Why young people are leaving Hampton Roads, according to a new study

For years, Hampton Roads leaders have warned of a regional brain drain: Too many young people are moving away, depriving the region of a talented workforce.

Now, a new study has revealed some of the reasons why. Young people who responded say the cost of living, lack of career opportunities and housing availability are the key factors influencing a decision to leave the area.

“This is regional,” said Nancy Grden, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, who helped commission the study. “People are taking it seriously and there are efforts underway to address it.”

The findings are based on a December online survey of 511 Hampton Roads residents that was commissioned by the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. Of those surveyed, three out of four are planning on staying in Hampton Roads during the next five years. The rest are either unsure or plan to move away.

The study also revealed the characteristics of Hampton Roads residents who are considering leaving the area. They are usually age 35 and younger, working remotely, have moved to the area as adults, are childless and not connected to the military.

Young people have been leaving the region for years, according to previous studies. A 2023 Old Dominion University report found the number of residents ages 20-34 declined around a half of a percent from 394,728 in 2020 to 391,168 in 2022. Overall, the region’s share of the Virginia population declined from 23.6% in 1990 to 20.2% in 2022.

Grden said the new study was commissioned to learn why these young people were leaving the region.

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Economic conditions are driving much of the concerns prompting residents to consider moving, according to the study. Across the United States, the price of all goods in June increased 3% compared to 12 months ago, not seasonally adjusted, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Population growth in Hampton Roads has in recent years lagged behind growth in other populous Virginia regions like Richmond and Northern Virginia. And some Hampton Roads cities have seen a decline in population since the pandemic.

Among those considering leaving the area, 39% are thinking of moving somewhere else in the United States and 20% are thinking of moving somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic, according to the study. Only 13% said they are thinking of staying in Virginia, and another 15% said they are considering another city in Hampton Roads.

Housing availability and affordability also remains a significant issue, according to the study. The median selling price of a home in Hampton Roads increased 4.35% over the past 12 months , from $345,000 in June 2023 to $360,000, according to the Real Estate Information Network multiple listing service. Average monthly asking rent costs in Hampton Roads increased nearly 27%, to $1,474 in 2023 from $1,162 five years ago, according to a March ODU report .

Security and safety also registered as a top issue for study respondents. Respondents who were likely to leave the area or unsure about staying were more likely to say they felt unsafe living in the region, according to the study.

The groups presented the study to the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission on Thursday. After the presentation, attendees discussed other reasons young people might be leaving the region. Those included a 2022 Norfolk crackdown on nightclubs after downtown shootings, lack of public transportation and the absence of a major sports team.

Grden said an Executive Roundtable group is also looking into how to address some of the key study findings.

Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com