As the end of 2023 draws near, that inevitable year-end tradition resurfaces: “best of” lists. From news events to celebrity break-ups, year-end reviews are as common right now as gingerbread cookies and eggnog. Here at Apartments.com, we’re not obsessing over the top movies of 2023, or even the best songs of the year. No, we like to reflect on renter search preferences.
So, what did renters want most in 2023? The newly released Apartments.com Renter Insights Report and the national NMHC (National Multifamily Housing Council) Renter Preferences Survey provided some interesting (and sometimes surprising) answers.
For example, we know that nationally, most renters are searching for apartments with an average price tag of $1,600 or more per month. Most renters (82 percent) said inflation has impacted them, but 40 percent expect to keep their rent below 30 percent of their income.
Renters are almost evenly split on the size of their apartment, with 40 percent wanting a one-bedroom and 39 percent wanting a two-bedroom. Of those with pets, 63 percent have dogs and 37 percent have cats.
A curious note about pets: 41 percent of those surveyed in the NMHC report said they wanted a pet-friendly rental, but only 27 percent actually have a pet.
Nationally, here are the top amenities renters are searching for:
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In-unit washer and dryer
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Air conditioning
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Pet-friendly
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Parking
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Dishwasher
Diving a bit deeper into the data, we found that a dishwasher was the top amenity for younger renters (those between 18 and 24), while air conditioning won out for older renters (those 65 and over).
Senior renters (those over 65) also considered smart appliances and smart locks essential, along with an outdoor space like a patio or balcony.
The top three must-have features for younger renters (18 to 24-year-olds) are dishwasher, air conditioning, and in-unit laundry.
While the overall top-rated amenities are practical, the top search terms showed a desire for aesthetics. Here are the top search terms on Apartments.com:
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Character and style
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Deals and rent specials
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Water access and waterfront
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Views
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New and renovated
Although each city has its own unique preferences, there were intriguing regional trends that emerged from the data. For example, renters in the Southern US showed a preference for character and style over other search terms, while those in the Northwest tended to prioritize practical features.
Style Wins in the Deep South ...
Generally speaking, renters in the South want some character in their homes. This was the top search term in Shreveport, Louisiana, and it was among the top search terms in Atlanta, Georgia; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Charleston, South Carolina.
So, in addition to character, what else do renters in the South want in their homes? Here are some standout features:
Renters in Atlanta, Georgia just want to have sun. The number one search term in this city was "sunroom."
In neighboring Albany, Georgia, hardwood floors get a hard pass. The number one search here was for carpet, followed by high-end finishes.
Shreveport had a large number of searches from elsewhere in the country. Thirty-one percent are searching from locations outside of the city, compared to 36 percent searching within the city.
Charlotte, North Carolina is famous for its craft beer breweries, UNC Charlotte, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but what matters most to renters in the Queen City? They’re all about their pets! Twenty percent of renters in Charlotte are searching for pet-friendly apartments, with 75 percent of pet owners looking for dog-friendly homes.
Not surprisingly, most waterfront locations in the South, including Florida cities like Miami, West Palm Beach, and Tampa, prioritized “waterfront” and “water access” above all other features.
However, Tallahassee, Florida residents are looking for luxury at a bargain. In this city, “high-end finishes” was the top searched-for feature, followed by “deals and specials."
...Except for Alabama
Even though “character and style” was the number one search term nationally and topped the list in multiple Southern cities, the exception was Alabama. In most Alabama cities, “character and style” didn’t even make it into the top five search terms.
In Huntsville, the top search was for internet, cable, or Wi-Fi, followed by a jetted bathtub. In Birmingham, “availability” was the top search term, followed by “high-end finishes” and “deals or specials.” Mobile renters are most concerned with water access or a waterfront location, followed by a hot tub or sauna.
The Fashionable Northeast
From New York City to Washington, DC, renters in the Northeast want stylish apartments, with this search term often showing up in the top five. However, other search terms typically took the top spot depending on location.
No surprise, considering rent prices, that New York City renters are most concerned about budget. The top search in the Big Apple was for “no fees,” but NYC renters aren’t willing to sacrifice charm. “No fees” was followed by “character and style” as the second most searched term, then “natural light” and “views.” Roughly 46 percent of New York renters searched for apartments that were $2,500 or more per month.
In Boston, Massachusetts, the top two terms were flipped, with “character and style” topping “no fees.” Renters in Boston are also concerned about transit and having rooftop access.
Baltimore, Maryland residents want deals and specials the most, followed by character and style, then smoking policies.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania searchers want character and style, followed by smoking policies and gas appliances.
Historic and beautiful Bangor, Maine has numerous buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 1856 Italianate-style mansion that’s currently home to author Stephen King. But while "character and style” is everywhere in this coastal city, renters in Bangor, Maine searched most for “cable, internet, and Wi-Fi,” followed by “pet play area.”
The Outdoorsy Southeast
Renters in much of the Southeastern US like spending time outdoors. Most of the search terms throughout the Southeast focused on outdoor spaces and amenities.
Renters in Wilmington, North Carolina search most for “water access” and “waterfront,” followed by “fenced or screened area.”
The same is true in Norfolk, Virginia, where “water access or waterfront” was followed by “deals and specials” and “carpet.”
Over in Louisville, Kentucky, the top search term was for “golf courses or simulators.”
Renters in Parkersburg, West Virginia put their pets first, with their top search being for pet play areas and pet washing stations. These top terms were followed by “ice maker.”
In addition to outdoor spaces, renters in the Southeast are concerned about cooking. In Saint Louis, Missouri, the top search term was for electric appliances. On the flip side, renters in Little Rock, Arkansas are searching for gas appliances.
Fun in the Southwestern Sun
From hot tubs to sports courts, renters in the Southwest seek apartments with amenities ideal for get-togethers and outdoor fun.
It’s all about the hot tub in Amarillo, Texas, where hot tub or sauna was the number one search term. Renters here must enjoy entertaining, because “hot tub or sauna” was followed by “kitchen bar or island.”
In Tyler, Texas, the top search was for “sport courts,” which was also a top search in San Antonio.
Everything is bigger in Texas, and apparently that applies to apartment communities. At least, “community size” was the top search term in Houston, followed by “deals and specials” and “gas appliances.”
Residents in Dallas, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma want deals on pet-friendly apartments with carpet and jetted bathtubs, while renters in Abilene, Texas want microwaves. The other top search terms here included “sports courts” and “smoking policies.”
The Pragmatic and Chic Pacific Coast
Practicality is key in most of the cities in the Pacific Northwest. Renters in Eugene, Oregon are most concerned with schools. This top search was followed by smoking policies, gas appliances, and sport courts. Renters in Seattle, Washington want an apartment with character and style, followed by views, but at a great price -- “deals and specials” was their third most-searched term.
Yakima, Washington renters searched for deals and specials, followed by “transit,” “unit layout,” and “safety and security.”
San Francisco, California residents tend to stay put. An impressive 63 percent of renters are searching from within the city. Renters here are looking for gas appliances, along with rent deals and specials. This isn’t surprising, since 46 percent of renters searching for San Francisco apartments are looking for rentals that cost more than $2,700 per month, with 21 percent looking at apartments renting for $3,400 or more.
Los Angeles, California is famous for glitz and glamour, and that apparently applies to apartments, as well. Renters here searched most for “character and style,” “views,” “water access or waterfront,” and “sports courts.”
The Views from the Rocky Mountain Region
Renters in the outdoorsy Rocky Mountain region are searching for apartments that highlight the spectacular views that surround them. With skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and fishing all nearby, renters here are looking for adventure – and good pet policies.
In Casper, Wyoming, the top search was for a pet play area. This was followed by hot tub or sauna, with “views” rounding out the top three.
Denver, Colorado renters are all about aesthetics, with “character and style” and “views” at the top of their list. Those searching in Colorado Springs also want views and a hot tub, but “smoking policies” was this city’s number one search term.
Renters in Reno, Nevada know what they want, and it’s gas appliances. This was the top-searched term for renters living in or moving to Reno. While 36 percent of renters searching for apartments in Reno already live there, the next largest group, 28 percent, is from California, specifically Sacramento (12 percent), San Francisco (10 percent), and Los Angeles (6 percent).
The Independent Midwest
While some search terms carried through the entire US with "character and style" leading the way, Midwestern cities had some unique searches. For example, renters in Detroit, Michigan searched most for direct entry. This top search term was followed by character and style, rent deals and specials, and high-end finishes.
Transit is a top priority in Lansing, Michigan. While Lansing is not the largest metro area in Michigan, renters here are searching for apartments near public transportation. “Transit” was followed by smoking policies, a hot tub or sauna, and bikeability or walkability. Renters in Lansing tend to stay put, with 39 percent of searchers already living there. The next largest group, 19 percent, are moving from Detroit.
Minneapolis, Minnesota is all about fun. The top searches here were “hot tub or sauna,” “golf course or simulator,” and “character and style.” Rounding off the top five were “deals and specials” and “kitchen bar or island.”
Considering rising rents in Cincinnati, it isn’t surprising that the top search here was for “deals and specials.” Meanwhile, renters over in Columbus, Ohio want “jetted bathtubs” followed by “character and style.”
With Lake Erie and the Maumee River to enjoy, it makes sense renters in Toledo, Ohio want apartments with water access. Other top searches in Toledo were for deals and specials. Renters also want cable, internet, and Wi-Fi along with rooftop access.
Renters in Peoria, Illinois are most concerned with pet policies, availability, and “appliances included.” While 41 percent of apartment searches are from those already living in Peoria, this popular Midwestern destination gets most of its searches from outside the city, with 30 percent from Chicago and 21 percent from other locations.
In 2023, renters searched for apartments that offered both function and style. Being pet-friendly wasn’t enough; renters wanted pet-focused features like pet parks and dog-washing stations. Preferences varied by location, from hunting for hot tubs in Amarillo to wishing for pet-washing stations in Parkersburg. While getting a great deal was important, so were water access and views. No matter where they were searching from, most renters searched for apartments that offered a blend of style, convenience, and affordability.
