Starting college is an exciting time for many new students who will find themselves in a new environment with different people, rigorous courses, and opportunities to join communities that align with their interests. For many college students, the prospect of dating is also an intriguing option, as they’ll be around a large population of their peers and have more independence than they would at home. However, not all schools have the same playground for dating, and students may find some campuses more appealing than others for finding a new match.

RentHop compiled the largest 100 schools across the country and ranked them by their desirability for single students, considering the possibilities and costs for dating, tuition, and housing cost. Our findings include the following:

Key Findings

• Single students studying in Georgia must carefully consider where they want to attend school; the state has the best and worst schools for dating.
• Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA is the most appealing college for singles. This school comes in first place for dating and also charges a low tuition.
• Rents surrounding college campuses did not increase drastically this year, with a median increase of 2% nationwide.
• Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, came last on our index with the worst dating score.

Most Appealing Colleges for Singles

1. Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University is the most affordable college for single students. This campus has the highest dating score, where students have a wide selection of people to date and a relatively low cost of date options like dining out or grabbing a cup of coffee. The median rent for off-campus housing around the university currently sits at $1,950 monthly, and students can lower their housing costs by having roommates.

2. Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

Students at Utah Valley University live in a more affordable housing market and pay lower tuition than most campuses in our rankings. This campus has one of the highest enrollment counts on our Most Appealing list, providing students with abundant opportunities to meet and date other singles.

3. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Single students at Oregon State University also have an advantageous dating scene, with the second-highest dating rank on our list. Students can take each other on affordable dates in this area, where a cappuccino costs under $5. The university also enrolls many students, with over 35,000 people taking courses last year.

4. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University students pay less tuition than most colleges on our list and also have a strong dating market. In-state students pay an average of $11,752, and out-of-state students pay $27,272. Students can choose between several low-cost date spots and will have plenty of dating options.

5. Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Auburn University has one of the most affordable rental markets where renters can expect to spend $1,200 monthly on an apartment. Students will also find an appealing dating scene with lower dating costs than other campuses.

6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Raleigh, NC

The cost of housing did not drastically change this year, and students at the North Carolina State University at Raleigh can expect $1,718 to rent an apartment. While this rent is higher than most places on our Most Appealing list, students will pay lower tuition than most colleges, with an in-state cost of $9,657 and an out-of-state tuition of $29,220.

7. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Students in Salt Lake City can expect to pay $1,295 a month for off-campus housing near the University of Utah. The cost of going on dates is lower in this area than most spots on our index, making this campus an ideal location for those looking to meet others on a budget.

8. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University has the best housing rank on our Most Appealing list. Students can expect to spend $997 monthly on rent, one of the cheapest rents on the entire index. The school also came in third place for its dating score, where students don’t have to break the bank to go on a date.

9. University of Maryland, College Park, MD

The University of Maryland has the worst tuition and housing affordability scores on the Top 10 list but comes in fourth with the dating rank. The median rent for off-campus housing around the University of Maryland currently sits at $2,246, making it the 29th most expensive college in our index. Students will also have a higher tuition bill than students who attend most other schools. However, the university enrolls many students and has a relatively low cost of dating activities in the area, making it an appealing option for students looking for love.

10. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will pay less tuition than most colleges on the list, with a low in-state tuition of $7,114 and an out-of-state tuition of $20,442. The median rent for off-campus housing is around $1,648 monthly.

Least Appealing Colleges for Singles

1. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute of Technology’s main campus is the least appealing college for single students. The school has the lowest dating rank on our index, with a lower enrollment rate and dating costs that are more expensive than in other parts of the country. However, the school does have a favorable tuition cost, where in-state students can pay as little as $6,099. Students who are not looking to date in college may find this school appealing, but singles looking to mingle should consider other options.

2. George Washington University, Washington D.C.

George Washington University also scores poorly in the dating sphere and has high tuition and housing costs. With a median rental price of $2,750, students face an expensive market that leaves less discretionary spending on dates, which also runs a high price. Additionally, the high tuition of $62,220 makes the financial circumstances less appealing for prospective students. Those who attend the school may spend more time analyzing their finances than going on dates.

3. New York University, New York, NY

New York University could be an exciting campus for finding a date, but the high prices of activities in New York City make this a less appealing option for singles. The school has the worst housing rank of all the colleges on our index due to the incredibly high average rent of $4,795. Students likely need to live with roommates to afford housing at this school, which dampens their dating situation.

4. Boston University, Boston, MA

Boston University has the third highest tuition on our index, charging students an average of $62,360. The school has a more appealing dating score than the others on the Least Appealing list, but the high tuition and housing costs in Boston make this school expensive to attend, leaving less money for dating activities.

5. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University rounds out our list of the least appealing colleges for dating. The school comes in 97th for dating, but students will pay less rent and tuition here compared to the other schools on the Least Appealing list.

Full Dataset

Methodology

To find the best colleges for students looking for love, the RentHop team compared the largest 100 colleges in the U.S. based on (1) dating score, (2) tuition cost, and (3) off-campus housing cost. The RentHop College Singles Index 2024 covers the following metrics:

Dating Score (70 Points)

• Dating Opportunity, measured by male to female ratio (50 Points)
• Cost of Dating, which includes meals for two people (5 points), cost of coffee (5 points), cost of gas (5 points), and cost of groceries (5 points)

Tuition Cost (20 Points)

• Average tuition per year

Off-Campus Housing Cost (10 Points)

• Median rent from RentHop’s College Rent Report, which calculates the median price for all listings within 2 miles of the center of campus, was taken and ranked from most expensive to least. If there were not enough listings within 2 miles of the campus, we then expanded the radius to ensure that enough listings were included. In denser and more developed cities, the radius was reduced accordingly to reflect housing availability around the campus. The following listing types were used to calculate the median rent price: apartment, house, townhouse, and triplex. Values refer to the median of all bedroom types, i.e., not just a one-bedroom or two-bedroom off-campus apartment.

For more information on our methodology or to contact our data team, please email press@renthop.com.

The post RentHop College Singles Index: 2024 Edition appeared first on Real Estate Data & Research.

Many D.C. renters rely on the Metrorail transit system to accommodate their commutes and day-to-day activities. Each year, RentHop reports shifts in rental prices along major D.C. subway stops. This year, we discovered that:

Key Findings

• The median rent for a two-bedroom increased 3.56% to $2,688.
• Rental prices increased across most stops city-wide, increasing year over year at 82 subway stops.
• Prices decreased at 11 subway stations; that’s 15 fewer drops than last year.
• Several Metro stops in Bethesda, like Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore, watched rental prices increase at least 13% due to new developments like Solaire at 7607 Old Georgetown Road.
• The median rental price for two-bedroom apartments decreased at major D. C. subway stops like Union Station ($3,125, YoY -6.72%) and Dupont Circle ($3,745, YoY -2.73%).

D.C. Metro Median Rent Map, with YoY Price Fluctuations

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To calculate the median rent for the map above, we analyzed RentHop’s rental data for unfurnished two-bedroom apartments from May 1 through July 31, 2023, and April 1 through June 30, 2024, and WMATA GIS data for Metrorail stops from dc.gov.

To get accurate prices near the Metro stops, we looked first at non-duplicated listings within 0.5 miles (800 meters) of a metro stop and calculated the median if there were 20 unique data points. If not, the radius from the stop was increased, and the data were resampled to ensure enough unique listings were used when calculating the median.

Two-Bedroom Rents Increased Most at These Metro Stops

1. Anacostia (Green) – $2,088, YoY +15.97%
2. Bethesda (Red) – $3,379, YoY +13.66%
3. Potomac Yard (Blue, Yellow) – $3,265, YoY +13.57%
4. Medical Center (Red) – $3,000, YoY +13.21%
5. Grosvenor-Strathmore (Red) – $2,600, YoY +13.04%

These Are the Most Expensive Metro Stops, Based on Two-Bedroom Rents

1. Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver) – $4,100, YoY +2.50%
2. Farragut West (Blue, Orange, Silver) – $3,925, YoY +1.95%
3. Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver) – $3,800, YoY +2.70%
4. Farragut North (Red) – $3,800, YoY +0%
5. McPherson Sq (Blue, Orange, Silver) – $3,800, YoY +0%

Two-Bedroom Rents Decreased Most at These Metro Stops

1. Union Station (Red) – $3,125, YoY -6.72%
2. NoMa-Gallaudet U (Red) – $2,915, YoY -5.97%
3. Congress Heights (Green) – $1,600, YoY -5,88%
4. Takoma (Red) – $2,373, YoY -3.20%
5. Reston Town Center (Silver) – $2,475, YoY -2.94%

These Are the Cheapest Metro Stops, Based on Two-Bedroom Rents

1. Congress Heights (Green) – $1,600, YoY -5,88%
2. Southern Avenue (Green) – $1,600, YoY -21.4%
3. Branch Ave (Green) – $1,650, YoY +0%
4. Landover (Orange) – $1,650, YoY +0%
5. Naylor Road (Green) – $1,650, YoY +0.46%

Rents Remain High for D.C. Renters

Washington D.C. renters still face an expensive market, where the median two-bedroom rent citywide increased 3.56% yearly to $2,688. Of the 98 D. C. subway stops covered in our report, 82 witnessed rental prices increase since last year, which is more increases than we reported last summer. While rent increases slowed down last year after the post-pandemic rush, they are now increasing again due to high interest and new construction.

Most renters will pay more than they would have last year for an apartment, but rents remained the same and decreased in some areas. The popular Union Station stop watched rents decrease 6.72% since last year to $3,125, the largest decrease of all the metro stops. Overall, rents decreased at 11 stations and remained the same at five stations.

New Developments Still Drive Up Rental Prices

New apartment complexes with modern finishes and pricey amenities contributed to rent increases along Metro stops like Grosvenor-Strathmore and Bethesda. The new development Ravel & Royale at 10511 Strathmore Hall Street charges higher rent prices, which drove the median up 13.04% to $2,600.

Another new development in the area, Solaire at 7607 Old Georgetown Road, drove up rental prices 13.66% to $3,379 at Bethesda. With several new developments in the town of Bethesda, Metro stations in the area watched the median rental prices jump more than 10% year over year.

The post Rents Climbed at Most Washington D.C. Metro Stops This Year appeared first on Real Estate Data & Research.

Each year, the Data Science team at RentHop maps out median rents by each MBTA T train stop to help renters navigate the Boston rental market. Our findings this year include:

Key Findings

• Of the 117 MBTA stops included in our study, 88% saw an increase in one-bedroom rents this year.
• The Boston T stops that witnessed the largest increases in rents include Stony Brook ($2,850, +11.76%), Magoun Square ($2,725, +11.22%), and Kent Street ($2,997.50, +10.00%).
• Six T stops witnessed a slight decrease in one-bedroom rents this year, including Roxbury Crossing ($2,800, -5.08%), Brookline Hills ($2,600, -3.70%), and Suffolk Downs ($2,250, -2.17%).
• One-bedroom rents remained the same at eight stopes this year, including Kenmore ($2,800) and Fenwood Road ($2,800).
• All Boston T stops along the Red Line increased in rent this year, with significant increases along the Ashmont branch.
• The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston increased 32.53% since last year, as low inventory drives up demand and prices.

Our Interactive MBTA Map Shows All Train Stations With Rents and YoY Fluctuations

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To calculate the median rent for the map above, we used RentHop unfurnished one-bedroom apartments created between February 1, 2024, and May 31, 2024, as well as Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) GIS data for Boston T stops from MBTA’s Open Data portal.

To get accurate prices near the subway stops, we looked first at non-duplicated listings within 0.62 miles of an MBTA stop. If there were 20 unique data points, we calculated the median. If not, the radius from the stop was increased to 1.2 miles, and the data was resampled to ensure that enough unique listings were used when calculating the median.

The Biggest Rent Hikes On One-Bedroom Apartments

1. Stony Brook (Orange) – $2,850, YoY +11.76%
2. Magoun Square (Green) – $2,725, +11.22%
3. Kent Street (Green) – $2,997.50, +10.00%
4. Shawmut (Red) – $2,250, +9.89%
5. Capen Street (Red) – $2087.50, +9.87%

Here are the Most Expensive Boston T Stops, Based on One-Bedroom Rents

1. Tufts Medical Center (Orange) – $3,931, YoY +3.64%
2. Broadway (Red) – $3,928, +9.81%
3. Kendall/MIT (Red) – $3,515, +8.32%
4. Boylston (Green) – $3,500 +7.69%
5. Arlington (Green) – $3,500, +2.94%

One-Bedroom Rents Decreased Most at These Five Boston T Stops

1. Roxbury Crossing (Orange) – $2,800, YoY -5.08%
2. Brookline Hills (Green) – $2,600, -3.70%
3. Suffolk Downs (Blue) – $2,250, -2.17%
4. Washington Square (Green) – $2,450, -2.00%
5. Longwood (Green) -$2,750, -1.79%

Here are the Least Expensive Boston T Stops, Based on One-Bedroom Rents

1. North Quincy (Red) – $1,900, YoY +7.04%
2. Mattapan (Red) – $1,925, +1.99%
3. Wollaston (Red) – $19,25, +4.90%
4. Oak Grove (Orange) – $1,997.50, -0.12%
5. Quincy Adams (Red) – $2,000, +1.91%

What Does This Mean for Boston Renters?

Prospective renters in the Boston area should consider how they can adjust their budget and expectations to live in their desired area. For example, renters along the Green Line can consider adding one stop to their commute to save $100 on their monthly rent by signing a lease closer to Copley ($3,400) than Arlington ($3,500). With limited inventory citywide, Bostonians should be swift in their decision-making process to ensure they still find a rental that checks most of the boxes on their list.

RentHop Can Help in Your Apartment Search

Finding an apartment in any city can be daunting, and deciding where to live and starting your search can be the most difficult step. RentHop is here to point you in the right direction by providing market insights and updates on rental trends. This map is just one of the countless data-backed insights we offer. All of our Boston rentals are ranked using available data to ensure you always see the highest quality apartments.

The post Rents increased at 88% of Boston T Stops appeared first on Real Estate Data & Research.

Key Findings

• New York University has the most expensive rent out of the largest 100 colleges. The median rent around campus is $4,795/month.
• The University of Iowa has the most affordable rent of $920/month.
• College students along the East and West coasts can expect to spend more on rent than students in the Midwest and South.
• New York City and Los Angeles remain expensive for students. In these cities, renters should consider living with roommates to save on housing costs.
• Housing costs increased around 80 campuses year-over-year, increasing the financial burden for many students nationwide.

The 10 Schools Where It’s Most Expensive to Live Off-Campus

The following list highlights the ten colleges with the highest off-campus rents. New York University yet again ranks as the most expensive option. The median rent of $4,795 is more than five times the rent of the least expensive off-campus housing near the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. Many students in New York City must consider living with at least one roommate to lower the cost of housing and make renting more affordable.

Housing is also expensive for students in California, with the University of California Irvine in Irvine, CA, coming in second with a median off-campus rent of $4,100. Four colleges in California landed on the Top 10 list this year, including UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and San Francisco State University.

Off-campus housing remains high along the East and West coasts, with Massachusetts schools earning three spots on the most expensive list. With two Boston, MA campuses and Harvard University in the mix, students along the coasts can expect higher rental costs compared to schools in the Midwest and South.

The 10 Most Expensive Colleges for Off-Campus Housing

1. New York University (New York, NY) – $4,795/month
2. University of California Irvine (Irvine, CA) – $4,100/month
3. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) – $3,995/month
4. University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles, LA) – $3,750/month
5. University of California San Diego (San Diego, CA) – $3,640/month
6. Boston University (Boston, MA) – $3,600/month
7. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) – $3,560/month
8. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) – $3,400/month
9. San Francisco State University (San Francisco, CA) – $3,312.50/month
10. Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) – $3,257.50/month

The 10 Schools Where It’s Most Affordable to Live Off-Campus

Students in the Midwest and South can find more affordable off-campus housing options compared to coastal campuses. The University of Iowa median off-campus rent is $920 monthly, which is significantly lower than colleges in the most expensive ranking.

Only one campus along the coast ranked in the most affordable list. Students at Washington State University in Pullman, WA, can expect to pay $930 a month for off-campus housing.

The 10 Most Affordable Colleges for Off-Campus Housing

1. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) – $920/month Washington State University (Pullman, WA) – $930/month
2. University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) – $935.50/month
3. Iowa State University (Ames, IA) – $965/month
4. University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) – $975/month
5. Kent State University (Kent, OH) – $995/month
6. Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) – $997/month
7. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valle (Edinburg, TX) – $1,050/month
8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) – $1,050/month
9. University of Oklahoma – Norman Campus (Norman, OK) – $1099.50/month

Student Housing Remains Unaffordable for College Students

Off-campus housing costs increased year-over-year for 80 out of the 100 colleges in our College Index. Nationwide, rental market conditions limit supply and continue to drive up costs, forcing students to compete amongst themselves for housing opportunities. Students along the coast still cannot afford the cost of a median one-bedroom apartment on their own and must seek financial assistance from their family, acquire more debt, or rent with roommates to secure off-campus housing. For some students, the cost of renting an apartment will make the difference between enrolling in one university over another.

Affording Off-Campus Housing

The cost of college can be overwhelming for high school students and soon-to-be college students. Students must also consider their housing costs when deciding where to attend school. When renting an apartment off-campus, students will have to pay rent monthly, meaning they’ll need a lump sum of money or a consistent income to pay their bills. Students can consider taking out a loan or acquiring a part-time job to help with bills if they do not already have funding.

Methodology

The RentHop College Rent Report analyzes rental data from over one million active off-campus rental listings located near U.S. college campuses over the three months prior to publication. To produce the ranking, the median price for all listings within 2 miles of the center of campus was taken and ranked from most expensive to least. If there were not enough listings within 2 miles of the campus, we then expanded the radius to ensure that enough listings were included. In denser and more developed cities, the radius was reduced accordingly to reflect housing availability around the campus.

The following listing types were used to calculate the median rent price: apartment, house, townhouse, and triplex. Values refer to the median of all bedroom types, i.e., not just a one-bedroom or two-bedroom off-campus apartment.

For more information on our methodology or to contact our data team, please email press@renthop.com.

Full Data

The below image shows College Rent Report and the schools ranked by median rent for easy sharing. You can also search by city or college using the interactive data table at the bottom of the report.

(Click on the image to zoom in)

Interactive Data Table

The post The RentHop College Rent Report: May 2024 appeared first on Real Estate Data & Research.

As MTA subway ridership levels continue to surpass previous post-COVID records, ridership remains lower than before the pandemic. Yet the pre-pandemic rental prices are long forgotten in the NYC rental market, where renters are paying more than ever, with no indication of fluctuation on the horizon. With the rental season underway, those looking to move this year must decide which location accommodates their rental wish list and budget.

Our Key Findings This Year Include the Following:

• The median rent for a New York City apartment is currently $4,400, 3.5% higher than this time last year.
• Rental prices increased at 84% of subway stations this year, lower than the 94% of increases in 2023.
• 11.7%, or 56 subway stations, saw rents decrease year over year, more than double the decreases that occurred last year.
• Subway stations along the 6 train in the Bronx witnessed the most drastic rental decreases, with rents coming down over 6%.
• Rental prices remained the same at 3% of stations, including Manhattan’s busiest stops like Times Square and Grand Central.
• While construction has decreased year over year, new developments and renovations still increased rental prices in outer neighborhoods across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and even uptown Manhattan.

2024 NYC Subway Median Rent Map with YoY Price Fluctuations

The map below highlights MTA subway stops that experienced significant price fluctuations year-over-year. Rent prices increased in the outer boroughs like Brooklyn around the Ave P stop by 17.44%. In Manhattan, prices spiked uptown off the 155th St stop and downtown near Bowery, Grand St, and East Broadway.
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84% of Subway Stations Experienced Rental Increases, Lower than Last Year

402, or 84% of stops, watched their rents go up over the past year. However, this figure is lower than our 2023 findings, which located rent increases at 94% of stations. Overall, rents remained the same or decreased along more subway stations year over year.

Rental prices remained the same at 3% of subway stations, including popular Manhattan stops like Grand Central, Times Square, and West 4th Street. While renters still commute and use these stops frequently, the demand for rentals along these stops has not impacted the median rents.

Rental prices decreased along 11.7% of stations across the boroughs, with many rents decreasing along the 4 and 6 routes in the Bronx. Several stations along the G line in Brooklyn also saw decreasing rents.

Slower Development is No Match for Rapid Renovations

Similar to previous years, Manhattan renters still consistently concede their location to acquire lower-priced units in the outer boroughs, eventually increasing prices in those areas. However, new developments and renovations also impact rental prices, jacking up rents in areas typically offering more affordable options for long-time residents.

New Developments Still Impact Rents

Between 2022 and 2023, new developments in the outer boroughs drastically impacted rents as developers took advantage of the expiring 421a Exemption. While developers have until June 15, 2026, to complete construction, many buildings already launched leasing, leaving fewer units to impact rental prices. New developments like The Highland and 1775 Coney Island Avenue increased the median one-bedroom rents off the Shepherd Ave stop by 14.53%, and the Ave M stop by 9.49%, respectively.

New developments and renovations in Upper Manhattan contributed to increasing rents along the 155th St subway stops. In our 2023 report, the rent along 155th St increased only 7.3% at the A-C location and 9.0% at the B-D location. However, new developments like Sunrose Tower charge higher rents in exchange for in-unit laundry, furnished rooftops, and doormen, driving up rents by 19.27% since last year.

Renters along the 2 and 5 trains in the Bronx also watched prices drastically increase. The Bronx Vibe began leasing new luxury units in February, and the Simpson Street stop watched prices soar 12.08%. Rents also soared 17.07% off the Kew Gardens stop in Queens due to new buildings like 81-07 Kew Gardens Road.

Agent Joseph Kano with Rentopia believes that while high Manhattan rents are pricing renters out and causing a migration to the outer boroughs, there are “new developments in Williamsburg and Bushwick” also hitting the market at higher prices.

Renovations and Boutique Buildings Drive Up Rents in Outer Neighborhoods

Meanwhile, more renovated apartments and boutique buildings entered the market this spring, pushing rents higher at certain stops. Renters in Canasie can pick from renovated units in buildings like 1370 East 92nd Street, which contribute to rents increasing 16.28% off the Canarsie—Rockaway Pkwy L stop. Smaller boutique buildings with refined finishes, like 1846 Park Place off the Sutter Ave—Rutland Road stop in Brooklyn, also charge higher rental prices.

The median one-bedroom rent increased at the 155th St stop in Manhattan, partially due to renovations at 457 West 150th Street, which turned 19th-century carriage houses into modern sun-drenched oases with higher rents.

Tenants With Lower Rents Aren’t Moving

Some existing tenants with below-average rents may have opted to stay put more often in the past year. As rents drastically increased in outer neighborhoods after the pandemic, existing tenants who did not need to move apartments could have resigned their leases, decreasing the inventory of lower-priced units. When tenants eventually decide to move, the units may be outdated enough to convince owners to renovate and charge a higher rent.

Median 1BR Rents at Major NYC Subway Hubs

• Union Sq – 14 St (N-Q-R-W) – $5,050, YoY +1.0%
• Union Sq – 14 St (4-5-6-6 Express) – $4,700, +1.73%
• Times Sq – 42 St (1-2-3) – $4,400, +0.0%
• Times Sq – 42 St (N-Q-R-W) – $4,500, +0.0%
• Grand Central – 42nd St (4-5-6-6 Express) – $4,375, +1.86%
• Grand Central – 42nd St (7-7 Express) – $4,300, +0.66%
• West 4th St (B-D-F-M) – $4,650, -0.75%
• West 4th St (A-C-E) – $4,695, +0.0%
• Herald Sq – 34 St (B-D-F-M) – $4,600, +0.11%
• Herald Sq – 34 St (N-Q-R-W) – $4,645, +1.09%
• Fulton St (2-3) – $4,663, +5.98%
• Fulton St (4-5) – $4,598, +4.62%
• Fulton St (A-C) – $4,619, +4.98%
• Fulton St (J-Z) – $4,600, +4.66%
• Jay St – Metro Tech (A-C-F) – $4,271, +6.35%
• Atlantic Ave – Barclay’s Center (2-3-4-5) – $4,195, +2.5%
• Atlantic Ave – Barclay’s Center (B-Q) – $4,300, +2.5%
• Atlantic Ave – Barclay’s Center (D-N-Q-R) – $4,275, +3.64%
• Broadway Junction (J-Z) – $2,700, +12.5%
• Broadway Junction (A-C) – $2,672.50, +11.35%
• Jackson Heights – Roosevelt Av (E-F-M-R) – $2,350, +6.82%
• 74 St – Broadway (7) – $2,395, +8.86%

Rents Spiked at These Stops

• 155th St (B-D) – $2,600, +19.27%
• 155th St (A-C) – $2,600, +17.97%
• Briarwood – Van Wyck Blvd (E-F) – $2,300, +17.95%
• Marble Hill – 225th St (1) – $2,700, +17.65%
• Ave P (F) – $2,290, +17.44%

These Stops Experienced Decreases in Median Rents for 1BR Apartments

• Cypress Ave (6) – $2,420, -6.58%
• Bronx Park East (2-5) – $1,640 -6.52%
• 103rd St (A-B-C) – $3,347.50, -6.49%
• Brook Ave (6) – $2,369, -6.36%
• Gun Hill Rd (5) – $1,797.50, -5.15%

Methodology

To calculate the median net effective asking rents for the map above, we used RentHop’s rental data for long-term, unfurnished one-bedroom apartments from February 1 through April 30, 2023 & 2024, MTA Lines and Stops data, and GIS data for subway stops compiled by CUNY – Baruch College and NYC Open Data. To get accurate prices near the subway stops, we looked at least 20 non-duplicated rental listings within 800 meters (0.5 miles) of a subway stop and then calculated the median rents. If there were less than 20 non-duplicated listings. If not, the radius from the stop was increased to up to 2,000 meters (1.2 miles), and the data were resampled to ensure enough unique listings were used when calculating the median.

The post Brooklyn and Queens Stops Experienced Major Rent Hikes appeared first on Real Estate Data & Research.

Despite the NYC Heat Law, many landlords do not comply with heating regulations, resulting in many tenants reporting their buildings to 311. Each winter, RentHop analyzes the frequency of these calls throughout buildings, neighborhoods, and boroughs, finding that certain areas receive more heat complaints than others. Areas like Fordham Heights (Bronx), Flatbush (Brooklyn), and Little Italy (Manhattan) continue to receive a high volume of heat complaints. The following describes where renters are more likely to be left out in the cold.

Key findings from this year’s report include:

• In total, 172,692 heat and hot water complaints were filed to 311 residents across New York City from October 1, 2023, to February 16, 2024, 23.22% fewer than last winter.
• After grouping complaints by day and address, we found 120,092 unique complaints, 23.46% more compared to the same period last year.
• Many New Yorkers were left without heat on Valentine’s Day, with a total of 1,353 complaints, or 1,008 unique, filed. [Figure 1]
• Of the five boroughs in NYC, four received more heat complaints than last year, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. [Section “Heat Complaints by Borough“]
• Some of the worst heat violation offenders include 76 Saint Nicholas Place (634 complaints / 128 unique), 31-35 Crescent Street (1,889 complaints / 116 unique), and 2176 Tiebout Avenue (1,413 complaints / 115 unique) [Data Table]

Heat Complaints by Borough

The Bronx

• The Bronx remains the coldest borough, receiving 41,010 unique heat complaints this winter as of February 16.
• Norwood is the coldest neighborhood in the city, with 2,013 unique complaints, or 1828.67 complaints/10k renter-occupied units. Complaints increased by 2.94% from last year.
• 80%, or eight, of the 10 coldest NYC neighborhoods reside in the Bronx.

Brooklyn

• Brooklyn received 33,686 unique heat complaints, increasing by 1.29% from last year.
• Flatbush remains the coldest neighborhood in Brooklyn, with 5,563 unique complaints and 1,146.51 complaints/10k renter-occupied units.

Manhattan

• Heat complaints are up 4% from last year during the same period, with residents filing 26,166 unique heat complaints.
• In the coldest neighborhood, Little Italy, heat and hot water complaints are down 9.78% from last year.

Queens

• Queens received 17,667 unique heat complaints this year, up 6.9% from last year, the most of all boroughs.
• Holliswood is the coldest neighborhood in the borough, where complaints are up 106.82%.

Staten Island

• Renters in Staten Island have filed 1,563 unique complaints as of February 16, 2024, down 6.07% from last year.
• The neighborhood with the most complaints, Clifton, has 1528.48 unique heat complaints per 10k renter-occupied units this year.

When Does the Heat Season Start?

Landlords in New York City must provide heat for all of their tenants from October 1st through May 31st. This period is referred to as the “Heat Season.” Heating requirements include:

• Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees F
• Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, if the inside temperature is required to be at least 62 degrees F, no outside temperature requirement

Many buildings in the city do not provide adequate heat for their residents, with some addresses receiving significant numbers of complaints throughout the Heat Season. Buildings like 31-35 Crescent Street in Queens and 2176 Tiebout Avenue in the Bronx received hundreds of complaints this year.

Surely, when tenants are suffering, they make dozens of complaints each day to 311. Therefore, to accurately measure the number of days a building goes without heat, RentHop grouped the heat/hot water complaints by address and created date. Complaints filed on the same day regarding the same building are considered one unique complaint. From Oct 1, 2023, the start of this Heat Season, to February 16, 2024,  the city received 120,092 unique heat complaints, 4.33% higher than the total unique count of 115,166 in the same period last year.

Renters Suffer as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

It is no surprise that when the temperature drops, renters are more likely to file a complaint, but by how much? We at RentHop visualized the correlation for you in Figure 1. As you can see,  the recent cold waves have driven many renters in despair to call 311, with unique complaints shooting over 2,000 on January 18 and 19, when the lows in mid 20s. The volume of complaints 311 had to process soon dropped below 750 as the temperature rose above freezing. Complaints picked up between February 5 and 6 and broke 1,000 again on February 14, when the averages fell close to 32 degrees. It looks like many New Yorkers were left with only the heat of passion on Valentine’s Day to keep them warm.

Figure 1

The Bronx Remains NYC’s Coldest Borough

Figure 2 demonstrates the number of normalized heat complaints per borough from October 1st to mid-February of 2020 through 2024. The Bronx consistently receives the highest number of heat complaints annually, accounting for 34.15% of total city-wide complaints this season. Brooklyn outpaced Manhattan this year and became the second-coldest borough in New York. The borough received  510.35 complaints per 10,000 renter-occupied units. Heat complaints have risen across all boroughs other than Staten Island this year.

Figure 2

Mapping the 311 Heat Complaints by NYC Neighborhood

To fairly rank the neighborhoods, we further normalize the data by dividing the number of heat complaints by the number of renter-occupied units in a neighborhood retrieved via the 2021 American Community Survey (homeowners can control their heat and are therefore excluded from this study).

The map below illustrates how “cold” each NYC neighborhood is. The darker the shade, the more heat complaints per 10,000 renter-occupied units a neighborhood has seen this winter. Click on the neighborhood to learn more.

Get the code to embed this interactive map!

Neighborhoods in the Bronx received more heat complaints than the other boroughs. Out of the 20 coldest neighborhoods in New York City, 14, or 70%, are in the Bronx. Other areas of the city, like neighborhoods in Manhattan above Central Park and Central Brooklyn, receive frequent heat complaints as well.

These are the Coldest Neighborhoods in NYC

Figure 3 showcases the top 20 neighborhoods with the largest amount of normalized heat complaints this season, from October 1st to January 9th, 2023. 17 of the 20 neighborhoods are located in The Bronx.

Norwood took over first place this year, replacing Pelham Parkway. The neighborhood received 10.73% more complaints than last year, with 1,828.67 complaints per 10k renter-occupied units reported between October 1 and February 16, 2024. Overall, 16 out of the coldest 20 neighborhoods received more complaints this year than last year. These neighborhoods include Concourse Village (-9.58% YoY), East Tremont (-2.99%), and Bedford Park (-1.39%) in the Bronx. 

Little Italy remains Manhattan’s coldest neighborhood despite 9.76% fewer complaints than last year. It’s worth noting that most buildings receiving complaints in Little Italy are older and smaller, built in the early 1900s and hosting fewer than sixteen residential units. As of February 16, the neighborhood had received 1,401.52 complaints per 10k renter-occupied units this heating season. Inwood ranks as the second coldest neighborhood in Manhattan, with a total of 1,294.12 unique complaints filed per 10k renter-occupied units, 30.78% worse than in the previous winter.

Figure 3

Winter Just Got Colder in These Neighborhoods

Figure 4 displays the neighborhoods with the greatest increase in heat complaints this year. Complaints in Huguenot, Staten Island shot up eight times year over year. Meanwhile, renters in Glen Oaks filed more complaints than in 2023. The neighborhood has received 167.17 complaints per 10k renter-occupied units this winter, 175% worse than a year ago.

Figure 4

Buildings with Frequent Heat Complaints

While some neighborhoods receive more complaints than others, certain buildings have a high amount of complaints as well. The following table displays the 100 buildings across the city with the highest number of heat complaints this year. If you’re looking to sign a lease, make sure to check your building against this list to ensure you’ll stay warm in the winter. You can further explore the data by sorting the data by column or doing a quick search using the search bar.

The post Renters in the Bronx Continue to Suffer this Winter appeared first on Real Estate Data & Research.

For single young professionals in the U.S., finding the perfect city is like choosing a Netflix show – there are endless options, but deciding on one can feel overwhelming. You’ve got places like Austin, where the job market is as hot as the barbecue; Boston, where the dating scene requires as much strategy as a Red Sox game; or New York City, where the cost of a studio apartment requires a kidney sale on the black market. 

It’s all about striking a balance between a paycheck that lets you live beyond a diet of instant noodles and a social life that doesn’t solely revolve around your cat (although we at RentHop really love our cats and would die to spend time with them day and night). To help you balance your career and love life, we set out to rank the 100 largest cities for single young professionals in the U.S.

Here are our findings:

• Minneapolis is the best city for single young professionals. The city boasts a total score of 74.39, thanks to relatively affordable housing options (median rent at $1,525), a low unemployment rate, and over 30% of the young population.
• St. Paul ranks as the third-best city for single young professionals. The Twin Cities as a whole is a great hub for young professionals to find love and a successful career. 
• New York City ranks as the worst city for single young professionals, scoring 34.73. The city has one of the most expensive rental markets in the world, making it less ideal for young professionals.
• Austin ranks as the best city for single young professionals in Texas and the 16th best for the U.S. The city enjoys a high dating score and a good job environment, with a 3% unemployment rate.
• San Francisco is California’s best city for single young professionals, thanks to a high career score. However, the city has very high living costs, with the current median rent at $3,167.

These Are the Top 10 Cities for Young People Looking for Success and Love

1. Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis stands out as the best city for single young professionals. The city dazzles with a total score of 74.39 and is celebrated for its affordable living costs and a robust career landscape with a low 1.9% unemployment rate. Some useful information for young professionals looking to rent in Minneapolis – the median rent is currently $1,525 per month.

2. Madison, WI

With a total score of 73.98, Madison secures the title of the second-best city for young professionals looking for opportunities and companionship. The median rent currently sits at $1,550, making it an appealing option for those who just started their career. The city performs exceptionally well on the dating front, #1 in dating opportunities, thanks to a large young population. The University of Wisconsin is a major driver for the young population in the city – over 34% of the population in Madison are between 20 and 34 years of age, and the majority of the population (61.9%) are single.

3. St. Paul, MN 

Similar to its Twin City counterpart, St. Paul is very favorable for 20- to 34-year-olds looking for a promising career and relationships. While the income levels are lower compared to Minneapolis, with a median income of $51,189, St. Paul is more affordable, therefore earning itself 85 points in the cost of living category. Renters can expect to spend an average of $1,167 a month on housing.

4. Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh stands out as an affordable option for young professionals. The city ranks #28 in the cost of living category, with a median rent of $1,395. What makes Pittsburgh even more favorable is the dating opportunities – more than 32% of the population is between 20 and 34 years of age, and 68% of the population is single.

5. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati ranks as a Midwest gem with a total score of 68.56. Thanks to affordable groceries, dining options, and rental inventory, the city is the fifth most affordable city in our index this year. Renters can expect to spend an average of $1,250 a month on housing.

6. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta has experienced major growth in the past decade and has some of the highest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies across different industries. The city scores 68.22 in our rankings this year, with a relatively high median nonfamily household income of $62,223 and great dating opportunities. Around 31.5% of Atlantans are between 20 and 34 years old, and a whopping portion, 69.38% of its population, is single.

7. Denver, CO

Denver attracts Millennials and Gen Z thanks to the vibrant outdoor culture and entertainment options. The median nonfamily household income in the city has increased from $38,345 to $66,903 in the past decade. While the cost of living has also gone up, Denver remains accessible to young renters. The median rent in Denver currently sits at $2,000/month.

8. Lincoln, NE

Lincoln is another great option for young professionals who are looking for a more affordable place to live. The city shines with the lowest median rent, $1,100 per month, among the top 10 cities on our list, boasting a score of 85.14 in cost of living.

9. Seattle, WA

One of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S., Seattle has attracted many young professionals in the past decade. Around 33% of its population are between the ages of 20 and 34, and combined with a lively scene of entertainment options and dating opportunities, the city ranks #6 in the dating opportunities category. While Seattle currently has a higher than national average unemployment rate, the high-paying tech jobs remain a key driver for young professionals prioritizing careers.

10. Columbus, OH

Rounding out the list is another Midwest city, Columbus. The city stands out as one of the more affordable places for young professionals, with a median rent of $1,360. It’s worth noting that Columbus is a great option for those looking to buy. On average, it takes just 4.21 years for a Columbus family to save up for a down payment, compared to 5.02 years in Cincinnati.

New York Ranks as the Worst City For Single Young Professionals

While New York City remains the largest city in the country by population, it ranks as the worst city for single young professionals. The city scores only 21.71, making it the worst in the cost of living category, as the median rent remains high at $4,000 monthly. This results in many young professionals splitting an apartment with roommates to reduce the overall financial burden. NYC also has a smaller population between 20 and 34 years old among the most populated cities, just 23.4%, compared to 33.82% in Boston.

Los Angeles, the second-largest U.S. city, takes the 81st place in our index this year. While LA is slightly more affordable housing-wise than New York for young professionals looking to rent, it remains one of the most expensive cities. The median rent currently sits at $2,750.

Top 10 Cities by Career Score

Top 10 Cities by Dating Opportunities

Methodology

To find the best cities for single young professionals, the RentHop team compared the top 100 most populated cities in the U.S. based on (1) career, (2) cost of living, and (3) dating opportunities. The index covers the following metrics:

Career Score (40 points)

• Job opportunities based on the most recent metro unemployment rates released by the BLS (16 points)
• Median Nonfamily Household Income released by the Census Bureau (24 points)

Cost of Living (40 points)

• Median rent, based on over 1.65 million for-rent listings in the RentHop database in the past 180 days (20 points)
• Cost of groceries using Numbeo data (12 points)
• Cost of dining out for two people using Numbeo data (8 points)

Dating Opportunities (20 points)

• Percentage of Population Between 20 and 34 years (8 points)
• Percentage of Single Population (8 points)
• Interest in Dating, measured by Google searches that include dating apps (2 points)
• Access to the Internet (2 points)

For more information, please email press@renthop.com.

Full Data

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