Fresh college graduates might be attracted to downtown bars and carless commutes, but these days, for older millennials starting families and taking out mortgages, a job in the suburbs has its own appeal.

Boomers need health-care services nearby, and malls are losing stores to Amazon. Put those factors together, and voila!

Just 3 percent of companies offer to help their employees with down payments on a home--but it might become more popular.