How and where do the new generations choose to live?

The Zeta District was recently unveiled, an urban project located in Malaga based on an ecological, technological and modern lifestyle that emphasizes meeting the housing needs of the zeta generation -those born between 1994 and 2010-.

This smart city project seeks to relate to the new trends of this generation, and leads us to ask ourselves: what are the values ​​of generation z and how do they define their way of life?

Technology: Technology plays a central role in the lives of young people, who through digital devices and platforms communicate, educate, entertain and work.

This leads them to prioritize places with a quality connection, 5G and infrastructure that ensures fast connectivity, since it is a generation inclined to remote work.

Many even choose to live in places that offer facilities in this regard, such as digital nomad visas implemented in recent years by various countries, or cities with a Smart, digital or innovative imprint.

Sustainability: Environmental issues have become a concern for many young people, who have a greater environmental awareness and a desire to live sustainably.

They seek to prioritize a life with sustainable habits, making purchase decisions (both for products and services, as well as the city or house to live in) attracted by experiences rather than by material possessions or the purchase of consumer goods;

and places that promote a circular economy fit better into your lifestyle.

In this line, the project proposes to 'breathe clean air' with the planting of more than 2,000 trees, presents a type A energy certification (aerothermal energy, photovoltaic panels, etc.), technologies to control pollution, irrigation and intelligent lighting, and mobility sustainable and shared.

Sense of Community: Not knowing your next-door neighbor is no longer an option.

Generation Z seeks to live by sharing interests, hobbies and/or professions, creating a community and feeling part of it.

Economy: the way in which young people relate to money has also changed (digital wallets, cryptocurrencies, use of technological devices, digital banks, etc.).

Payment methods and digital transactions take on greater prominence, and they abandon cash.

District Z, for example, chose to generate its own virtual currency: "zetacoin", as a reward for doing favors, making purchases for others, walking pets or taking care of children.

These are some of the values ​​of generation Z that this urban project seems to have understood well, but is there something else?

What other values ​​do young people raise to choose their way of living and inhabiting?

Mental and physical health are increasingly important.

Young people prioritize self-care, exercise, healthy eating habits, and work-life balance.

On the other hand, many place great value on self-expression, and experiences and personal growth prevail over material possessions, they prefer places where there is space for art, music and recreation.

The real estate sector seems to be attentive to the new needs and demands of these future buyers, but... What can cities do to attract projects of this type and retain or attract young people?

Since more and more people are attracted to urban areas that offer greater access to cultural services, job opportunities, and social networks, there is an opportunity for intermediate cities that, through public policies, promote what young people are looking for.

After all, who wouldn't want to live, invest or work in a Smart City?

Lucía Bellocchio is Director of the Diploma in Smart Cities at the Universidad Austral