Have you ever felt the urge to start over and move to a completely new place? Perhaps you’ve always longed to live by the beach or in the heart of a bustling city. Or maybe you’re just itching for a change of scenery and new experiences.
For a growing number of renters, this urge to explore isn’t just a pipe dream — it’s a lifestyle. Thanks to remote work, flexible leasing options, and the rise of digital apartment hunting, jumping from city to city is easier than ever. Known as “city swapping,” this trend lets renters start new chapters in different places without having to plant roots.
We surveyed over 20 renters living this nomadic lifestyle to learn how they budget, what they love most, and the biggest challenges they face. Here’s what we found:
Key Takeaways:
- 62% of city swappers say frequent moving helps them save money, thanks to strategies like off-season deals, subletting, co-living, and using rental platforms like Apartments.com, which 90% of survey respondents rely on for finding short-term leases and furnished units.
- Flexibility and exploration drive this trend, with 71% moving for career opportunities and 66.7% saying they enjoy discovering new environments; smaller cities like Winchester, VA, are gaining popularity for their charm, affordability, and community.
- Challenges include adapting to new places (28.6%), moving logistics (23%), and forming friendships (19%), but many swappers build community through local events, social media, and co-living spaces that foster connection.
Meet the “City Swapper”
So, who is the typical city swapper? And what are their motivations for moving so frequently? A city swapper is someone who relocates every 6-12 months, whether it’s across the country or to a new neighborhood within their current city. While their destinations vary, these renters share a common desire for freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of a new start.
Our survey results found that most city swappers are relocating because of their careers (71%). However, respondents also noted the need for a lifestyle change or adventure (52%), relationship developments (29%), and cost of living (14%), as additional motivators. For many, the appeal stems from the ability to design a life full of fresh perspectives, professional growth, and personal reinvention. As one survey participant put it:
“I love making new connections professionally, making new friends, and having a new place to drive around and explore. I particularly love the fact that nobody knows you. It's like a clean slate to start over and go in different directions.”
How They Budget and Plan for Frequent Moves
Moving is often seen as expensive and stressful, but for many city swappers, frequent relocation has become a surprisingly smart financial move. In fact, 62% of those we surveyed said that moving regularly has helped them save money overall. Their secret? Smart planning, digital tools, and a flexible mindset that keeps costs low and stress to a minimum.
Here’s how they do it:
Cost-effective strategies
Many swappers take advantage of off-season rent deals, short-term lease flexibility, and move-in specials to reduce monthly expenses. Some avoid costly moving trucks by traveling light and relying on minimalist packing techniques. Others sublet their previous apartments or use co-living spaces to avoid paying double rent. Keeping recurring expenses low, like utilities, subscriptions, and furniture costs, also plays a big part in keeping their lifestyle sustainable.
Top tools for finding your next apartment
One stressful part about moving is, of course, finding where you’ll live next. However, city swappers have streamlined this step by utilizing the right search tools. When it comes to securing their next home base, 90% of respondents rely on rental marketplace websites like Apartments.com. These platforms offer filters for lease length, price, amenities, and even furnished options, making it easier to quickly compare listings in new cities.
Social media (43%) and word of mouth (43%) are also key for discovering off-market gems or short-term sublets. For those short on time, saved search alerts and mobile apps help streamline the process and reduce the stress of last-minute planning.
What They Love About Moving Often
We know that saving money is a perk of the city-swap lifestyle. But what else do these nomadic renters like about this trend? According to our survey, 66.7% of respondents said they most enjoy exploring new environments, followed by meeting new people (38.1%), and creating a fresh start for themselves personally and professionally (19%).
As one renter put it:
“I enjoy the new opportunities and new friends, both professional and personal. The move gives a fresh start and opens doors I didn't have before.”
Some respondents also noted that moving elevates their overall quality of life, with one renter saying:
“The new city and property are an upgrade to the last one --- many new restaurants to try and areas to explore on foot or by bike.”
Where city swappers are exploring
So, where exactly are city swappers finding these “life upgrades,” you ask? Survey respondents pointed to a wide range of destinations they’ve experienced, each offering something uniquely valuable. For some, quality of life improved simply by being closer to loved ones. As one renter shared: “Chicago [has been my favorite city] because I am closer to my daughter and her family, and also because Chicago is far more cosmopolitan and open-minded than Indianapolis, which is where I moved from.”
While major metros like New York and Chicago remain top picks for their energy and opportunity, others praised lesser-known cities that offered charm, affordability, and community. One renter highlighted Winchester, Virginia, saying:
“Winchester, Virginia, has been my favorite thus far. It’s a semi-big city with a small-town feel. People are friendly, it’s diverse in terms of culture, and there’s lots of history.”
Whether drawn to big-city buzz or small-town character, city swappers are proving that the best place to live isn’t always the most obvious—it’s the one that fits their life right now.
The Biggest Challenge of the City Swape Lifestyle
While starting over every few months has its perks, it also comes with some challenges. From loneliness to learning your way around a new city, the city swap lifestyle isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds. When asked about the biggest challenges of their relocation journeys, survey respondents highlighted three major themes:
Adapting to new environments
Cited by 28.6% of survey participants, adapting to new environments is a leading obstacle for city swappers. This is because moving comes with growing pains, and getting used to a new pace of life, climate, or culture can take time. One renter explained it well, saying:
“I sometimes find it difficult to adapt to the new environment and routine, and also every city has its own pace and culture, which will take time for me to fit in.”
Even small adjustments, like learning transit systems or meeting neighbors. can feel overwhelming at first.
Moving logistics
About 23% of participants said moving logistics are one of the toughest aspects of city swapping. Constantly coordinating leases, scheduling movers, packing up belongings, and ensuring deposits are returned can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when moves happen back-to-back. Even for seasoned swappers, the physical and mental demands of relocating can add up quickly.
Making friends and building community
Many respondents (19%) also said making friends is one of the more emotionally challenging parts of this lifestyle. Starting over in a new city means leaving behind familiar support systems and trying to form new connections. It can take weeks or months to feel rooted socially, which can make early days in a new place feel isolating or lonely.
How City Swappers Build Community
Moving every couple of months doesn’t exactly make it easy to form long-lasting relationships. But despite this challenge, renters with this lifestyle have found creative ways to find friends and feel at home.
Community building strategies
When asked how they make friends in new places, 38.1% of respondents reported attending local events and social outings, ranging from fitness classes to trivia nights. Others turn to social media and online platforms (23.8%) to connect with local interest groups or find events happening nearby. And some even rely on neighborhood interactions or join volunteer groups to put themselves out there.
As one renter shared:
“The first place I check out from a sociability perspective is karaoke venues! People who love music and singing are my kind of people!”
This type of personal connection to shared interests helps swappers break the ice and find community faster.
Use of co-living and flexible housing options
Co-living and flexible housing options are a huge pillar of the city swapping lifestyle. These housing arrangements not only allow for short-term leasing, but they are also great for fostering community and connection. Many co-living spaces host social events, offer shared common areas, and attract like-minded individuals, making it easier for newcomers to feel welcomed and plugged in from day one.
Is This Lifestyle Sustainable Long-term?
After everything you’ve learned so far, you might still be wondering: Is this lifestyle truly sustainable? The honest answer? It depends. When asked whether they plan to continue relocating regularly, 57% of survey respondents said they weren’t sure.
The reality is, people evolve, priorities shift, and life throws unexpected curveballs. What feels exciting and freeing today might feel exhausting or impractical tomorrow. While the city swap lifestyle offers flexibility and adventure, it also comes with instability that may not suit everyone in the long run.
Why city swappers may settle down
So, what would make a city swapper put down roots? According to our survey, 33.3% of respondents indicated that family and relationships would be the deciding factor. One renter shared:
“Marriage would do it, or the plan to get married. If I had a soulmate who would otherwise not stay with me if I left the area, and I really knew this person was the one.”
Others mentioned wanting to be closer to family as a key reason for staying put. As one respondent put it:
“My daughter and son-in-law say they are never going to move, and my youngest daughter and her husband are moving to Chicago next summer, so I'm here for good.”
Beyond relationships, renters cited economic and job stability (28.6%), homeownership (23.8%), and a desire for a stronger sense of community or belonging (9.5%) as motivations to eventually settle down.
Ultimately, while the city swap lifestyle offers freedom, variety, and adventure, many swappers acknowledge that a more permanent home base may be in their future when the time and the reasons feel right.
Should You Try the City Swap Life?
So, is the city swapping life right for you? While the thrill of exploration and fresh starts is exciting, the city-swapping lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Frequent moves mean navigating logistical hurdles, sticking to a flexible budget, and embracing a level of uncertainty that not everyone is comfortable with. Before packing your bags, booking that flight, and signing a lease in a new city, it’s worth weighing a few key factors:
Pros and cons
After reading this blog, it’s clear that renters love city swapping for the adventure, personal growth, career opportunities, and the chance to explore new environments without planting roots. However, as you also read, it also comes with challenges, from moving stress to loneliness. If you’re considering this nomadic way of living, make sure to weigh all these pros and cons to determine whether the risk is worth the reward.
Who it’s best for
Anyone can be a city swapper. However, this unique lifestyle tends to be best suited for remote workers, minimalists, solo renters, or anyone in a transitional phase who values experiences over permanence. It’s also ideal for those who are highly adaptable, spontaneous, and comfortable being on their own.
How to test the lifestyle before fully committing
If you’re intrigued by the city swap life but aren’t ready to dive in headfirst, consider doing a trial run. Look for subletting options in a city you’re curious about. Opt for short-term leases, furnished rentals, or co-living spaces to keep your options open. This way, you can experience the highs and lows of the lifestyle before making it a long-term routine.
Explore Apartments in New Cities on Apartments.com
Whether you’re a full-time city swapper or just curious about testing out life in a new zip code, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where Apartments.com comes in. With thousands of listings across the country, from major metros to hidden gems, you can easily search for apartments that fit your lifestyle, budget, and timeline.
Use filters to find short-term leases, furnished options, or properties with amenities that make relocating easier. Explore your options, save your favorite listings, and take virtual tours—all in one place. Wherever your next chapter takes you, Apartments.com helps you get there with confidence.
FAQs
How do people find apartments in new cities?
Many frequent movers use online platforms like Apartments.com to find housing in new cities. Word-of-mouth and social media groups dedicated to housing in specific cities are also popular resources.
What are the must-haves for frequent movers?
Frequent movers often travel light, prioritizing essentials like clothing, important documents, and electronics. Many rely on furnished rentals to avoid the hassle of moving large items.
How do frequent movers make friends?
To build community, frequent movers often use apps to connect with local interest groups or find nearby events. Co-living spaces are designed to foster social connections among residents. Joining local clubs, volunteer groups, or even finding a local karaoke spot are great ways to meet like-minded people.
Is this lifestyle only for remote workers?
While the city-swapping lifestyle is popular among remote workers due to its flexibility, it's not exclusive to them. Contract workers, travel nurses, retirees, and people on extended sabbaticals also embrace this way of living. Any career that doesn't tie you to one specific location long-term can be compatible with frequent moving.
