Ethnic diversity, affordability and youthful vibrancy are three qualities that Hispanic millennials look for in a city. Latinos also favor cities that are safe for families, abundant in economic opportunity and culturally welcoming.  

Havas PR North America recently published a report that communicates the thoughts and moods of Hispanic millennials living in border states, comparing their thoughts to non-Hispanics. The agency surveyed more than 800 Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals, ages 18-34, in Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico to acquire their data.

Impressive spending power and influence aside, Hispanic millennials have retained a distinct culture that's independent of mainstream culture, unlike other previous immigrant groups (German, Irish and Dutch). That retention is partly reinforced by the fact that they share language and understanding with millions of other individuals descending from a number of nations. The collective voice of Hispanic American millennials has matured. It is distinct, slightly less accented than the voice of their parents and it has increased in volume. Despite changes, some things have remained the same.

The evolution of population and voice has not changed Hispanics' connection to their families or their cities and states. Latinos remain linked to family-centric values. A majority of Latinos surveyed indicated they felt committed to their part of the U.S. (68 percent versus 57 percent of non-Hispanics). More Hispanics than non-Hispanics indicated that they would stay close to home and never leave the Southwest (51 percent of Hispanics, versus 44 percent of non-Hispanics).

Also, far more Hispanics live with their parents than non-Hispanics (39 percent versus 31). Additionally, Latinos are far more likely to go out to eat with family at least once a week (78 percent, compared to 64 percent), which is why Hispanics are responsible for a quarter of restaurant visits despite being 17 percent of the population.

When considering other cities, Latinos are likely to flock to cities that encourage their sense of optimism. San Antonio, San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Albuquerque, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, San Francisco and Tucson were selected as top choices due to the fact that those cities are affordable, diverse and energetic. According the report, those border-adjacent cities are among the fastest-growing in the nation.

Beyond uncovering what Latinos look for in a city, the report also acknowledged that the Southwest has become a capital of influence in the U.S. because of the millions of Hispanic-Americans who've settled there. The Hispanic millennials who've descended from those settlers have emerged with an optimistic nature and an entrepreneurial spirit.  

Eighty percent of Hispanics millennials are optimistic about their own future, compared to 73 percent of non-Hispanics. They are also optimistic about the future of their region (56 percent compared to 50), the United States (51 percent versus 40), the job market (53 percent versus 46), and more are looking forward to owning their own business (54 percent versus 43).