14. Omaha, NE
Major Industries: Agriculture and food processing
Annual Growth Rate: 0.95%*
Omaha, Nebraska, where billionaire business mogul Warren Buffet calls home, continues to captivate thousands of Berkshire Hathaway shareholders every year. Despite not being one of the largest metropolitan cities, Omaha has seen a slowdown in population growth recently. While the cost of living remains relatively low compared to the national average, young individuals seek opportunities elsewhere, craving higher wages and the cultural vibrancy found in more accessible American hotspots. Apart from being landlocked and somewhat challenging to reach from other cities, Omaha’s top employers are the Air Force Base and CHI Health, making it less alluring to non-military or healthcare workers. Although it serves as the headquarters for major companies, Omaha struggles to entice long-term residents.
14. Omaha, NE
15. Portland, OR
Major Industries: High-tech and manufacturing
Annual Growth Rate: 1.06%*
Once considered among the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., Portland now finds itself at a standstill. What was once a haven for hipsters, with its lush greenery and proximity to Nike headquarters, has hit a rough patch. The culprit? Rising property taxes, pushing struggling artists out of the city they once flocked to. As if the cost of living wasn’t enough, the number of available homes is dwindling, and renting an apartment will set you back an average of $1,522 a month – way higher than anywhere else in America. And let’s not forget about the stalled apartment complex developments, leaving a shortage of places to call home. Add to that an alarming increase in crime rates, from burglaries to a rising homeless population, with encampments popping up in almost every major neighborhood. Portland’s allure seems to be fading, leaving people searching for greener pastures.
15. Portland, OR
