DENVER — More and more millennials are trading in the bright lights of the city for the comforts of the suburbs, according to new statistics from the Urban Land Institute.
When it comes to trend-setting, Spencer Crawford is uniquely in-tune with what's in vogue.
“That sounds better,” Crawford said as he tuned his banjo.
He's a 32-year-old hipster musician who plays nearly every instrument; and a Miami Dolphins fan who grew up in the Midwest.
"16 years since they won a playoff game,” Crawford says with a grin.
It comes as no surprise to him that he and his wife, Katelyn, are on the leading edge of a new trend: millennials ditching the city life for the 'burbs.
"You get a lot of bang for your buck out here," he said from the living room of his newly purchased home in Aurora. “We have 3,000 square feet of living space.”
According to new numbers out just this summer, from 2015 to 2017 - the number of millennials buying in the 'burbs has increased by about 8-percent.
"The oldest millennial is 35-years-old,” said RE/MAX realtor Kerron Stokes. “So, family formation is going to inform where they're moving."
Stokes says the shift is having a big impact on the market. In particular - millennials and baby boomers swapping lifestyles.
"You're almost seeing a reverse generationally,” Stokes said. “You're seeing millennials that are buying homes from baby boomers that are downsizing and moving back into the city for the amenities and conveniences."
Stokes said builders are also focusing on the shifting populations, building more density in the city with amenities for retirees who are moving back.
The Crawford’s went from a tight apartment closer to the city to having a yard and a garage.
“Both cars inside,” Crawford said. “I used to have to take my instruments and all my gear in every single night. And Katelyn’s car got broken into twice at our old apartment. The last time while we were moving out."
Now, the Crawford’s are effortlessly setting a new trend for their generation: life with room to grow.
"The dogs have a yard,” Spencer said. “I don't have to take the dogs out."
“I can see myself bringing our first-born child home there,” Katelyn said. “I can see myself trick-or-treating in this neighborhood."
“And I can get as loud as I want," Spencer said.