Southwest Florida is attracting more Gen Y residents today than ever before. One of the key factors contributing to this growth in younger residents include the annual double-digit enrollment increases of Florida Gulf Coast University. Last year FGCU enrolled over 9,500 students, with an ever-increasing number electing to stay in the area after graduation.

Additionally, the price corrections that we have seen over the past 18 months have opened up home ownership opportunities in the Fort Myers area for this new breed of Gen Y residents.

Where are the Gen-Yers choosing to live in Southwest Florida? Certainly the Fort Myers River District is attracting young professionals. Projects like Alta Mar and Beau Rivage offer waterfront luxury on one side and an urban edge on the other.

Other neighborhoods attracting Gen-Yers include: Gateway; Colonnade at the Forum and Sail Harbour. San Carlos Park is very popular with Gen-Yers and offers really convenient access to FGCU and the Coconut Pointe Mall in Estero. Fort Myers Beach is also a popular spot for Gen-Yers.

Real estate agents court Gen Y [USA Today]

A new class is rising

Now 65 million strong, the Generation Y class of buyers is emerging as a force in the real estate industry. Currently aged between 22 and 27, this group is buying property sooner and bigger than previous generations.

This is the tech savvy generation, most members of this group are comfortable using the Web to gain knowledge prior to making purchases. This group is also more comfortable with aggressive financing to get what they want immediately.

Locally our demographics are still skewed to reflect a grayer population base, but the boomers and Gen X + Y groups are making serious gains. The growth of Florida Gulf Coast University, Edison College and Ava Marie University certainly provide a local choice for higher education and will lead to more young adults settling in the area.

Generation Y [Denver Post]