Best Places for Renters to Live in 2023
The primary contributor to the increasing cost of living for Americans are expenses associated with rent and mortgages, making it important to consider which cities offer the powerful combination of affordability and quality of life in 2023. It’s important to factor in a city’s apartment quality; local economy; employment opportunities, living expenses, traffic; schools, air quality, and natural amenities when making the difficult decision to plant roots in a new place. New data by RentCafe highlights where people living in the U.S. can get the most out of their renting experience in 2023.
According to RentCafe, Southern states are the premier region for renters, claiming an impressive 36 out of the top 50 spots. This includes renowned rental hotspots like Miami and Orlando, FL, as well as lesser-known markets such as Plano, TX; Asheville, NC; and Birmingham, AL. Renters in this region have the luxury of choosing between the vibrant ambiance of a major city or the enchantment of a charming small town.
Charleston, SC takes the No. 1 spot for Best Places to Live in 2023
Charleston, South Carolina, the largest and oldest city in the state, secures the top spot in this year's ranking of the best cities for renters. This accolade is attributed to its optimal combination of apartment quality and cost of living, which ranks as the third-best in the country. Additionally, Charleston earns a commendable score in the local economy category. Notably, the city has gained recognition as a burgeoning tech hub with over 250 tech companies, positioning it fifth in terms of the local economy.
Renters in Charleston can enjoy a suburban feel that offers the advantages of residing in a major city without compromising on factors like air quality or access to natural amenities. The data reveals that nearly half of the households in Charleston are occupied by renters. Furthermore, the average size of apartments in Charleston is significantly larger than the national average, measuring approximately 967 square feet. With a robust job growth rate of 5.9%, it is no surprise that Charleston claims the title of the best city for renters in 2023.
Plano, Texas rises to the top in 2nd place
Claiming the second spot on RentCafe’s list, Plano has recently gained recognition as the "City of Excellence." It garners high rankings in two key areas: the local economy, where it secures the second position, and quality of life, where it ranks sixth. Plano's distinguished reputation for fostering academic success makes it an ideal destination for families seeking a city with exceptional public schools. Furthermore, the city boasts excellent air quality and a significant proportion of high-end apartments, accounting for 78.2% of the housing stock. Additionally, Plano serves as the headquarters for several major corporations, including Bank of America, Hewlett Packard, FedEx, JCPenney, and Pepsi. Consequently, it exhibits one of the highest job growth rates nationwide, further enhancing its appeal.
The Top 10 Places to Live in 2023
For commercial real estate investors, understanding the dynamics of the rental market and the best cities for renters in 2023 is crucial. With the rising cost of living, particularly in terms of rent and mortgages, it becomes essential to identify cities that offer a compelling blend of affordability and quality of life. As RentCafe's data shows, Southern states have emerged as the premier region for renters, occupying the majority of the top 50 spots. This presents a compelling case study for commercial real estate investors looking to tap into rental markets with strong potential.
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