Trends in Apartment Sizes Across the U.S.
According to RentCafe’s annual report on apartment living, certain cities in the United States are experiencing an increase in the average square footage of newly constructed apartments, marking a notable change in the rental landscape.
Largest New Apartments
Leading the surge in apartment size are five cities where residents are enjoying more spacious living quarters. These cities include:
- Tallahassee, Florida – average size: 1,130 square feet
- Gainesville, Florida
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Marietta, Georgia
In contrast, the national average apartment size has risen to 908 square feet, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years. However, many locales still report considerably smaller sizes.
Smallest New Apartments
The title of the smallest new apartments in the U.S. goes to Seattle, with an average size of 649 square feet. Following Seattle are:
- Portland, Oregon
- Queens, New York
- Brooklyn, New York
- San Francisco, California
Interestingly, while San Francisco typically features smaller apartments—with an average size of 716 square feet—this market has seen a positive trend. Over the past decade, the size of San Francisco’s apartments has increased by 8%, or approximately 59 square feet, indicating that developers are accommodating the demand for larger living spaces.
Market Insights
In Los Angeles, the average new apartment size stands at 789 square feet. This figure isn’t the worst; there are still 15 other cities reporting smaller average sizes. Consumer reporter David Lazarus remarks on the current rental climate:
“Not a huge surprise here. Although high home prices have kept many would-be buyers on the sidelines, and thus in rental units, there’s been a glut of vacant apartments in some markets after a flurry of construction in recent years. Larger spaces being made available reflect that.”
Lazarus points to the trend of “shrinkage” in high-demand housing markets, where developers are increasingly favoring smaller units to maximize occupancy. This pattern is particularly pronounced in metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles, where residents often prioritize proximity to work over living space.
Cities Facing Declining Apartment Sizes
On the flip side of the trend, several cities have seen significant decreases in apartment sizes. The following locations experience some of the most substantial declines:
- Arlington, Texas
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Detroit, Michigan
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Fort Myers, Florida
In Arlington, for instance, new apartment units are reported to be 215 square feet smaller than those built 10 years ago. RentCafe attributes this shift to a growing demand for one-bedroom units.
As the landscape of apartment living continues to evolve, these trends highlight the varying needs and preferences of renters across the United States, as well as the market’s response to those demands.
