Atlanta No. 4 on Apartments.com's Top 10 List of “Most Loved Cities”

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Monday, February 18th, 2019

Roses are red, violets are blue, if you’re looking for an apartment this Valentine’s Day, Apartments.com has just the city for you! As the most visited apartment-listing site, Apartments.com used proprietary search data to reveal the top 10 most searched U.S. cities by renters – ones that renters are showing the most love for!

Top 10 “Most Loved Cities”

1. New York, NY

Full of energy, life and surprises at every turn, The Big Apple is the most searched for city in the United States more than eight million searches in the year. Between the bright lights, fast pace and tremendous diversity, New York City has a way of pushing new residents out of their comfort zone introducing them to new job opportunities, experiences, world-renowned restaurants and luxury high-rises. The city is only continuing to grow with opportunities multiplying and continued new apartment construction.

2. Los Angeles, CA

With the city’s large population, it’s no surprise that Los Angeles made the list as the second most searched for city, down more than two million searches from New York City. Offering West Coast renters an enriching combination of up-tempo city life and laid-back coastal vibes, Los Angeles’s tremendous size and number of neighborhoods ensure renters of all walks can find their place in the city. Expanding its diverse population, the City of Angels continues to grow as apartment construction accelerates, despite the 1.6% increase in rent over the past year. With unbeatable weather, world-class dining, fabulous shopping, a lively sports scene and arts and entertainment galore, the Los Angeles lifestyle is ideal for renters.

3. Chicago, IL

America’s third largest city made it to the third spot on our city love list with nearly six million searches in the past year. A great location in the Midwest, Chicago puts renters within driving distance of many major cities in the US without the large price tag, with rents averaging $1,208 for a studio apartment. Taking up a massive part of Lake Michigan’s western shore, Chicago spent much of the past century and a half building itself into a world-class city. The architecture is stunning, from the John Hancock Tower to Tribune Tower and Willis Tower. Residents and visitors enjoy watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, strolling the botanical garden before hopping aboard a dinner cruise at Navy Pier, or grazing the posh designer stores along the Magnificent Mile. Renters will never be bored exploring the city with vast work opportunities, stunning architecture and relaxing beaches.

4. Atlanta, GA

Rent growth has been remarkably stable for a construction-heavy metro like Atlanta. More than four million renters searched for an apartment in Atlanta over the past year, a good indication of the demand present in the city, with no signs of slowing. Great for fast-paced, career-oriented renters, Atlanta has a remarkably diverse economy, is a major transportation hub, and is the third most-popular filming destination in the country. With the perfect mix of metropolitan sophistication and southern charm, Atlanta is home to modern skyscrapers, historic architecture and southern sophistication. The city’s tremendous diversity is reflected not only in the plethora of food, shopping, sports and entertainment options, but also in the people you’ll meet. With affordable rents for a one-bedroom around $1,290, renters even get a great deal on a place to stay.

5. Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas

With more than 21,000 rentals currently available, Dallas is one of the largest cities in America, combining urban sophistication with an incomparable Texan personality and altogether unique blend of cultures, styles, and flavors, with just over than four million renters searching for their next apartment to call home. Ideal for professionals looking to enjoy the city and focus on their careers, renters are able to take advantage of everything the city has to offer—nightlife, the arts, shopping, and more. Corporate professionals seeking to avoid long commutes may want to look in Downtown or Uptown, which are home to major business centers as well as residential communities, affording many folks the freedom to walk to work. The city’s impressive job growth attracts career-minded renters from across the United States.

6. Houston, TX

Home to more than 37,000 apartment listings, rich in attractions, imagination, and talent, Houston is one of the largest and most distinctive cities in the United States as well as the biggest city in the Lone Star State. Nearly 3.8 million renters recently searched for an apartment in Houston. It’s a thriving hub of business and culture, with hundreds of years of history and people from around the world creating one of the nation’s most unique urban communities. Cheer on Houston’s home teams whether you’re watching basketball at the Toyota Center, baseball at Minute Maid Park, football at NRG Stadium, or soccer at BBVA Compass Stadium. Indulge your curiosity at cultural institutions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Houston Zoo.

7. Washington, D.C.

With 3.4 million searches in the past year, beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms and woven between historic monuments and government buildings, Washington DC is a city full of surprises. Despite being a foodie paradise, with top restaurants and celebrity chefs, Washington, DC is the fittest city in America; it is also one of the most walkable and bicycle-friendly (walk score- 85 / Bike Score 78), with roughly 70 miles of bike lanes and several paved biking trails. Those wishing to commute often hop on the Metro for easy access to the entire DC area (transit score 76.) American history dominates the DC landscape, providing fantastic public spaces to have lunch or just enjoy the weather.

8. Orlando, FL

Home to the Happiest Place on Earth, Orlando draws professionals, academics and whimsical renters alike, all in search of their fairytale apartment. Movie buffs, adrenaline junkies and everyone in between can enjoy the city’s major theme parks, situated among gorgeous lakes, beautiful, modern architecture and the largest college campus in the United States – University of Central Florida. With nearly three million searches, the city is extremely pedestrian-friendly, with a walkable downtown, perfect for days spent exploring. Fueled by some of the nation’s best population and job growth rates, finding an apartment in Orlando will be a breeze as rent remains affordable with the average two-bedroom asking for around $1,300 and many new apartments under construction.

9. Philadelphia

Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River near the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line, the historic city of Philadelphia played a major role in the fight for independence, even serving as the nation’s capital for a brief period. Today, Philly’s rich history blends seamlessly with its modern, progressive spirit, forming a one-of-a-kind urban experience. As one of the nation’s largest cities, you’ll discover a variety of bustling businesses, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the country’s oldest stock exchange. With 2.3 million searches in the past year and nearly 8,000 current available units, both luxury apartments and charming condos are available for rent in this bustling city.

10. Charlotte

Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is North Carolina’s busiest city with over 800,000 residents and more than 11,000 rentals listed. Tagged as “Charlotte’s got a lot” by the community, this bustling urban oasis offers diversity, cultural experiences, and endless adventures. From artistic performances to family-friendly events, local eateries, and a vibrant nightlife, Charlotte truly has something for everyone. With access to major highways, public transportation, and proximity to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte is a commuter’s paradise. With 2.3 million searches in the past year, Charlotte has earned its spot on countless “Best Places to Live” lists with seemingly endless entertainment options. Beyond the high-rises of the central business district and lively entertainment venues, Charlotte’s landscape features a mix of picturesque homes, historic buildings, luxury apartments, and lush greenery.