Crisis for "Youth Magnet" Cities

This generation’s worst recession is overturning lives and disrupting migration patterns across the country. However, these cities – Portland, Seattle, and Austin – have a reputation as cool places to live. They have natural beauty, universities, and a good blend of climate.

For instance, between 1995 and 2000, Portland attracted single people ages 25-39 years old higher than other cities (according to Census Bureau). And between 2005 and 2007, the trend continued.

One example is Matt Singer. He moved from California to Portland in October 2008. Although he had no prospect for a job, he was very attracted to the offbeat culture of the city and he hungered for change. His plan was to get a writing or editing gig at a weekly newspaper – the same as what he was doing back home.

But today, seven months later, this 26-year old migrant still doesn’t have a steady job. He says “I’m not really aware of the negative gravity of the job situation at the time.” As a result, he already spent thousands in his savings account and now earns only $12 per hour scanning loan documents. “Career wise, this is not what I want to do, my task is so numbing that I just listen to my iPod all day,” he added.

Other new arrivals are burning their savings while some are already returning home. But even if the jobs are drying up, people are still coming to these cities.