Will Millennials Remake Suburbs in Their Image?

The "hipsterification" of cities is a well-known phenomenon. But as the millennial generation ages and settles down, will they import that same cultural ethos to locations more suburban?

1 minute read

December 2, 2015, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Not in my back yard

Corepics VOF / Shutterstock

Jordan Fraade writes of the possibility that millennials might some day transform the suburbs into hipster meccas like they have already done in some cities. Fraade's case study: Hastings, New York.

"The suburb is a haven for priced-out Brooklynites and their children. Indie filmmakers and acupuncturists, farm-to-table restaurants and yoga studios and craft cocktails — all of those obnoxious hipster trappings that we’d secretly love to have down the street — they’re all there. The New York Times even dubbed the town 'Hipsturbia.'"

The problem, according to Fraade, is that so many suburbs were built after the car became king. So, if Millennials decide to move to suburbs en masse, it's not likely that they'll find such idyllic destinations as Hastings. In drawing out a portrait of the millennial generation's preferences on lifestyle, and its ability to afford those preferences, Fraade also provides a thorough survey of recent articles and thinking on the issue—from multiple sides of an often political issue.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today