- DC remains the most popular city for renters, with 7% more in favorited listings in January. Its combo of great healthcare, economic prospects, and livability drives its sustained appeal.
- Nearly half of the top 30 US cities for renters are located in the South, highlighting the region’s growing popularity.
- St. Paul’s rental market surged, with 114% more favorited listings than last January, reflecting a shift in renter interest for smaller, more affordable cities.
- Cincinnati’s renter interest soared 10 spots since November, thanks to its low cost of living and expanding job market.
- Philadelphia continues to attract renters, with 26% more pageviews and 94% more saved listings, showing strong demand.
Washington, DC, maintained its position as the most sought-after city for US renters in January, according to new data from RentCafe.com.
The apartment search platform tracks listings viewed, properties favorited, and apartment searches to rank cities by prospective renter interest.
The South dominated the rental scene, with nearly half of the top 30 most-searched cities located in the region. The Midwest followed with 11 cities, while the West had four, and the Northeast had just one on the list:
1. Washington, DC
The nation’s capital held steady at the top spot for the second month in a row, driven by a 7% increase in favorited listings. RentCafe attributes this sustained interest to the city’s outstanding livability, offering residents access to top-tier healthcare, economic opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene.
These factors combined continue to make D.C. an attractive destination for renters seeking urban convenience and career prospects.
2. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, ranked second, saw a slight dip in online engagement and renter interest compared to previous months, yet renter interest remained robust. The city is still a major draw due to its thriving job market, ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, and relatively affordable cost of living.
These factors make it an attractive option for those relocating for career opportunities. Renters in Atlanta tend to make quick decisions, indicating confidence in the city’s dynamic housing market.
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3. St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, Minnesota, outpaced its twin city, Minneapolis, to claim third place. Listings in St. Paul saw a staggering 114% increase in favorited properties compared to last year, with saved searches also climbing by 103%.
St. Paul’s high quality of life and strong job market continue to attract renters, particularly from neighboring Minneapolis, Chicago, and Dallas.
4. Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, which has experienced strong growth in renter interest, secured the fourth spot on the list. The city offers a low cost of living and an expanding job market, attracting renters from larger cities like Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, and New York.
Favorited listings in Cincinnati surged by 27%, leading the city to jump 10 spots in the rankings since November.
5. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the fifth-most popular rental market, also saw significant engagement with prospective renters, with a 26% increase in page views. Renters saved 94% more listings than the previous year, reflecting growing interest in the city.
Despite a slight decline in saved searches, indicating renters are moving quicker to secure leases, Philadelphia’s strong rental demand underscores its continuing appeal.
Top 10 Cities For Renters
The top 10 cities for January were Kansas City, Minneapolis, Overland Park, Los Angeles, and Columbus, Ohio.
Las Vegas came close, jumping 69 spots to No. 11, showing a sharp rise in renter interest. Additionally, 7 new cities entered the top 30 most popular rental destinations, many of them located in the South.
As the rental market continues to evolve, cities like Washington, DC, and Atlanta remain key players. At the same time, rising stars like St. Paul and Cincinnati show the shifting preferences of today’s renters.
