking or cycling to travel to work, the city ranks second for the green commuting metric;
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Madison ranks third nationally for graduate-suitable jobs, with 31% of roles requiring some college or training but less than four years’ experience;
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It also ranks second nationally for park access, with 10.3 parks per 10,000 residents; and
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Madison came in fourth for the school enrollment metric, with a Gen Z educational enrollment rate of 55%.
