Renters Are Finding Renewed Interest In Boston Market, New Study Finds

MASSACHUSETTS — Renters across the country, and in the region, are showing a renewed interest in the Boston market, a new report from RentCafe found.

According to the latest Renter Engagement Tracker (REnT) report, the city ranks 26th nationwide for renter engagement — climbing 16 spots quarter-to-quarter.

Renters are actively comparing options and saving more apartments than they did a year ago, the report found. Saved searches rose 52 percent, showing that apartment hunters are tracking specific listings and returning to check availability.

They’re also adding more apartments to their favorites lists, a clear sign that they’re finding homes they could see themselves living in. Listing views increased 15 percent as well, signaling steady interest across Boston’s neighborhoods.

Boston’s renter appeal is reaching beyond locals, too. Search activity from New York City renters grew this quarter, pointing to a wider pool of apartment hunters keeping an eye on the city.

The Northeast as a whole had its strongest quarter yet, with four cities breaking into the top 30 after several periods of underrepresentation.

Leading the way is Philadelphia, followed by New York City’s boroughs of Queens and the Bronx, with Boston rounding out the list.

Within the Northeast, Boston was the fourth most engaged with city, Providence the fifth and Worcester the eighth.