City life - there's nothing quite like it. The buzz, the endless opportunity, the people...
But which city? New York or LA might be the most obvious choices for many roommates, but it's not necessarily the biggest cities that are seeing most demand right now. We decided to see what's going on.
We didn't just look at how many roommates are looking in each city though - New York and LA will always top that list. Instead, we looked at how many roommates there are vs how many rooms are listed, to get a real sense of where demand is high right now.
Here's what we found...
1. Baltimore
Average monthly roommate rent: $794
Also known as ‘charm city,’ Baltimore is the US metro area seeing the biggest demand per room right now. It’s one of America’s oldest cities and home to a whopping 225 neighbourhoods. If you love a big city with a small town vibe, then Baltimore is the place for you.
2. San Diego
Average monthly roommate rent: $1,278
With an average temperature of 70 degrees all year round, San Diego has a huge outdoor vibe, with long stretches of beaches and a major yoga scene. Also known as ‘America’s finest city,’ San Diego is just miles from the Mexican border and has some of the best Mexican restaurants in the US as a result!
3. Miami
Average monthly roommate rent: $1,244
Next on the list is Miami, one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, with over 10% of Miami’s workforce in the tourism industry. In fact, it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country! You’ll find tourists and locals alike at the beaches, enjoying the iconic nightlife, or soaking up the culture in the city’s thriving modern art scene.
4. Los Angeles
Average monthly roommate rent: $1,296
As the second most populated city in the US, it’s no surprise that Los Angeles is in demand right now. LA has the same 'suitcase and a dream' appeal as New York, bringing people in from all over the country (and the world) seeking a new life, especially in its world famous film, TV and music industries.
5. Philadelphia
Average monthly roommate rent: $916
Known for its tight knit communities, Philadelphia is a great spot for those seeking city life without all the hustle and bustle. The fact that it’s under two hours by train from both New York and Washington DC makes it a great location to travel from as well as live in. Philadelphia is rich in history and home to many top museums, galleries and educational institutions.
6. New York
Average monthly roommate rent: $1,498
New York doesn’t need much of an introduction. Home to almost 8.5 million New Yorkers and 65 million annual tourists, you won’t be bored in this city. There's never a dull moment in NYC, and even having the highest average rent in the US doesn't put people off!
7. Orlando
Average monthly roommate rent: $954
Miami isn’t the only city in Florida with a major presence in the tourism industry - with Orlando welcoming a huge 76 million tourists a year. That means there are plenty of jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries - one of the key reasons Orlando ranks high in the list of in demand metro areas.
8. Las Vegas
Average monthly roommate rent: $849
Sin City isn’t just bright lights and gambling, and there’s more to it than meets the eye. Due to its geographical location in the Mojave Desert, the outdoor activities to choose from are endless - including hiking trails and national parks. Known as one of the best cities for food, there are world-class restaurants dotted in and around the Vegas Strip, offering every kind of delicacy you could ever wish for.
9. Atlanta
Average monthly roommate rent: $856
If you want a city with plenty of greenery, then Atlanta might just be the place for you, as it’s the most heavily forested urban area in the country covering 48% of the city! Atlanta has seen an influx of millennials in recent years - they now make up a quarter of Atlanta’s population. It's a vibrant place to be with new restaurants, shops and businesses opening constantly!
10. Seattle
Average monthly roommate rent: $1,048
Last but not least is Seattle. Home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Amazon, Nintendo and Microsoft. Seattle has a serious tech industry and a booming economy. Its food scene is like no other, focusing on quality ingredients and local produce. And if you think Seattle is all grey skies and rain, then think again - this city has some of the best summers in the country, and plenty of green spaces for Seattlites to enjoy.