The list includes cities that are safe, have plenty of rentals at affordable rates, a high percentage of fellow married couples (so you can have married couple double dates, obviously), and a high concentration of millennials. To ensure the honeymoon never ends, these cities also offer plenty of activities and restaurant options.
1. Santa Clara, CA
Named after the Spanish mission that was established there in 1777, Santa Clara, CA is located in the center of Silicon Valley and is home to the headquarters of several high-tech companies such as Intel.
It is also home to Santa Clara University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of California. With it’s rich history and tech surroundings, Santa Clara makes for a perfect location for an astute newlywed couple looking to plant their roots.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $900
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Median household income: $88,953
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Millennial population: 26%
2. Orem, UT
Located on the eastern shore of Utah Lake and extending to the foothills of Mount Timpanogos, Orem, UT is an excellent choice for an outdoorsy couple looking for a sense of adventure.
With an average median rent of a two-bedroom apartment at just $893, and a median household income of $52,607, affordability isn’t an issue in Orem. Known for its friendly neighborhoods and suburban family feel, this beautiful city is certainly easy to fall in love with.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $893
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Median household income: $52,607
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Millennial population: 29%
3. Vista, CA
Vista, CA, is located only seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, and is great for active newlywed couples who love to frequent the beach. The city also offers a plethora of arts and entertainment options such as the AVO Playhouse and The Moonlight Amphitheater.
With a median rent of a two bedroom at $1,450, any newlywed couple who decides to reside here would definitely be getting the most for their money.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $1,450
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Median household income: $54,264
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Millennial population: 25%
4. Quincy, MA
Known as the City of Presidents, historic Quincy, MA is another city on our list with deep historical roots. Quincy is home to two United States Presidents — John Adams and John Quincy Adams– and would make for an excellent home for virtually any newlywed couple.
This suburban city spans twenty-seven miles of coastline, beaches and acres of beautiful parks, and is just minutes from downtown Beantown via MBTA, boat or car.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $1,681
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Median household income: $60,855
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Millennial population: 25%
5. Greeley, CO
Greeley is home to many institutions of higher learning, including Aims Community College, the Academy of Natural Therapy, University of Northern Colorado and the Institute of Business & Medical Careers. Greeley celebrates its history, heritage, and talents with a variety of great annual festivals throughout the year including the Cinco de Mayo celebration, the Annual Arts Picnic in historic Lincoln Park, Oktoberfest and the Festival of Trees.
With a median two-bedroom rent of only $800, this location is a steal for any newlywed couple seeking a mix of culture and established sense of community in their next home location.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $800
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Median household income: $43,579
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Millennial population: 25%
6. Somerville, MA
Located just two miles north of Boston, Somerville, MA, is considered one of the most diverse cities in the nation. It is also known for its large number of squares, including Davis, Union, Ball, Teele and Magoun, which help mark neighborhood boundaries while also featuring various businesses and entertainment centers.
This city offers plenty to do, while still offering up all the comforts of home.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $2,288
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Median household income: $63,192
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Millennial population: 42%
7. Arlington, VA
Arlington, VA offers up a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options, making it a perfect city for energetic newlyweds.
Considering its close proximity to the nation’s capital, this city also thrives on its historic sites, including the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), the Air Force Memorial and The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $2,100
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Median household income: $97,708
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Millennial population: 32%
8. Lincoln, NE
The Nebraska state capital, known as the “Star City,” is home to a burgeoning high-tech and manufacturing sector, as well as the University of Nebraska.
With the lowest median rent for a two-bedroom apartment ($625) of any city on this list, a median household income of $50,398, and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, Lincoln is an affordable city with plenty of opportunities for newlyweds to start a new life together and save for the future.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $625
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Median household income: $50,398
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Millennial population: 26%
9. San Diego, CA
Known as the birthplace of California, “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, beautiful harbor, and extensive beaches. Newlyweds will feel like they are perpetually on their honeymoon when living in San Diego.
With 27% of the population falling within the millennial age category, there is no shortage of similarly aged people to enjoy San Diego’s nightlife and burgeoning food scene with.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $2,095
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Median household income: $63,930
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Millennial population: 27%
10. Lewisville, TX
This dynamic and thriving North Texas city is home to one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States.
Known for its consistently warm climate, abundance of parks and recreation options, quality schools, and overall safety, Lewisville is an ideal location for newlywed couples looking for a little Texas charm.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $1,218
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Median household income: $55,910
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Millennial population: 27%
11. Newport News, VA
Newport News is a fantastic location for the nautical newlyweds. With miles and miles of waterfront along the James River and beautiful beaches on the Atlantic, it’s the perfect place for newlyweds to anchor for life.
Beyond the beautiful views and abundance of outdoor activities, Newport News is extraordinarily affordable, with the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment coming in at only $725 per month.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $725
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Median household income: $50,601
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Millennial population: 25%
12. Costa Mesa, CA
Newlyweds seeking the warm weather of Southern California will welcome the laid-back vibes of Orange County’s Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa is known for its retail industry and is home to South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the nation.
If action sports are more your speed, popular brands Hurley and Volcom are listed among the many companies headquartered in Costa Mesa.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $1,795
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Median household income: $67,131
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Millennial population: 27%
13. Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins offers up great views and plenty of sunshine (300 days, on average!). For newlyweds looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Fort Collins boasts endless paths and trails.
Already thinking about adding a bundle of joy to your family? This city has one of the top-rated public school systems in the nation.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $1,100
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Median household income: $50,316
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Millennial population: 31%
14. Lexington-Fayette, KY
Lexington-Fayette is perfect for an animal-loving, newlywed couple. The city has two coveted historic horse racing tracks, Keeneland and The Red Mile Harness Track, which is the oldest horse racing track in the city, and second oldest in the nation.
Lexington offers up city amenities and job opportunities, with a small-town feel. The city’s average median rent of a two-bedroom apartment falls at just $775, and holds a 26% millennial population.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $775
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Median household income: $48,637
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Millennial population: 26%
15. Alexandria, VA
Alexandria’s close proximity to our nation’s capital lends to plenty of civil service and federal government job opportunities. Its historic center, Old Town, is home to shops, restaurants, theaters and more.
With a median household income of over $82K, Alexandria is the seventh highest-income city in the state.
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Median rent (two-bedroom): $2,600
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Median household income: $82,856
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Millennial population: 26%
Methodology: Rent. has assembled the Top 15 Cities for Newlyweds with the help of New York-based Onboard Informatics ©2014, the premier data and technology company. All demographic data provided by Onboard Informatics is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This list is based on cities with an overall population of at least 75,000, population of millennials (18-24 years old) is greater than 25%, population of married adults is greater than 25% and low crime rates. Other couple-friendly criteria that were considered included variety of dining options and entertainment/culture options. Affordability was also taken into consideration in terms of median household income comparative to median rental rates. Rental data and median rental rates based on Rent.data.
