In a post-pandemic world shaped by shifting priorities, new wealth, and redefined values, private members clubs have emerged as more than just status symbols—they’ve become lifestyle ecosystems. While New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have long dominated the conversation, the most compelling growth in 2025 is now happening in unexpected cities.
These markets are drawing a new generation of members—entrepreneurs, creators, investors, and remote executives—who are migrating to regions with lower taxes, better quality of life, job opportunities, and more accessible real estate. They’re not just looking for access—they want community, alignment, and purposeful design. Clubs that blend social connection with wellness, design with discretion, and programming with substance are thriving.
From the live-music streets of Austin to the political-meets-cultural energy of Washington, D.C., the following six cities are poised to become the next great frontiers of modern private club culture. For club developers, investors, and hospitality operators, these markets represent fertile ground for thoughtful expansion—and lasting community impact.
“The future of private clubs isn’t about status—it’s about ecosystems of connection, culture, and belonging.” — Zack Bates, Founder of Private Club Marketing
1. Austin, Texas
Market Summary:
Austin continues to lead the country in both tech and cultural expansion, making it one of the top destinations for high-net-worth individuals and creative professionals alike.
Key Drivers:
14% YoY increase in HNW households
Job creation led by Tesla, Oracle, Apple, Dell, Google
Major festivals and cultural cachet (SXSW, ACL)
Real Estate Advantage:
Median home price ~$470K vs. $1.1M in San Francisco, offering young professionals a chance to own property earlier in their careers.
Club Opportunities:
Creative-business hybrids with work, lounge, and wellness zones
Music industry access and artist programming
Rooftop and open-air formats to match Austin’s climate and vibe
Existing Momentum:
Soho House Austin
The Pershing
Commodore Perry Estate (Auberge)
2. Miami, Florida
Market Summary:
Miami has transformed into one of the most dynamic hubs for UHNW individuals, entrepreneurs, and international elites.
Key Drivers:
Zero state income tax and favorable wealth policies
Financial sector relocations from NYC; booming crypto/Web3 job growth
Global cultural capital (Art Basel, Design Miami)
Real Estate Advantage:
Luxury condos average $750–$1,000/sqft vs. $2,000+/sqft in Manhattan—still comparatively affordable for international buyers.
Club Opportunities:
Art- and fashion-integrated spaces
Financial salons and Web3 communities
Marina and beach access with outdoor-forward design
Existing Momentum:
Casa Tua
ZZ’s Club (Major Food Group)
Faena Rose
Core Club Miami (2025)
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Market Summary:
Nashville is emerging as a southern capital of cool, with cultural vibrancy matched by strong economic performance.
Key Drivers:
Healthcare and entertainment industries driving job growth
8% YoY increase in professionals aged 25–44
Strong in-migration from California and New York
Real Estate Advantage:
Median home ~$440K vs. $800K+ in Boston or Washington, D.C., drawing families seeking affordability.
Club Opportunities:
Music-driven clubs with recording or performance spaces
Culinary + wellness hybrids for young families
Boutique hotel-style clubs in historic buildings
Existing Momentum:
The Twelve Thirty Club
Southall
New luxury hotels and residences (1 Hotel, Four Seasons)
4. Scottsdale / Phoenix, Arizona
Market Summary:
Scottsdale and Phoenix have become magnets for both retirees and relocating professionals, with a strong focus on luxury, wellness, and climate.
Key Drivers:
Semiconductor manufacturing growth (Intel, TSMC)
Healthcare and service industries adding thousands of jobs
Active golf and leisure culture
Real Estate Advantage:
Median home ~$480K vs. $1.3M in San Jose, attracting Californians seeking space and affordability.
Club Opportunities:
Golf + social hybrids with wellness and coworking
Outdoor lounges, fire pits, desert retreats
Villa-based club communities
Existing Momentum:
Silverleaf, Desert Mountain, Estancia
Luxury club real estate expansion
5. Denver / Boulder, Colorado
Market Summary:
Denver and Boulder have become magnets for affluent professionals seeking natural access, intellectual capital, and outdoor lifestyles.
Key Drivers:
Tech startups and VC investment
Outdoor recreation industry HQs relocating (ski, cycling, outdoor gear)
Educated, affluent millennial and Gen X workforce
Real Estate Advantage:
Median home ~$600K vs. $1.6M in San Francisco—still affordable relative to coastal hubs.
Club Opportunities:
Adventure-forward clubs (ski, fly-fish, cycle, hike)
Wellness + coworking hybrids
Indoor/outdoor integrated architecture
Existing Momentum:
Clayton Members Club & Hotel
Growing Aspen-style hospitality in Denver proper
6. Washington, D.C.
Market Summary:
Washington, D.C. is experiencing a revival in private club culture, blending legacy institutions with modern reinvention.
Key Drivers:
Job stability in government, defense, NGOs, and think tanks
Influx of younger professionals into Shaw, The Wharf, Navy Yard
Expanding creative and culinary sectors
Real Estate Advantage:
Luxury condo pricing ~$850–$1,000/sqft vs. $2,000+/sqft in NYC, making it attractive for mid-career professionals.
Club Opportunities:
Hybrid salon + hospitality spaces
Diplomatic and international networking programs
Rooftop/waterfront venues with modern appeal
Existing Momentum:
The University Club of Washington, D.C.
The Metropolitan Club
The Ned (planned expansion)
The Jobs Factor
Career growth is a common thread across all six markets. Austin’s tech corridor, Miami’s finance shift, Nashville’s healthcare boom, and Phoenix’s semiconductor investment are driving strong job creation. Denver and D.C. remain intellectual and policy anchors with stable, high-income employment.
The Real Estate Advantage
Compared to New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, these markets offer significantly lower housing costs. For developers, that translates into a population of younger homeowners with discretionary income to invest in memberships.
Affordability as a Membership Driver
Affordability isn’t just about housing—it shapes club demand. Lower costs mean more disposable income, and that wealth often flows into experience-driven memberships.
Conclusion
While the legacy bastions of New York, LA, and San Francisco will always have their place in the private club landscape, the most dynamic growth opportunities are now emerging in cities where jobs meet affordability.
Austin, Miami, Nashville, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Denver/Boulder, and Washington, D.C. are not just expansion markets—they are laboratories for the future of club culture. Developers who move decisively here can shape the social fabric of America’s next generation of influence, creativity, and community.
