From movies to wine, the end of the year is about looking back to see what stood out. It was an interesting year for renters, from roller-coaster vacancy rates to rent prices soaring in the Midwest. Through it all, renters continued to search for their perfect place. We gathered all of that search data and found the cities and neighborhoods with the highest number of searches in 2023. Did your city or neighborhood make the list? Read on to find out!
The 10 Most-Searched Cities on Apartments.com in 2023
It appears that renters were searching for sun and fun in 2023, based on the cities they searched for the most. Here’s the top 10 cities for renters in 2023:
10. Boston, MA
The fact that Boston’s rent prices have climbed 2.75 percent in the last year hasn’t deterred renters from searching for an apartment in this dynamic and historic city. As a top choice for renters, Boston has it all: rich history, a wealth of culture, and unsurpassed educational opportunities. Its diverse neighborhoods provide unique charm, so you can find a Boston rental that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or a Bruins (or Red Sox, Patriots, or Celtics) fan, Boston is filled with beauty, opportunity, and fun. It’s a walkable city with fantastic public transit and gorgeous parks. What’s not to love?
9. Orlando, FL
Coming in at number nine on our top-most-searched cities is sun-shiny Orlando. Rent prices have fallen by 3.17 percent in the past year, perhaps making the City Beautiful even more attractive for renters. The land of theme parks and family fun, Orlando isn't just a tourist destination. It provides an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Beyond its world-famous theme parks, Orlando has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation—from hiking trails to lakes and ponds—and its vibrant nightlife scene is just waiting for you to explore.
8. San Diego, CA
From the weather to the beaches, it’s always sunny in San Diego. The fact that rent prices have fallen slightly in the past year, down about 0.24 percent, makes San Diego even more attractive for renters who want to enjoy that SoCal lifestyle. With plenty of sights and attractions to explore, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World, San Diego is a paradise for nature lovers, foodies, and nightlife seekers. Whether you're looking to enjoy the city’s unique art and culture, take a surf lesson, or explore its lush nearby parks, there's something for everyone in San Diego.
7. Miami, FL
The seventh most-searched city on Apartments.com in 2023 was Miami, Florida. From beautiful beaches to one-of-a-kind museums, Miami provides a coastal lifestyle that’s equally sophisticated. Rent in Miami increased in 2023, but only slightly, up by 0.28 percent. Renters have a variety of options, ranging from beachfront condos to stylish downtown apartments to single-family houses in the suburbs. It’s easy to see why renters love the Magic City, with everything from luxury shopping to a day at the beach within reach. When it comes to renting, Miami is one hot destination.
6. Dallas, TX
Coming in at number six is one of the biggest cities in the country, Dallas. With a lively art scene and booming tech sector, Dallas is home to some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Texas — not to mention outdoor activities like hiking and camping. The average rent price in Dallas fell in 2023, ending the year at 1.3 percent lower than it began. With its collection of unique neighborhoods ranging from trendy Deep Ellum to suburban Oak Cliff, Dallas offers a collection of unique neighborhoods with rentals ranging from sleek downtown apartments in the heart of the action to cozy houses in quiet neighborhoods.
5. Atlanta, GA
The first city in the top five city searches on Apartments.com is also one that has seen one of the sharpest declines in rent prices over the last year: Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta’s current rent prices are 5.03 percent lower than last year, making renting a bit more favorable these days. With its vibrant culture, bustling nightlife, and ample outdoor activities like hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest or camping at Sweetwater Creek State Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in the city of Atlanta. Renters seeking something a bit quieter can find family-friendly neighborhoods such as Vinings with rentals ranging from cozy apartments to spacious homes. Whether you’re looking for something close to downtown or a more suburban feel, Atlanta has something for everyone.
4. Houston, TX
Even though rent prices in Houston are up slightly by 0.09 percent over last year, it hasn’t deterred renters from moving to this action-packed city. Houston's neighborhoods each have their own unique character, ranging from the artsy and bohemian Montrose to the upscale and trendy Galleria to the historic charm of The Heights. Renters will find a variety of property types available, from sleek high-rise apartments in the heart of downtown to quaint bungalows and spacious family homes in the quieter suburban areas. Houston's robust public transportation network and continuously evolving infrastructure make commuting and navigating Houston a breeze.
3. Chicago, IL
The third most-searched city on Apartments.com was Chicago, which is also the third largest city in the country. Chicago is known for its culture, incredible architecture, and exciting nightlife. Even though the average rent in Chicago is 1.6 percent higher than last year, it hasn’t deterred renters from moving to the Windy City. From luxury apartments and vintage brownstone walk-ups located within the city limits to suburban homes with lush green lawns just beyond the city's boundaries, there’s a rental suitable for everyone. With convenient public transportation options and bike-share programs, everything renters need is within easy reach.
2. Los Angeles, CA
Beaches, sunshine, and movie stars? It isn’t difficult to figure out why Los Angeles is the second-most searched city on Apartments.com. With neighborhoods like Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Beverly Hills located within the city limits, renters can easily find a place to call home. And while rent prices are still high in LA, they have fallen 0.69 percent in the past year. Plus, with amenities like the Hollywood Bowl and Universal Studios (to name a few), there’s no shortage of entertainment in Los Angeles.
1. New York, NY
It’s one of the best cities in the world, so of course it’s the number one most searched city on Apartments.com. With iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Times Square, NYC has long attracted new residents from all over the globe. Home to top restaurants, shops, and, of course, Broadway shows, New York City sets the standard for art and culture. It’s no wonder why so many people are looking to rent an apartment here, despite it being one of the priciest cities in America. Rents rose 1.58 percent in NYC during 2023, with an average rent coming in at $3,648 per month. Still, renters love New York, making the Big Apple the most-searched city in 2023.
The 10 Most-Searched Neighborhoods on Apartments.com in 2023
Not surprisingly, most of the top-searched neighborhoods were located in the top-searched cities, although there was one notable outlier. It also appears that renters are moving back to city centers, with most of our top neighborhoods being in the heart of the city rather than the suburbs. Here are the top 10 most-searched neighborhoods in 2023:
10. Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn didn’t make our top 10 cities list. It came in at number 15, beaten out by Tampa, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Austin. However, that didn’t stop renters from searching for apartments in Williamsburg. A haven for artists and art lovers, Williamsburg is a trendy, sought-after neighborhood. So much so that rent in Williamsburg is up 1.2 percent, with the average one-bedroom costing $1,402 per month.
9. Buckhead – Atlanta, GA
As one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Atlanta, Buckhead is all about luxury, shopping, and fine dining. Like all of Atlanta, rent prices have fallen in Buckhead, down 5.4 percent over last year. Known for its beautifully manicured streets, Buckhead is home to some of Atlanta's most prestigious homes, along with a wealth of high-end shopping venues, world-class restaurants, and art galleries. Its proximity to the city's business district makes it a popular choice for renters looking for a shorter commute.
8. Lakeview – Chicago, IL
Lakeview is a popular Chicago neighborhood for many reasons, but its location near the lake and historic Wrigley Field top the list. And while rent in Chicago as a whole is higher than last year, rent in Lakeview has fallen 2.0 percent, making it a great option for renters who want a popular neighborhood near some of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
7. Downtown Chicago – Chicago, IL
If you want to live in the heart of Chicago, then downtown is the place to be. The city’s business district features a plethora of condos and apartments that offer stunning views of the skyline, as well as easy access to public transportation and an array of entertainment options. Rent in Downtown Chicago has remained relatively flat year-over-year, keeping it an affordable option for Chicago renters.
6. Midtown Atlanta – Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. The area boasts an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as easy access to public transportation. Like all of Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta rent prices have declined over the past year, falling 3.9 percent. This trendy neighborhood is known for its fantastic skyline views and exciting destinations, including Piedmont Park and Atlantic Station.
5. Downtown Houston – Houston, TX
Downtown Houston starts off the top five most-searched neighborhoods in 2023. And while rent in Houston overall increased slightly in 2023, it’s down 1.9 percent in Downtown Houston, making this attractive neighborhood even better. Downtown Houston provides a collection of luxury apartment buildings, offices, shops, and restaurants, putting the best the city has to offer at your doorstep.
4. Downtown Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
The glitz, the glamour, the theaters – Downtown Los Angeles is action-packed and dazzling. You'll find plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and unique retail stores to explore. To balance all of the action, there are quiet parks and inspiring cultural institutions. At $2,566 per month, the average rent in Downtown LA is higher than the city average, but that didn’t stop renters from searching for apartments in the heart of Tinsel Town.
3. Upper East Side – New York, NY
Surprisingly, even though New York City was the most-searched city in 2023, only one of its neighborhoods made it onto the top-searched neighborhoods list: the Upper East Side. The Upper East Side sits between Central Park and the East River, with easy access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park Zoo, and the Guggenheim Museum. It is, in a word, posh. Renting an apartment in the Upper East Side will cost you – rents have increased 1.8 percent in 2023, making the average rent about $3,352 per month.
2. Brickell – Miami, FL
Brickell is all about high-rise living with modern condos and apartments that provide stunning views of the city and Biscayne Bay. Brickell is close to everything Miami has to offer, including trendy shops, hip restaurants, entertainment venues, and gorgeous beaches. It’s one of Miami’s more expensive neighborhoods, and rent increased by 0.2 percent in 2023. However, that hasn’t stopped renters from searching for apartments in Brickell, making it the second most searched neighborhood for the year.
1. Lincoln Park – Chicago, IL
While Chicago was the third most searched city on our list, it claims the top spot for Lincoln Park, the most searched neighborhood in 2023. This iconic neighborhood borders Lake Michigan and is home to its stunning namesake park. From Lincoln Park Zoo to legendary restaurants, Lincoln Park is home to some of Chicago’s favorite destinations. Renting in Lincoln Park doesn’t come cheap, and rent prices climbed 4.0 percent in 2023. Still, that didn’t stop this beautiful neighborhood from being the number one place renters wanted to live.
While 2023 may have been a bit bumpy for renters, we noticed a clear shift toward city living, with New York City claiming the top spot for cities and Chicago’s Lincoln Park surpassing every other neighborhood in searches. Chicago also had the largest number of neighborhoods appear on the most-searched list, with three in the top 10. Even with higher rent prices in many of the locations, renters weren’t deterred. Will we see a similar trend in 2024? We can’t wait to find out!
Methodology:
These rankings are based on the volume of searches for various cities and neighborhoods on Apartments.com from January through November 2023. We conducted a thorough analysis of the data to determine these results. While this data provides valuable insight into the cities and neighborhoods that have been of significant interest to prospective renters in 2023, this list exclusively represents the search activity on Apartments.com and may not fully encapsulate broader apartment hunting trends.
