MBTA Ranks as Most Important Factor for Millennials Who Live and Work in Boston

Boston’s millennial workforce, a large and influential bloc of 20 to 37 year-olds, cites the MBTA as the most important component of where they choose to live, work and play, according to a new survey from ULI Boston/New England and theMassINC Polling Group. The survey will be officially unveiled on Monday November 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the offices of Wilmer Hale, 60 State Street, Boston.

 The survey of 660 young professionals in the Greater Boston-area found that 80% ranked access to public transit as a “very important” consideration for choosing a place to live. 78% said a workplace located near public transit was “very important,” far outranking office amenities like a cafeteria, gym or coffee bar and proximity to restaurants and nightlife options.

 Among the survey’s other findings:

• 66% rent their home;
• Only 14% of respondents live alone; 58% live with a partner/significant other; 25% live with roommates;
• 45% plan on buying a home in the next 5-10 years; 30% of those plan to buy a single family home;
• On average, young professionals are spending 28% of their income on a rent or mortgage payment;
• 73% ranked paid family leave as the most important benefit their company could offer; a flexible work schedule ranked second most important;
• 84% say they have used Uber rideshare service.

 The survey was conceived by the ULI’s Young Leaders Group (YLG), an affinity group for members under the age of 35, who work in real estate, finance and urban planning. These young professionals are actively shaping conversations about how Greater Boston will evolve for their generation and their children’s generation

 “This survey data is incredibly pertinent to the continued development of this city. Understanding the preferences this group of professionals has on transportation, lifestyle, housing, and employment can assist city planners, developers and employers shape our city landscape,” said Taylor Shepard of CBRE|New England who is the co-chair of ULI/Boston’s Young Leaders Group.