2025 Underdogs: Small Cities with Big Demand

In 2025, small cities saw a spike in popularity because of the affordability and lifestyle they offer. Some are standalone spotlights while others rose to the top as budget-friendly alternatives close to big cities. Each one is unique, from quiet suburbs with easy commutes to active downtowns where residents hang out. To show you the many options across the country, these are the best small cities in 2025 for renters.

The best small cities in 2025 were:

• Beverly Hills, CA
• Binghamton, NY
• Saint Augustine, FL
• Poughkeepsie, NY
• Flint, MI
• Princeton, NJ
• Biloxi, MS
• Key West, FL
• Gary, IN
• Chamblee, GA

Methodology

We defined small cities as those with a population under 100,000, according to the US Census Bureau. All rent data is from Apartments.com as of January 2026.

Beverly Hills, CA

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Los Angeles: $2,169/month
• Average Rent in Beverly Hills: $2,824/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size: 674 square feet

Thing to do in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a prime example of luxury living with a neighborly feel. Rodeo Drive anchors the city’s glamorous identity with its luxury boutiques and designer flagships. However, there’s a strong focus on community with events like the Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration and art shows in parks, where you’re bound to see a familiar face.

Beyond being a shopping destination, Beverly Gardens Parks stretches two miles through the heart of the city. With scenic gardens, art exhibits, and shows like artSHOW, it adds an elegant touch of nature. A flourishing dining scene that includes numerous Michelin-recognized restaurants and local eateries rounds out life in Beverly Hills.

Living in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills delivers an unmistakably upscale lifestyle, and the cost reflects it. Average rent runs about 30 percent higher than Los Angeles and roughly 74 percent above the national average.

While the city is known for grand estates and landmark architecture, it also offers condos and apartments that appeal to renters who want walkable access to premier dining, shopping, and cultural destinations. Many residents rely on foot traffic for daily life, turning to cars or rideshares mainly for longer trips into greater Los Angeles.

Walker’s Paradise	Good Transit	Bikeable
90 Beverly Hills has a WalkScore® of 90 out of 100. Lace up your walking shoes because this city is considered a walker’s paradise.	59 Beverly Hills has a TransitScore® of 59 out of 100. The city has nearby transportation options.	58 Beverly Hills has a BikeScore® of 58 out of 100. There is some bike infrastructure in this city.

Binghamton, NY

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Binghamton: $905/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Binghamton: 601 square feet

Things to do in Binghamton

Binghamton is a compact city with a strong arts and collegiate influence, anchored by Binghamton University. Theaters, sports arenas, art galleries, and music venues infuse energy into the city. Despite its size, the city draws attention with signature events like the LUMA Projection Arts Festival and the Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally.

Residents pack into Court Street to take advantage of the many restaurant and nightlife options. Annual Restaurant Week events spotlight local eateries, while museums and historic landmarks preserve Binghamton’s industrial and cultural roots. Confluence Park stands at the meeting point of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers and serves as a focal point for outdoor activity, with additional parks and trail systems extending throughout the city.

Living in Binghamton

Binghamton is one of the more affordable cities for renters in the state of New York. The city’s average rent is 44 percent lower than the national average. The presence of the university and the compact downtown contribute to a wide range of apartments that are within walking distance of daily destinations.

Public transportation is limited to bus service, and many residents rely on cars, but commutes remain short. Most destinations are just five to ten minutes away, keeping daily travel short and sweet.

Somewhat Walkable	Bikeable
62 Binghamton has a WalkScore® of 62 out of 100. You can get out and walk around in this city, depending on the neighborhood.	56 Binghamton has a BikeScore® of 56 out of 100. There’s some bike infrastructure, but a car is necessary for daily life.

Saint Augustine, FL

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Jacksonville: $1,294/month
• Average Rent in Saint Augustine: $1,524/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Saint Augustine: 710 square feet

Things to do in Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is known for its deep historical roots and coastal charm, making it an appealing home for renters who want character without a high price. Downtown renters will live in a piece of history with cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture. Incoming renters quickly fall in love with the city as they learn its history through museums and historic landmarks.

Sandy beaches, waterfront dining, boating, and a growing arts scene keep the city alive well beyond peak tourist months. The pedestrian-only Saint George Street serves as the city’s social spine, stretching eleven blocks and lined with local boutiques, art galleries, museums, restaurants, and bars. Though many visitors come for nationally known events, like Night of Lights, there’s plenty of close-knit events held to celebrate the arts and the community.

Living in Saint Augustine

From the weather and affordability to the excellent schools and strong economy supported by tourism and manufacturing, Saint Augustine draws renters across many age groups. While rentals in the historic downtown tend to run on the higher side, there are plenty of more affordable places on the outskirts. Most residents rely on cars, though biking is common as well, even with a lack of bike lanes. If you’re looking for a calmer everyday life without giving up access to big-city activities, then check out Saint Augustine.

Car-Dependent	Bikeable
37 Saint Augustine has a WalkScore® of 37 out of 100. There are neighborhoods that are highly walkable but to get around the entire city, a car is necessary.	51 Saint Augustine has a BikeScore® of 51 out of 100. Though there is not a huge amount of bike infrastructure, many residents get around via bike.

 

Poughkeepsie, NY

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Poughkeepsie: $1,738/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Poughkeepsie: 720 square feet

Things to do in Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie sits along the Hudson River and is best known for the Walkway Over the Hudson. It is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and a key part of the Dutchess Rail Trail. Nature is integral to the local lifestyle with waterfront parks, leafy neighborhoods, and hiking trails leading to the rest of the Hudson Valley.

Arts and culture play a big role in the community, with theaters, music venues, and galleries adding a creative flair to the air. Most are located on Main Street, next to long-standing restaurants that are community cornerstones. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and riverfront events keep residents active throughout the year.

Living in Poughkeepsie

While Poughkeepsie has a strong economy centered around healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing, it also serves as a major commuter hub. The MTA’s Metro-North Hudson Line and Amtrak provide direct access to New York in just a couple hours. Local bus routes provide public transportation, though many residents rely on cars.

Somewhat Walkable	Minimal Transit	Somewhat Bikeable
60 Poughkeepsie has a WalkScore® of 60 out of 100. Many residents enjoy walking around for exercise but use cars to navigate the city.	21 Poughkeepsie has a TransitScore® of 21 out of 100. Cars are a necessity to get around Poughkeepsie and the surrounding area.	48 Poughkeepsie has a BikeScore® of 48 out of 100. Biking is primarily recreational in this city as few use it for everyday transportation.

Flint, MI

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Flint: $781/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Flint: 674 square feet

Things to do in Flint

Flint’s identity is rooted in its community, history, and expansive green spaces. The Flint Cultural Center serves as a central gathering place that brings residents together through exhibitions, performances, and community events at the museum, planetarium, and institutes of art and music that inhabit the campus.

Downtown Flint continues to gain momentum through a growing local food scene, farmers markets, and festivals that highlight the city’s creativity and resilience. Social streets like Brush and Buckham Alleys remain active on night and weekends, injecting an energy into the area that continues beyond the workday.

The outdoors are integrated into the city with parks offering trails, wildlife viewing, and seasonal programs. Kearsley Park is a local favorite with a playground and pavilion, and Riverbank Park sits right in the middle of the city on the Flint River.

Living in Flint

Flint stands out for its affordability, with average rents about 52 percent lower than the national rate. Renters can choose from a wide range of rental options, including downtown apartments and single-family homes in quieter residential neighborhoods.

The city is largely car-dependent, though public transportation is available through the Mass Transportation Authority. A local economy centered on healthcare, manufacturing, and education creates the city’s backbone.

Car-Dependent	Minimal Transit	Somewhat Bikeable
41 Flint has a WalkScore® of 41 out of 100. Cars are a must-have for residents in the city.	17 Flint has a TransitScore® of 17 out of 100. There is very little public transit in Flint.	42 Flint has a BikeScore® of 42 out of 100. Biking can be used as a means of transport, but it is not widespread.

Princeton, NJ

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Princeton: $2,669/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Princeton: 702 square feet

Things to do in Princeton

Princeton is best known as the home of Princeton University, whose historic campus and cultural offerings shape much of the residents’ lifestyles. Museums, public lectures, theater productions, and concerts are readily accessible year-round thanks to the university.

The city provides access to both New York and Philadelphia, but there is plenty to do within its borders. Nassau Street serves as the main commercial corridor, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, while nearby Palmer Square blends national brands with locally owned boutiques just steps from campus.

Outdoor spaces add a touch of nature to the town’s academic energy, with parks, preserved trails, and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail offering space to walk, bike, and unwind. Seasonal festivals and university-hosted events keep the community active without losing its close-knit nature.

Living in Princeton

Life in Princeton is shaped by the presence of the university and the strong sense of community. Neighborhoods near downtown provide walkable access to dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, while surrounding areas offer quieter environments.

Education may be the major player in the economy, but the pharmaceutical and financial industries hold their own. Public transportation and nearby train stations make commuting to New York City or Philadelphia convenient.

Car-Dependent	Bikeable
45 Princeton has a WalkScore® of 45 out of 100. Walking is concentrated around campus, though many use cars to get to the university or around the greater city area.	59 Princeton has a BikeScore® of 59 out of 100. Residents bike if they need to get around campus.

Biloxi, MS

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Biloxi: $1,037/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Biloxi: 794 square feet

Things to do in Biloxi

Life in Biloxi is shaped by its beaches, entertainment scene, and a coastal lifestyle. Waterfront casinos line the shore, offering not only gaming but also concerts, dining, and nightlife. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and other cultural landmarks showcase Biloxi’s artistic heritage. Museums and monuments preserve stories tied to Mardi Gras, shipbuilding, and life along the Gulf.

Life centers around the water as residents often fish and boat in their free time. Even the events center around the coast with the Blessing of the Fleet, the annual Biloxi Seafood Festival, and Cruisin’ the Coast. Fresh seafood shapes the local dining scene, fueled by the region’s fishing industry and blended with Creole, Cajun, barbecue, and Southern influences.

Living in Biloxi

Renters choose Biloxi for affordable coastal living without the premium price tag. Tourism and hospitality drive the local economy, in addition to nearby military installations. Most residents rely on cars for daily travel, though biking is common along coastal roads.

Car-Dependent	Somewhat Bikeable
43 Biloxi has a WalkScore® of 43 out of 100. A car is needed to get around, whether it’s for errands or commuting.	44 Biloxi has a BikeScore® of 44 out of 100. Residents usually bike as a recreational activity instead of as a means of transport.

Key West, FL

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Key West: $2,570/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Key West: 639 square feet

Things to do in Key West

Key West shines due to its island culture, tropical climate, outdoor recreation, and lively entertainment scene. The booming beach and nightlife scene centers on Duval and Mallory Square in Old Town, where restaurants, music venues, and crowds keep the streets alive well after dark. Live music, events, and festivals fill the calendar year-round, giving the city a festive atmosphere.

Even though summer brings an influx of tourists, locals enjoy the close-knit community that supports each other. Independent restaurants and shops dominate the streets, with a few well-known retailers thrown in. Snorkeling, boating, and other water sports are a part of daily life and trails at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park add a chance to shake things up.

Living in Key West

Key West has an island lifestyle focused on walkability, community, and ocean access. Limited space and high demand keep rents higher than in many small cities. Most residents get around by biking, walking, or using scooters, as the city’s compact layout makes car-free living realistic. Travel to mainland Florida takes planning, since U.S. Route 1 provides the only road connection on and off the island.

Very Walkable	Some Transit	Very Bikeable
76 Key West has a WalkScore® of 76 out of 100. Key West is compact, so walking is a viable way of navigating the city.	25 Key West has a TransitScore® of 25 out of 100. Residents choose to walk or bike to get around the city, though there is public transit.	86 Key West has a BikeScore® of 86 out of 100. The streets are filled with people biking as it is the best way to get around the island city.

Gary, IN

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Gary: $829/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Gary: 582 square feet

Things to do in Gary

Gary sits along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, perfect for spending time near the water. The Miller Beach Arts and Creative District celebrates the arts along the lakeside with exhibits, events, street festivals, and farmers markets. Lake Street Beach serves as a popular spot for residents to hang at the beach while portions of Indiana Dunes National Park stretch into the city for lakeside hiking. The city also carries a notable musical legacy as the birthplace of the Jackson family.

Living in Gary

Gary is the city for renters seeking affordability within commuting distance of Chicago. The South Shore Line train provides direct access to downtown Chicago to avoid rush hour. For those working within the city, manufacturing remains a central pillar of the economy. Whether you’re looking for lakefront living or suburban streets, Gary has a neighborhood for you.

Car-Dependent	Somewhat Bikeable
38 Gary has a WalkScore® of 38 out of 100. Residents rarely walk around as everything is spread out.	41 Gary has a BikeScore® of 41 out of 100. Cars are the favorable transportation method, though some opt to bike.

Chamblee, GA

• Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
• Average Rent in Chamblee: $1,610/month
• Average One-Bedroom Size in Chamblee: 792 square feet

Things to do in Chamblee

Chamblee is a small city just northeast of Atlanta, with a growing food scene and active downtown. Locally owned restaurants, breweries, and antique shops line the streets. Community parks and trails are strategically placed throughout the city for residents to easily access. Keswick Park spans 45 acres and features a playground, dog parks, and shaded trails.

Chamblee maintains an active calendar with Taste of Chamblee, Chamblee Restaurant Week, and the Atlanta United Watch Party. Chamblee’s proximity to Atlanta provides big-city entertainment while maintaining a small-town feel.

Living in Chamblee

Chamblee is popular with renters who want city convenience without Downtown Atlanta prices. The Chamblee MARTA station helps Chamblee residents get to Atlanta quickly. Commuting elsewhere is easy thanks to I-285 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

Somewhat Walkable	Minimal Transit	Somewhat Bikeable
57 Chamblee has a WalkScore® of 57 out of 100. Some parts of Chamblee are walkable, though most errands and tasks need a car.	1 Chamblee has a TransitScore® of 1 out of 100. The main usage of public transit in Chamblee is to get to Atlanta.	37 Chamblee has a BikeScore® of 37 out of 100. The city has some nice areas to bike for fun, but not much infrastructure to use bikes to get around.

Find Your Small-City Match on Apartments.com

Big demand does not always mean big cities. Whether you are drawn to the affordability of Binghamton, the coastal lifestyle of Biloxi, or the walkable charm of Princeton, Apartments.com makes it easy to compare rentals in every corner of the country. With filters for price, apartment size, and amenities, you can narrow your search quickly and move with confidence, no matter how under-the-radar your next city might be.