10 Ways Gen Z is More Similar to Boomers Than to Millennials
Gen Z often gets framed as the ultra-online, always-scrolling, avocado-toast-refusing wildcard generation, but scratch beneath the surface, and they’re surprisingly traditional. In fact, in several key areas, Gen Z seems more in sync with their Boomer grandparents than the Millennials who came just before them. This article rolls out 15 ways Gen Z is bringing a little Boomer energy into the 21st century.
Homeownership Is Still the Dream
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While Millennials leaned into renting and mobility, Gen Z wants the deed. According to a BMO survey, 69% of Gen Z identify owning a home as a primary financial goal, which is well above that of Millennials. Despite rising prices, they still believe in the American Dream, much like Boomers did in their youth.
They Take Monogamy Seriously
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Sure, Gen Z has dating apps in their pocket, but most aren’t looking for a fling. They want meaningful connections and stability in a chaotic world. They’re less interested in casual flings and more focused on finding the one.
Suburban Life Still Appeals
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Boomers made the suburbs cool for raising kids and mowing lawns, and Gen Z hasn’t ruled them out. They still show strong interest in cities, but the draw of a backyard and a quieter pace hasn’t faded entirely.
They’re Big on Self-Reliance
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Gen Z might lean on the internet for everything, but they don’t love depending on others. They are self-driven and pragmatic, kind of like Boomers in their early years. They’ll watch YouTube on how to fix a faucet before calling someone. Independence still matters, even if it’s Wi-Fi-enabled.
They’re Not Emotionally Open in Person
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For a generation fluent in emojis and therapy speak, Gen Z can still freeze up in person. Like Boomers, they sometimes dodge emotional conversations or let things fester. Face-to-face heart-to-hearts are still awkward, except now they end with a meme instead of a handwritten letter left on the counter.
They Gravitate Toward Rules
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Boomers loved rules. Gen Z does too, but not the same ones. Social norms matter deeply to them, especially online. Calling out bad behavior, canceling brands, and enforcing unspoken internet etiquette is Gen Z’s version of moral order.
They Share a Love for Secondhand Outrage
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Boomers had opinions. Gen Z? Also very opinionated. Different issues, same intensity. Both get riled up over things that don’t directly affect them. A sense of “someone needs to say something” powers the outrage, no matter the decade or the topic.
They Use Social Media Like Boomers Use Facebook
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Gen Z might roll their eyes at Boomers on Facebook, but they’re just as plugged in on TikTok. The platforms differ, but the result is the same: curated realities, shared outrage, and hours lost to scrolling through other people’s business.
They’re Turning to Side Hustles
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Forget the Millennial dream of launching a disruptive app. Gen Z is leaning into Boomer-style side gigs, but updated for the times. This includes online resale shops, tutoring, pet-sitting, or Etsy crafting.
They Crave Stability, Not Just Change
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They aren’t trying to upend everything, but to make life feel livable. Like Boomers post-WWII, this generation is looking for a sense of structure in an unpredictable world. They may dress and vote differently, but the core motivation is similar: find a path that feels safe, steady, and fulfilling.
They Dislike Performing for Attention
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Millennials grew up on Myspace and early YouTube and overshared before the word “cringe” took hold. Gen Z, however, tends to avoid putting themselves out there just for clout. They’re more curated and self-aware and often prefer authenticity over theatrics.
They Value Practical Purchases
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Gen Z wants material goods to make sense. They’re into quality, durability, and things that serve a purpose, including tech, clothes, or a used car with Bluetooth. They don’t follow the “treat yourself” mindset.
They Love Nostalgia, Even For Eras They Didn’t Live Through
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Gen Z never lived through the ’90s, but you’d never know it. They’re obsessed with film cameras, old-school video games, and low-rise jeans. Gen Z’s love of nostalgia reflects a longing for simpler times, like how Boomers held onto vinyl and diners.
They’re Not Ditching Marriage
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While Millennials pushed weddings later—or passed them entirely—Gen Z is circling back. Marriage doesn’t seem outdated to them; it’s just something to approach with more intention. They want fewer starter marriages, more prenups, and honest conversations.
They’re Redefining Tradition, Not Rejecting It
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Gen Z isn’t interested in going backward, but wants to keep what works. Marriage, homeownership, and family life are still on the table, but with sustainability and autonomy. As one expert put it, they don’t want the 1950s—they want the resources that made those dreams possible in the first place.