- Cincinnati ranks #1 for renter engagement, leading a broader shift toward more affordable Midwestern cities.
- The Midwest dominates with 11 cities in the top 30—four of which are in the top 10.
- Las Vegas and Long Beach see strong gains, both moving into the top 10 rental markets.
- St. Louis jumps 74 spots, the largest rise this quarter.
Cincinnati Leads as Renters Shift Focus
According to RentCafe, Cincinnati rose four spots to claim the #1 position nationally for renter engagement in Q3. Activity surged across all metrics: page views increased 34%, listings added to favorites rose 52%, and saved searches jumped 56%.
Much of the engagement came from renters in Columbus, Indianapolis, and Chicago, showing growing demand for affordable but well-connected cities in the Midwest.
Atlanta and Kansas City Round Out the Top Three
Atlanta climbed to second place, driven by consistent interest. Although page views and favorites dipped slightly, the city still led the nation in favorited listings and ranked fourth in saved searches.
Meanwhile, Kansas City, MO held steady at #3. Renters there doubled both their saved searches and favorited listings, indicating sustained interest in this affordable Midwest market.
Washington, D.C., which held the top spot in earlier quarters, slipped to fourth, reflecting a broader pattern of renters shifting away from traditional coastal hubs.
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Midwest Is the Hottest Rental Region
With 11 cities in the top 30, the Midwest led the nation in renter activity. Cities like Cleveland (#8), Columbus (#12), and Detroit (#16) gained ground as renters prioritized value and livability.
Notably, St. Louis surged 74 spots, the largest quarter-over-quarter gain. Its sharp rise in saved searches (+99%) suggests renters are now watching the market more closely.
Western and Northeastern Cities Rebound
The West saw strong momentum, with Las Vegas jumping to #5 thanks to a 157% increase in saved searches. Likewise, Long Beach, CA, broke into the top 10 for the first time, reflecting growing demand for more relaxed coastal living.
In the Northeast, Philadelphia (#7) held its position, while Queens (#19) and Boston (#26) made sizable gains. These markets benefited from renters seeking urban access without Manhattan prices.
Renter Behavior Is Evolving
Renters are becoming more focused in their searches. Rather than browsing aimlessly, many now set alerts, save listings, and apply filters. This behavior shows a shift toward more deliberate and data-driven decisions.
These habits also help explain why less expensive and secondary cities are gaining traction. As affordability becomes a top priority, renters are willing to explore new markets.
What to Watch Moving Forward
Looking ahead, the Midwest’s momentum could continue into the slower fall and winter months. Meanwhile, rising engagement in Western and Northeastern markets signals that renters are not just moving—they’re strategically planning their next move.
For developers and investors, this shift highlights the value of targeting emerging markets and supporting digital tools that make apartment searching easier.
