According to a recent article published by RentCafe, the average size of apartments in the United States has increased from 899 square feet in 2022 to 916 square feet in 2023. This trend is driven by various factors such as hybrid work policies and limited supply of single-family homes. Alexandra Both, a real estate writer and research analyst at RentCafe, explains that these larger apartments are being built primarily in secondary and tertiary markets due to space availability and less restrictive zoning laws.
The top cities with the largest new apartments include Gainesville, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Baton Rouge, LA; Knoxville,TN; and Marietta,Ga. These locations offer affordable housing costs and quality of life which attract renters looking for more spacious accommodations.
However,the demand for smaller studio or one-bedroom units still exists among young professionals starting their careers or downsizing baby boomers. The future trend for apartment sizes will depend on various factors like interest rates,costs of construction,and shifting demographic needs.
Despite this uncertainty,larger apartment units will continue to be popular as long as affordable housing remains scarce. People prioritize space after experiencing the pandemic’s impact on their daily lives where homes have become central hubs for work,social activities,and leisure time.This resurgence of large apartments signifies a shift towards more comfortable living spaces rather than smaller ones previously favored by developers.
