{"id":139789,"date":"2026-06-04T00:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T07:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=139789"},"modified":"2026-06-10T23:09:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T06:09:19","slug":"rentcafe-renter-engagement-tracker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/rental-market\/market-snapshots\/rentcafe-renter-engagement-tracker\/","title":{"rendered":"Which are the most sought-after cities entering summer 2026? The West leads for the first time"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The peak rental season is right around the corner and renters are already eyeing their next move ahead of the busy summer months. <strong>The West emerged as the leading region for renter interest for the first time in the series&#8217; history<\/strong> and Minneapolis is reclaiming the top spot as the most sought-after city by apartment hunters in the early 2026 rental season, according to RentCafe.com search data.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fef5ce; padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px;\">\n<h3><strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The West sees a significant spike in renter activity, leading all regions for the first time. It places 11 cities in the top 30 and five newcomers are from this region.<\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Miami makes its first-ever appearance in the top five most popular cities ranking, after a 24-position surge to #3.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Minneapolis<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> reclaims its spot as the most sought-after city by apartment hunters <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the first quarter of the year<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW263812290 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW263812290 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW263812290 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW263812290 BCX8\">The Bronx gains momentum, entering the top 10 ranking for the first time, fueled by a 110% jump in listings added to favorites. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.governor.ny.gov\/news\/governor-hochul-announces-55-million-state-investment-advance-fordham-landing-south-unlocking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Major development projects<\/a> and remote work give renters more reasons than ever to look beyond Manhattan&#8217;s core and into this borough.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW251346060 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW251346060 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251346060 BCX8\">Oklahoma City<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW251346060 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251346060 BCX8\"> sees a major surge in renter interest after jumping 92 spots.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Renters across the country are getting more deliberate in their apartment search \u2014 browsing listings, saving their favorites and setting up searches tailored to what matters most to them. At the same time, m<\/span>any are also taking a more thoughtful approach to the process overall, by focusing on apartments in cities driven by strong job markets and major economic investments.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest shifts in this edition is that <strong>the West is the most popular region for renters for the first time in over a year<\/strong>, with 11 cities in the top-30 \u2014 the most of any region this quarter. The South follows with nine top 30 markets, while the Midwest counts seven and the Northeast rounds out the ranking with three.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/10\/New-REnT-Banner-US.png\" alt=\"Renter Engagement Tracker (REnT) by RentCafe.com banner\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Need more context? Revisit our reports on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/rental-market\/market-snapshots\/cities-to-watch-this-year\/?_gl=1*8jpmsh*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTgzNDA0NzA3LjE3NzgxMzE3MDA.*_ga_SE5ZC6ZHWE*czE3NzgxMzE3MDAkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzgxMzE3MjAkajQwJGwwJGgw\" rel=\"\">top trending cities to watch in 2026<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/rental-market\/market-snapshots\/rentcafe-renter-engagement-tracker\/?_gl=1*1aiy4pf*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU0NzE4NzIyNi4xNzc4MTMwMTA5*_ga_SE5ZC6ZHWE*czE3NzgxMzAxMDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzgxMzAxMTckajUyJGwwJGgw\" rel=\"\">third-quarter analysis<\/a> in 2025 to see how renter interest has evolved.<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Minneapolis is the most sought-after city by renters in the first quarter of 2026<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Minneapolis, MN<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">150 cities\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">we\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tracked, renters showed more\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">interest<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/minneapolis-mn\/\" rel=\"\">Minneapolis<\/a> than anywhere else \u2014 saving searches and adding listings to favorites at a higher rate. As a result, the city takes first place<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, climbing two spots from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">third<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0spot in the last quarter of 2025<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to become the most sought-after city for apartment hunters in the country.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city ranks\u00a029th\u00a0for total page\u00a0views.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Listings added to favorites grew by 10%<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">compared to last year<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0jumped by\u00a035%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Minneapolis.jpg\" alt=\"Minneapolis, Minnesota skyline along the Mississippi River with the Third Avenue Bridge at twilight, representing city housing activity and data for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Minneapolis.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Minneapolis.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Minneapolis.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Minneapolis.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This city\u2019s appeal lies in its\u00a0strong job market anchored by major employers in healthcare, finance<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and tech (such as UnitedHealth, Target and Best Buy), combined with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.minneapolismn.gov\/government\/programs-initiatives\/upper-harbor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Upper Harbor\u00a0Redevelopment project<\/a>, which is drawing in more renters.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most renter engagement\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Minneapolis<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0listings<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> comes from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/chicago-il\/\">Chicago<\/a>, as well as Dallas and Philadelphia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Atlanta, GA<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/atlanta-ga\/\" rel=\"\">Atlanta<\/a> has held firm at #2 for the second consecutive quarter, cementing its place as one of the most reliably sought-after rental markets in the country. The city also rank<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> first nationally for listings added to favorites, reflecting a deep, sustained interest that goes beyond browsing. Even with some softening in other engagement metrics, Atlanta still ranks <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fif<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th nationally for changes in availability, a sign that the market remains highly active and that supply is <a href=\"https:\/\/metroatlantachamber.com\/downtown-atlanta-a-center-of-growth-investment-and-opportunity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">working hard to keep pace with renter interest<\/a>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city ranks first for total listings added to favorites.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Atlanta ranks 39th for total page views.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city ranks\u00a0second for total saved searches.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148081\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Atlanta-1.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, featuring skyscrapers, Centennial Olympic Park, and urban green spaces, representing market activity for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Atlanta-1.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Atlanta-1.jpg?resize=500,214 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Atlanta-1.jpg?resize=768,329 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Atlanta-1.jpg?resize=1320,566 1320w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Atlanta-1.jpg?resize=150,64 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Atlanta&#8217;s consistency across multiple quarters speaks to its broad appeal for renters relocating from across the country. The city has seen explosive growth in its tech and film\/entertainment sectors and its relatively low cost of living compared to other major Southern metros continues to attract both domestic and corporate relocations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Atlanta apartments attracted the most engagement from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">renters\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the state<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, as well as from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/new-york-city-ny\/\" rel=\"\">New York\u00a0City<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0San Francisco.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Miami, FL<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/miami-fl\/\" rel=\"\">Miami<\/a> makes its first-ever appearance in the top five of this report series, after surging 24 positions from #27 all the way to #3 <span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">\u2014 the largest upward move among all top-five cities this quarter. <\/span><\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">he city rank<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW37070187 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">s<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">\u00a0first nationally for\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW37070187 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">most\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">page views, meaning more apartment hunters were browsing Miami listings than anywhere else in the country<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">\u00a0and saved searches\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW37070187 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37070187 BCX8\">more than doubled.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Page views\u00a0increased by 18%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0jumped by 102%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148082\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Miami.jpg\" alt=\"Modern Miami skyline with waterfront skyscrapers and tropical city views under a sunny sky, representing housing trends and market insights for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Miami.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Miami.jpg?resize=500,214 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Miami.jpg?resize=768,329 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Miami.jpg?resize=1320,566 1320w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Miami.jpg?resize=150,64 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Miami&#8217;s surge likely reflects ongoing in-migration from the Northeast and continued interest from remote workers and finance\/tech professionals. Additionally, the city&#8217;s international appeal, warm climate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and the post-pandemic shift of financial firms to South Florida have sustained elevated demand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top activity for this city came from apartment hunters in San Francisco, along with New York City and Atlanta.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"datawrapper-chart-k33HD\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" title=\"Top 30 cities to watch in Q1 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/k33HD\/1\/\" height=\"1041\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" aria-label=\"Table\" data-external=\"1\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">window.addEventListener(\"message\",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}});<\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4. Oakland, CA<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Renter interest in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/oakland-ca\/\" rel=\"\">Oakland<\/a> is growing fast, with the city posting remarkable engagement numbers in the country this quarter. Specifically, p<span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">age views ranked third nationally, while saved searches climbed 50% year<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW222983843 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">over<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW222983843 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">year \u2014 a clear indicator that apartment hunters are seriously considering moving to this California market<\/span><\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Page views\u00a0increased\u00a0by\u00a024%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Listings added to favorites grew by\u00a026%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0jumped by\u00a050%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148083\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Oakland.jpg\" alt=\"Helicopter view overlooking Market Street toward Oakland, representing urban growth and housing activity for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Oakland.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Oakland.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Oakland.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Oakland.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oakland benefits from spillover from San Francisco, as renters seek Bay Area access at more affordable price points. Plus, as remote and hybrid work arrangements normalize, renters are less obligated to live close to <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">city<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">offices and are choosing Oakland&#8217;s\u00a0lifestyle and amenities instead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most engagement came from San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Jose, CA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">5. Spokane, WA<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/spokane-wa\/\">Spokane<\/a> has seen an impressive surge in renter activity, with the city reaching the second-highest page view ranking in the country this quarter \u2014 a strong signal that apartment hunters are actively exploring what this Pacific Northwest market has to offer. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Page views\u00a0increased by\u00a021%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches remained steady.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148084\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Spokane.jpg\" alt=\"Stunning aerial view of Spokane, Washington, featuring Riverfront Park and the Spokane River, representing urban living trends and insights for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Spokane.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Spokane.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Spokane.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Spokane.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city&#8217;s growing appeal among cost-conscious renters from Seattle and other Pacific markets has steadily elevated its profile. At the same time, its growing health care and education sectors provide employment stability and it also sits within reasonable driving distance of outdoor recreation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top traffic came from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/seattle-wa\/\" rel=\"\">Seattle<\/a> and San Jose, CA.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">6. The <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bronx, NY<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Renters are paying closer attention to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/bronx-ny\/\">Bronx<\/a>, with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the number of properties added to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">favorites more than doubling since last quarter<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he borough<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0also<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0posted the tightest rental inventory of any market tracked this<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0last<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> quarter, revealing strong, <a href=\"https:\/\/edc.nyc\/press-release\/historic-agreement-advance-redevelopment-hunts-point-produce-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustained demand<\/a>. That combination of growing interest and limited availability pushed the Bronx up 34 positions to break into the top 10 for the first time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Listings added to favorites grew by\u00a0110%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0increased by\u00a015%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Page views fell by\u00a03%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148085\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/The-Bronx.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the Harlem River and bridges between the Bronx and Manhattan in New York City, representing urban housing activity for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/The-Bronx.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/The-Bronx.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/The-Bronx.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/The-Bronx.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Renters drawn to New York City&#8217;s outer boroughs as a more accessible alternative to Manhattan continued pushing Bronx engagement higher, attracting renters who want New York City access without paying a premium.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most renter engagement came from within New York City and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/boston-ma\/\" rel=\"\">Boston<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">7. Long Beach, CA<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/long-beach-ca\/\">Long Beach<\/a> continues to resonate with apartment hunters, earning a top-10 spot for the second consecutive quarter. Here, s<span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">aved searches climbed 22% year<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW142097452 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">over<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW142097452 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">year<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">\u00a0and page views ticked up modestly<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW142097452 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW142097452 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">B<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">oth\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW142097452 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">are\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">signs that renters\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">aren&#8217;t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">\u00a0just passing through on their\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW142097452 BCX8\">search, but<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">\u00a0are returning to Long Beach as a serious contender<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW142097452 BCX8\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW142097452 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city\u00a0ranks\u00a012th\u00a0for total page views.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0jumped by\u00a022%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Listings added to\u00a0favorites remained steady.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148086\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Long-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Modern Long Beach skyline with marina and Shoreline Village in California, representing coastal urban living and market insights for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Long-Beach.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Long-Beach.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Long-Beach.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Long-Beach.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Long Beach continues to\u00a0benefit\u00a0from Los Angeles<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0overflow<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing rental<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> demand. Namely, it offers proximity to the L<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> job market and a walkable downtown, while<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0its port-driven economy also provides stable local employment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top engagement came from Los Angeles as well as from San Francisco\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/las-vegas-nv\/\">Las Vegas<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">8. Cincinnati, OH<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/cincinnati-oh\/\">Cincinnati<\/a> may have slipped from last quarter&#8217;s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">top<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> spot, but the city&#8217;s renter engagement remains among the strongest in the country. Listings added to favorites rank <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">six<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th nationally and saved searches rank <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seven<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th, signaling that renters are still strongly considering moving to this city. Plus, while the number of available listings is on the rise, that could mean more options to choose from for renters eyeing Cincinnati in the quarters ahead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city ranks\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">six<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th\u00a0for listings added to favorites.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cincinnati\u00a0ranks\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seven<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th\u00a0for saved searches.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148087\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Cincinnati-2.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic sunset view of downtown Cincinnati, representing urban housing trends and city activity for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Cincinnati-2.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Cincinnati-2.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Cincinnati-2.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Cincinnati-2.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even after slipping from #1, Cincinnati&#8217;s fundamental strengths remain <span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">\u2014<\/span><\/span> a growing tech and startup ecosystem, affordable housing relative to coastal peers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and a high quality of life. What&#8217;s more, its consistent top 10 presence throughout the quarters reflects durable, long-term demand rather than a one-quarter spike.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top traffic to Cincinnati came from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/columbus-oh\/\">Columbus<\/a>, Chicago and San Francisco.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">9. Milwaukee, WI<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/milwaukee-wi\/\">Milwaukee<\/a>\u2019s renters are becoming more deliberate with searches, pushing the city higher up in the ranking. Its p<span class=\"TextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">age views soared 15% year<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW94984744 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">over<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW94984744 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">year and saved searches climbed 27%, reflecting a wave of\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW94984744 BCX8\">renters newly<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">\u00a0discovering what this Great Lakes city has to offer<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW94984744 BCX8\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW94984744 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Page views\u00a0increased by\u00a015%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0grew by\u00a027%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Listings added to favorites fell by 14%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148088\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Milwaukee.jpg\" alt=\"Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with modern skyscrapers along Lake Michigan, representing urban housing trends and insights for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Milwaukee.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Milwaukee.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Milwaukee.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Milwaukee.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The city likely benefited from <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">relocating\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">renters priced out of Chicago and looking for Great Lakes city living at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, ongoing investment in the local AI data center, as well as a medical facility, are bolstering the local job market, while ongoing improvements <span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">\u2014<\/span><\/span> such as an extended Riverwalk and upgraded transit stops <span class=\"TextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW222983843 BCX8\">\u2014<\/span><\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are also making it more visible to apartment hunters.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most engagement came from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">major cities like\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chicago,\u00a0Dallas\u00a0and New York City.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">10. Baltimore, MD<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Firmly establishing itself as one of the country&#8217;s most consistently sought-after rental markets, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/baltimore-city-md\/\" rel=\"\">Baltimore<\/a> holds a top-10 position for the second consecutive quarter. Renters here are engaging <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">frequentl<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">y\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with the city&#8217;s listings<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he number of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">page views rank <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">four<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th nationally and listings added to favorites rank <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fif<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th, reflecting genuine, sustained interest, rather than passing curiosity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Page views\u00a0increased by\u00a019%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Listings added to favorites grew by\u00a0163%.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saved searches\u00a0remained steady\u00a0since last quarter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148089\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Baltimore.jpg\" alt=\"Twilight view of downtown Baltimore, Maryland skyline, representing urban housing activity and insights for a renter engagement tracker.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Baltimore.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Baltimore.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Baltimore.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/11\/Baltimore.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Baltimore&#8217;s appeal is closely tied to its proximity to Washington, D.C.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and strong anchor institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Medical System. And, because the capital&#8217;s cost of living remain<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0high and remote\/hybrid work expands the\u00a0viable\u00a0commute\u00a0radius,\u00a0more workers are considering Baltimore as an\u00a0alternative.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top engagement came from Washington, D.C., as well as from\u00a0New York\u00a0City and\u00a0San Francisco.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"datawrapper-chart-bCX1v\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" title=\"Renter engagement in 150 largest U.S. cities in Q1 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/bCX1v\/2\/\" height=\"726\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" aria-label=\"Symbol map\" data-external=\"1\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">window.addEventListener(\"message\",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}});<\/script><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet the newcomers:\u00a010\u00a0new cities enter this quarter&#8217;s rankings<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This quarter&#8217;s top 30 looks significantly different from last quarter&#8217;s, with 10 cities making their way into the rankings for the first time this year. The reasons vary: First, r<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">enters are gravitating toward<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0established job centers and lifestyle destinations<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/los-angeles-ca\/\" rel=\"\">Los Angeles<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/dallas-tx\/\">Dallas<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/anaheim-ca\/\" rel=\"\">Anaheim<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/anaheim-ca\/\" rel=\"\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, CA<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the same time,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a surge of economic investment is putting\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cities like <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Milwaukee and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/newark-nj\/\">Newark, NJ<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">radar of apartment hunters who may not have considered them before.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of these newcomers, five are from the West, as the region surges to the top of the ranking for the first time in at least a year. Meanwhile, regarding the other newcomers, two are from the South, two from the Northeast<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and one is from the Midwest:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Bronx, NY<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #6 in the U.S. and #1 in the Northeast<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Milwaukee<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #9 nationally and #3 in the Midwest<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Newark, NJ<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #14 in the U.S. and #2 in the Northeast<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">San Bernardino, CA<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #17 nationally and #5 in the West<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tacoma, WA<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #20 in the U.S. and #7 in the West<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Tucson, AZ<\/strong> \u2014 #22 nationally and #8 in the West<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dallas<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #23 in the U.S. and #7 in the South<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Los Angeles<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #25 nationally and #10 in the West<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Anaheim, CA<\/strong> \u2014 #28 in the U.S. and #11 in the West<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amarillo, TX<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 #29 nationally and #9 in the South<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Leading the newcomers this quarter is Milwauke<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which skyrocketed 56 positions to #9. Here, page views were up 15%, while saved searches increased by 27%. Clearly, renters are <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rediscovering<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> what Brew City has to offer, drawn by a wave of major economic investment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and a growing job market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Close behind, the Bronx, NY<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> surged 34 positions to break into the top 10 at #6. Its number of listings added to favorites<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0more than doubled<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and the borough also posted the tightest rental inventory of any market tracked this quarter \u2014 a powerful combination that speaks to both rising demand and a highly active renter pool.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nearby, Newark, NJ<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lso<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0made one of the quarter&#8217;s most notable\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">climbs, after jumping 43 positions to #14. In this case, strong page view growth and steady saved searches signal that renters are increasingly treating Newark as a serious destination in its own right, as opposed to simply a gateway to New York City.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the West Coast, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/san-bernardino-ca\/\" rel=\"\">San Bernardino, CA<\/a>; Los Angeles<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and Anaheim<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, CA,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0all re-entered or broke into the top 30<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, landing at #17, #25<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and #28 respectively. Despite each city seeing year-over-year decreases in page views or listings added to favorites, renter interest remains strong across the Southern California market likely driven by return-to-office mandates and lower cost of living in the case of San Bernardino and Anaheim.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the Sun Belt, Dallas and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/amarillo-tx\/\">Amarillo, TX<\/a>,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> both climbed back into the top 30, rising 12 and 18 positions to #23 and #29, respectively. Specifically, Dallas saw saved searches jump 23% year<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">over<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">year, in a sign of renters getting serious about one of the South&#8217;s strongest job markets. Likewise, Amarillo posted steady page view growth, pointing to quietly building interest in this West Texas market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Finally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/tacoma-wa\/\">Tacoma, WA<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/tucson-az\/\">Tucson, AZ<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0round<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0out the newcomers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0list<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with strong performances of their own. Tacoma rose 19 positions to #20, as renters look beyond Seattle for Pacific Northwest options with employment opportunities. Not to be outdone, Tucson surged 59 positions to #22, with listings added to favorites up 11% and saved searches climbing 14%, pointing to growing and sustained interest in this Arizona market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The West is the most in-demand region<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\"> among renters<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The West leads all regions\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the first quarter of 2026, overtaking the South and Midwest \u2014 which have historically traded the top regional spot \u2014 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">by placing 11 cities in the top 30 national ranking. The shift in renter interest toward Western cities is likely driven by return-to-office mandates from major tech companies in hubs like San Francisco and Seattle, along with renters looking for more affordable options, fueling spillover into smaller markets such as Oakland, CA or Long Beach, CA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meanwhile, the South follow<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> top 30 cities. Otherwise, the Midwest place<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seven<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0cities and the Northeast place<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">three<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">West<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The West dominate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for the first time in over a year, with cities spanning the Pacific Coast and the Mountain region, from Oakland and Long Beach in California to Spokane in Washington and Tucson in Arizona. Oakland and Spokane anchored the West&#8217;s top-30 presence as its two highest-rank<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0cities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"rentcafe-embed-regional-carousel-2026\" style=\"display: block; border: 0; width: 100%; max-width: 900px; height: 760px; overflow: hidden;\" title=\"Top 10 cities to watch in Q1 2026 by region\" src=\"https:\/\/alexzohar.github.io\/coworking-spaces-by-location\/top-10-cities-by-region.html?embed=1\" width=\"100%\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<script>\n(function() {\n  var iframe = document.getElementById('rentcafe-embed-regional-carousel-2026');\n  function handleMessage(event) {\n    if (!iframe || !event.data || event.data.type !== 'rentcafe-embed-height' || event.data.embedId !== 'regional-carousel-2026') return;\n    iframe.style.height = Math.ceil(event.data.height) + 'px';\n  }\n  window.addEventListener('message', handleMessage);\n})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">South<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The South claims<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0nine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> cities in the top 30, with markets spread across the East Coast<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and deep into Texas. In this region, Atlanta and Miami le<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">d the showing as its two highest-rank<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0cities, both\u00a0maintaining\u00a0their positions among the top\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">three<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0nationally for the second consecutive quarter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Midwest<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seven Midwest cities are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in the top 30, led by Minneapolis at #1 nationally. As such, the region remains one of the most consistently represented areas in the national rankings, in example of steady and widespread renter interest across the area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Northeast<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Last, but not least, the Northeast <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> three <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cities in the top 30, with the Bronx<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, NY,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0making a dramatic\u00a0debut\u00a0and Newark<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, NJ,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0posting one of the quarter&#8217;s biggest gains.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><iframe id=\"datawrapper-chart-bLpBd\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" title=\"Renter engagement in 150 largest U.S. cities in Q1 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/bLpBd\/2\/\" height=\"1116\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" aria-label=\"Table\" data-external=\"1\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">window.addEventListener(\"message\",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}});<\/script><\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fef5ce; padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px;\">\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FAQs:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most sought-after cities by renters entering summer 2026<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: Which U.S. city attracted the most renter engagement in\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the first quarter of<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2026?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A:\u00a0Minneapolis<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0rank<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as the nation&#8217;s most sought-after city for renters\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the first quarter of 2026.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: What are the top 10 U.S. cities for renter engagement in the first quarter of 2026?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A:\u00a0Minneapolis took the top spot, followed by Atlanta<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(#2); Miami<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(#3); Oakland, CA (#4); Spokane, WA (#5);\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bronx, NY (#6); Long Beach, CA (#7); Cincinnati<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(#8); Milwaukee<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(#9); and Baltimore<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(#10).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: Among the largest U.S. cities, which ones attracted the most renter engagement for each metric in the first quarter 2026?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A: Miami led the nation in page views, Atlanta ranked first for apartments added to favorites<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and Minneapolis had the most saved searches.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: Which U.S. region saw the strongest renter engagement in the first quarter of 2026? <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A: The West led the way with 11 cities in the top 30, including\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">three<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in the top 10: Oakland (#4), Spokane (#5) and Long Beach (#7).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: Which city made the biggest climb in the ranking for the first quarter of 2026?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A: Oklahoma City<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> soared 92 spots to reach #36, driven by a surge in listings added to favorites.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: Which city experienced the largest drop in renter engagement in the first quarter of 2026?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A: Knoxville, TN<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> saw the sharpest decline this quarter, after falling 101 positions to #130, as page views, listings added to favorites and saved searches declined sharply year<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">over<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Methodology<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/\"><em>RentCafe.com<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>To compile this report, the research team analyzed RentCafe.com\u2019s 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>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\u2019s value. Cities that lacked sufficient information regarding specific metrics were awarded zero points.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>To calculate each city\u2019s score, we ranked them according to four metrics and their averages as of the most current quarter in 2026 versus the same quarter in 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>1. Availability rate (Maximum score: 40 points)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The availability rate score was calculated by dividing the total vacant units at the city level for the most recent quarter by the total units and a year-over-year comparison of the same. The lowest rate received maximum points.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>2. Page views (Maximum score: 30 points)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The page views score was calculated as the total number of page views for the most recent quarter 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>3. Favorites (Maximum score: 15 points)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The favorites score was calculated as the total rental listings added to favorites at the city level for the most current quarter 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>4. Saved searches (Maximum score: 15 points)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The saved searches score was calculated as the total number of saved searches at the city level for the most current quarter 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Fair use and redistribution<\/h2>\n<p>We encourage and freely grant you permission to reuse, host, or repost the research, graphics and images presented in this article. When doing so, we kindly ask that you credit our research by linking to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/\">RentCafe.com<\/a>\u00a0or 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\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:media@rentcafe.com\">media@rentcafe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The peak rental season is right around the corner and renters are already eyeing their next move ahead of the busy summer months. The West emerged as the leading region for renter interest for the first time in the series&#8217; history and Minneapolis is reclaiming the top spot as the most sought-after city by apartment&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3055,"featured_media":148076,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3661,38811],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-139789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-market-snapshots","category-rental-activity-report","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Which are the most sought-after cities entering summer 2026?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore insights from the renter engagement tracker, highlighting shifting trends across U.S. cities and changing renter preferences.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/rental-market\/market-snapshots\/rentcafe-renter-engagement-tracker\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Which are the most sought-after cities entering summer 2026? 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