INDIANAPOLIS—The downtowns of the nation's core cities have increasingly become beehives of around-the-clock activity as many younger people have decided the suburban lifestyle isn't for them. But this penchant for downtown living has truly become a national phenomenon, and spread into secondary cities—especially those in the Midwest, such as Indianapolis—which have seen a surge in mixed-use urban development and population growth, according to a new study by CBRE Group, Inc.

“It's primarily younger professionals who are moving into downtown Indianapolis,” Dan Richardson, senior vice president of CBRE in Indianapolis, tells GlobeSt.com. According to CBRE's study entitled “Resurgence in Midwest Secondary Markets: Implications for Occupiers,” Indianapolis' urban core has seen a 59.7% population increase in the last ten years, and currently boasts $1.4 billion worth of commercial real estate under construction.

The company surveyed 11 Midwest cities for the study and found a slew of investment activity taking place, with both Fortune 500 companies and new industries like high tech relocating into the region's CBDs in order to attract and retain all that youthful talent. CBRE also noted that many local governments have recognized the opportunities and have invested in downtown areas to make them more accessible and walkable.