Rental Activity Report: Washington, D.C., Is #1 City as Southern Locations Dominate Top 30

• Washington, D.C., remains the most desirable city for renters this month, after first reaching #1 in October.
• The South is once again the most in-demand region, with 11 cities in the top 30.
• Bakersfield, CA, and Grand Prairie, TX, rejoin the top 30, soaring 116 and 88 spots from last month, respectively.
• St. Petersburg, FL, makes its debut in the top 30 after an 108-spot jump since October. 

The holiday season is here, and although it’s a busy time for many, a significant amount of renters remain actively in search of a new home. So, which cities are getting the most interest from apartment-seekers this month? Here’s our November Rental Activity Report to give you the insight. After taking the top spot last month in the wake of a steady climb since January, Washington, D.C., remains the most sought-after city for renters in search of apartments on RentCafe.com. Cleveland has climbed one spot to second place, while Atlanta has also jumped two positions to now rank third. Minneapolis comes in fourth after dropping two spots since October, and Cincinnati rounds out the top 5 after rising one position. 

These cities are capturing the most interest on RentCafe.com, as renters save searches and mark listings as favorites in an increasingly competitive rental market.

Regional trends show the South continues to lead as the most sought-after region for renters, claiming 11 entries in the top 30 most popular cities this month. It’s closely followed by the Midwest with 10 spots, and the West with eight cities in the rankings. Once again, the Northeast features just one city in the top 30 this month.  To have a better perspective on how the regional markets have shifted so far in 2024, check out our October and September renter activity reports.

Washington, D.C., is the most sought-after city again this month

1. Washington, D.C.

After securing the top spot last month, Washington, D.C., keeps its crown as the most in-demand city in November. Despite a 32% decrease in favorited listings year-over-year, as well as a 10% drop in saved searches on RentCafe.com, renters are very decisive when looking for a place to stay in the nation’s capital, spending less time searching for a new home. Besides locals, many newcomers are drawn to the nation’s capital for its great quality of life, excellent healthcare, and great public transit system. Specifically, interest is high among renters from cities such as Baltimore, New York City, and Philadelphia. The university scene is also drawing a lot of college freshmen to the capital, so demand for student housing in Washington D.C. is high. 

2. Cleveland

Cleveland climbed one spot since last month to dethrone Minneapolis as this month’s runner-up. While online traffic has increased by 15% compared to this time last year, renters have fewer options to choose from, with available listings down by 4%.  Interestingly, saved searches have decreased by 35% year-over-year, but listings added to favorites are up by 16%, suggesting that renters are being selective and comparing apartments they like before committing to a lease. Besides locals, apartment hunters from New York; Philadelphia; and Cleveland Heights, OH, are showing increased interest in the Forest City. 

3. Atlanta

Atlanta, a long-time renter favorite with a history of intense rental activity (and RentCafe.com’s top city to watch in 2024), has risen two spots since last month to claim the #2 position as the South’s highest-ranking city. This vibrant tech hub continues to attract renters relocating from New York City; Chicago; and Sandy Springs, GA.   However, finding the perfect place in this sought-after city may take longer, contributing to a year-over-year decline in favorited properties and saved searches. Despite this, Atlanta listings maintain strong engagement rates, securing the city a top spot among the cities analyzed. 

4. Minneapolis 

Minneapolis slid by two spots since October, now coming in at #4, despite a dip in online traffic. Available listings have dropped by 9%, which means that renters have fewer apartments to choose from.  Saved searches have decreased by 49% year-over-year, and renters favorited 58% fewer listings on RentCafe.com, suggesting that they are skipping preliminary steps in their search. Most renter interest for apartments in Minneapolis comes from Chicago; Birmingham, AL; and Dallas. 

5. Cincinnati 

Cincinnati climbed one position to round out the top 5 in this November rental activity report, despite a 35% drop in online traffic year-over-year. Renters added 36% fewer listings to favorites and saved 48% fewer searches, indicating that apartment hunters are employing a sense of urgency in their search for a rental place in Cincinnati.  Interest for Cincinnati mostly comes from apartment-hunters based in Columbus, OH; Atlanta; and New York City. 

6. Chicago

Chicago ranks sixth this month after inching up one spot since October, even though online traffic has dropped by 10% compared to the same time last year. Apartment hunters are still showing interest in this highly competitive rental market — yet they have fewer options available, as evidenced by the 10% dip in available listings year-over-year.  What’s more, there are 22% fewer listings added to favorites and saved searches on RentCafe.com, further reinforcing this sense of urgency shared by those looking for apartments here. Besides locals, most interest comes from prospective renters currently based in Dallas; Wichita, KS; and nearby Wheaton, IL. 

7. Philadelphia 

Philadelphia ranks seventh, up one spot since October. While online traffic grew by 32% year-over-year and renters have slightly more options (supported by the 4% uptick in available listings), they favorited  8% fewer listings and saved 5% fewer searches on RentCafe.com. This likely means they are taking a more relaxed approach with their search during the off-season.  Philly continues to attract interest from both local renters, as well as apartment hunters based in major hotspots such as New York City, Atlanta, or Boston.  

8. Arlington, VA 

Arlington, VA, rejoined the top 10 in our November rental activity report, after climbing nine positions to secure eighth place, following its meteoric rise last month. This continued surge in popularity — which can be attributed to its prime location, making it ideal for those working in Washington, D.C. — is reflected by the 46% increase in page views year-over-year.  Even though availability has increased by 30% year-over-year (likely fueled by new apartment construction), renters added 10% fewer listings to favorites and saved searches dropped by 55% year-over-year, suggesting apartment-seekers are quick to secure a lease in the city. Notably, apartments in Arlington are receiving increased attention from renters based in Washington, D.C.; Dallas; and New York City. 

9. Detroit 

Detroit fell five spots in November, landing in ninth place. The 16% dip in online traffic, coupled with significantly fewer listings added to favorites and fewer saved searches on RentCafe.com, shows that renters seem to be slowing down their apartment search in Detroit in the off-season.   However, available listings continue to be in limited supply even in the winter months, with a 28% drop year-over-year. So, aside from locals, renters based in Atlanta, New York City and Boston are showing the most interest in Detroit apartments. 

10. St. Paul, MN

Coming in 10th is St. Paul, MN, which climbed nine spots from last month. Availability has dropped by 12%, with page views also down by 18%, which, coupled with a 27% decline in listings added to favorites on RentCafe.com, highlights that renters are acting more swiftly compared to this time last year. This is reinforced by a 14% increase in saved searches, which suggests that some renters are keeping their eyes peeled for any listings they can get.

Aside from locals, those based in its twin city, Minneapolis, as well as Chicago and Dallas are looking for a home here, fueled by considerably more affordable housing, and a strong job market supported by low unemployment.

The South maintains its hold as the most in-demand region

The South is once again the most in-demand region for renters, with a total of 11 entries in the top 30 this month. It’s closely followed by the Midwest with 10 cities, and the West is hot on its tail with eight among the top cities featured in our November rental activity report. Meanwhile, the Northeast only has one city featured in our top 30. 

Washington, D.C., is the most popular city in the South and the entire U.S., followed by Atlanta (#2 in the region and #3 nationally) and Arlington, VA (#3 in the South and #8 in the U.S.). This Virginia city has climbed the rankings by 9 positions, securing a spot in the top 10 in the wake of a meteoric jump last month. 

Next are Louisville, KY (#12 nationwide and #4 in the region); Greensboro, NC (#14 in the U.S. and #5 in the South); and Richmond, VA (#15 nationally and #6 in the region). The trio is followed by two Florida cities, St. Petersburg (#18 in the U.S. and #7 in the South) and Orlando (#25 nationwide and #8 in the region). This comes after St. Petersburg has made an astounding 108-spot jump since October. 

Grand Prairie, TX (#26 in the U.S. and #9 in the South) is next after rising by 88 positions; it’s followed by Winston-Salem, NC (#26 nationwide and #10 in the region); and, finally, Port St. Lucie, FL (#29 in the U.S. and #11 in the South).

Turning to the Midwest, Cleveland is now the most popular city in the region and the national runner-up, after dethroning Minneapolis (#2 in the Midwest and #4 in the U.S). Cincinnati is next after climbing up a spot in the national rankings, followed by Chicago (#4 in the region and #6 in the U.S.); Detroit (#5 in the Midwest and #9 nationwide); and St. Paul, MN (#6 in the region and #10 in the U.S.). 

The other four in-demand Midwestern cities in our top 30 are Overland Park, KS (#11 in the U.S. and #7 in the region);  Kansas City, MO (#16 nationwide and #8 in the Midwest), Indianapolis (#17 in the U.S. and #9 in the region); and Sioux Falls, SD (#23 nationwide and #10 in the Midwest). 

Eight Western cities have made it into November’s rankings, with Los Angeles being the most popular in the region once again, despite dropping 3 spots to #13 nationally. It is followed by Chula Vista, CA (#2 in the West and(#19 nationwide); Reno, NV (#3 in the region and #20 in the U.S.); and Fontana, CA (#4 in the West and #21 nationwide). 

Next up is Vancouver, WA (#5 in the region and #22 in the U.S.), followed by Riverside, CA (#6 in the West and #24 nationally); Bakersfield, CA (#7 in the region and #27 in the U.S.); and Portland, OR (#8 in the West and #30 in the U.S.). 

The Northeast is yet again represented by only one city in the top 30 — Philadelphia, which remains the most sought-after city in the region. 

Meet the newcomers: Bakersfield, CA, skyrockets in the rankings, while St. Petersburg, FL, leads in the South 

Our November rental activity report introduces seven new cities to our top 30 most sought-after renting spots, with three of them located in the South. Here, St. Petersburg, FL, leads the charge after a staggering rise of 108 positions. Availability in the city is up by 24% year-over-year, and more new apartments are set to be built in the city. Page views have also increased by 20%, while there are 48% fewer listings added to favorites, suggesting people looking to find a rental place in St. Petersburg are decisive in their search.

Elsewhere in the South, Grand Prairie, TX, has seen an 88-spot jump since last month, as well as a 16% decrease in availability and 51% drop in page views. Plus, there are 11% fewer listings added to favorites, while saved searches on RentCafe.com have increased by 24%. This shows that, although they are attracted by the city’s affordability, as well as its proximity to major hubs such as Dallas and Fort Worth, renters are waiting to find a rental that better suits their needs. 

In the West, Bakersfield, CA, takes the crown after jumping an even more impressive 116 spots in our rankings. The 71% drop in favorited listings on RentCafe.com showcases the increased urgency shown by apartment hunters, attracted by the city’s economy and its proximity to the great outdoors.

The West sees more cities leapfrog their way into the top 30, with Chula Vista and Fontana, CA, rising by 45 and 28 positions, respectively. Chula Vista saw a 73% decline in saved searches and 41% dip in listings added to favorites on RentCafe.com, which shows that renters are acting swiftly to secure an apartment for rent in this city, fueled by its increased quality of life and proximity to San Diego.  

Fontana, meanwhile, has seen year-over-year drops of 36% in availability and 50% in page views during the off-season. What’s more, renters favorited 32% fewer listings and saved 58% fewer searches, reflecting strong interest in moving to the city thanks to its infrastructure, housing market growth, and affordable housing programs. 

Also joining the top 30 are Sioux Falls, SD, and Port St. Lucie, FL, with each of them rising in the rankings by 13, and 34 spots, respectively. In Sioux Falls, availability has dropped by 41% compared to this time last year. At the same time, saved searches have decreased by a whopping 94% and there are 67% fewer favorited listings. This shows that, even though we’re in the off-season (which is also evidenced by the 33% year-over-year drop in online traffic), the city still attracts renters with its strong economy and good quality of life.  

Port St. Lucie, on the other hand, has 74% fewer listings compared to this time last year, while online engagements have remained largely the same, highlighting the fact that apartment hunters are very eager to hop to this southern gem.

Methodology

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.

To compile this report, the research team analyzed RentCafe.com’s rental listing data across the 150 largest cities by population in the contiguous U.S. with a relevant listing inventory sample. The regions are defined according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The cities were ranked based on a city-level rental activity score. Full points were awarded to the most desirable city for a particular metric, while the zero-point level was set slightly below the worst city’s value. Cities that lacked sufficient information regarding specific metrics were awarded zero points.

Beginning in August 2023, the city that obtained the highest total score was awarded 100 points and all total scores of the following cities were adjusted accordingly.

To calculate each city’s score, we ranked them according to four metrics and their averages as of the most current month in 2024 versus the same month in 2023.

1. Availability Rate (Maximum score: 40 points)

The availability rate score was calculated by dividing the total vacant units at the city level for the most recent month by the total units and a year-over-year comparison of the same. The lowest rate received maximum points.

2. Page Views (Maximum score: 30 points)

The page views score was calculated as the total number of monthly page views for the most recent month at the city level divided by the total renter population in the city and a year-over-year comparison of the same. Page views are defined as a unique user interaction on a specific page in a 30-minute window.

3. Favorites (Maximum score: 15 points)

The favorites score was calculated as the total monthly rental listings added to favorites at the city level for the most current month divided by the total renter population in the city and a year-over-year comparison of the same. A favorite is defined as a rental listing saved to favorites by a website visitor.

4. Saved Searches (Maximum score: 15 points)

The saved searches score was calculated as the total number of monthly saved searches at the city level for the most current month divided by the total renter population in the city and a year-over-year comparison of the same. A saved search is defined as a filtered/personalized apartment search saved by a website visitor.

Fair use and redistribution

We encourage you and freely grant you permission to reuse, host, or repost the research, graphics, and images presented in this article. When doing so, we ask that you credit our research by linking to RentCafe.com or this page, so that your readers can learn more about this project, the research behind it and its methodology. For more in-depth, customized data, please contact us at media@rentcafe.com.