Nearly 80% of the best cities for renters are in the Southern United States. A new report from RentCafe reviews 20 metrics segmented into three categories—cost of living and housing; local economy; and quality of life—to determine the best places for renters to live. Of the top 50 cities, 38 were in the South.
Charleston, S.C., was the top city for the second straight year. San Marcos, Texas, was the top city for cost of living and housing but last in quality of life. Miami led the way for local economy, while Washington, D.C., had the best quality of life. D.C.'s Virginia suburbs of Arlington and Alexandria were also in the top five for quality of life.
Atlanta was the second-best city for renters overall, followed by Sarasota, Fla.; McKinney, Texas; and Scottsdale, Ariz.
Florida was home to 11 of the top 50 cities, while Texas had six.