The Most-Searched Small Cities on Apartments.com in 2025

Small cities are gaining popularity as renters search for affordability and a slower lifestyle that major metros don’t offer. It can be a tough challenge to find a small city that suits you as there are thousands across the country. To help you in your search, we found the top searched small-cities on Apartments.com with populations of 5k–100k and 50k–100k using data from Apartments.com and the Census Bureau.

Small City	Population	Search Count	Search Count Per Population
Greenville, SC	74,371	179,908	2.66
Pensacola, FL	53,898	133,591	2.48
Hoboken, NJ	59,149	138,165	2.34
Sarasota, FL	57,764	128,512	2.22
Marietta, GA	63,122	136,574	2.16
Very Small City	Population	Search Count	Search Count Per Population
Stone Mountain, GA	6,552	40,085	6.12
Jonesboro, GA	6,084	34,534	5.68
Naples, FL	20,168	107,198	5.32
Katy, TX	27,741	132,785	4.79
New Castle, DE	5,715	27,196	4.76

Top Most-Searched Small Cities

We defined small cities as those with a population of 50k–100k. These places offer a blend of city energy and the quiet of a town, perfect for renters searching for both.

Greenville, SC

• Population: 74,371
• Average rent: $1,292/month
• Niche Grade: A

Greenville is situated around Reedy River and its falls, creating a unique city where nature and urban combine. The natural beauty and city life is the reason many people moved to Greenville.

Things to do in Greenville

The Reedy River runs right through Downtown Greenville with Falls Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge being the highlight of the area. Traverse the entire city on bike or on foot using the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Under a canopy of trees sit shops and restaurants along Main Street, which gets packed during weekends and events. No matter what type of food you are craving, you can find it. Whether it’s Japanese or Mexican or coffee or beer, Downtown Greenville has it all. There is also a great selection of stores to peruse, from local boutiques to well-known brands.

Both food and music have a special place in Greenville with many events centered around them. Downtown streets are shut down for Artisphere, Greenville Jazz Fest, and Southern Roots: A BBQ Reunion. Outside of those events, you’ll find many delicious restaurants, along with performances and concerts at the Peace Center.

Living in Greenville

One of the perks of living in Greenville is that you can live downtown to experience a faster-paced city life or find a quieter home in the suburbs. Though the average apartment rent is $1,292/month, it can fluctuate depending on where you live. Downtown Greenville is more expensive with an average rent of $1,674/month compared to the affordable neighborhood of Eastside with an average rent of $1,217/month.

While Greenville has plenty of trails and sidewalks for walking and biking, you’ll need a car  to travel around the whole metropolitan area. The city has a WalkScore® of 26 and a BikeScore® of 42. There is also minimal public transit that is limited to buses and a downtown trolley shuttle, leading to the city’s TransitScore® of 10.

Pensacola, FL

• Population: 53,898
• Average rent: $1,337/month
• Niche Grade: A

Pensacola offers waterfront living without being right on the ocean as Santa Rosa Island acts as a barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Stepping outside your home will transport you into a scene straight out of a postcard with emerald water, white sands, and verdant trees. It is a rapidly developing city focused on continuous improvement, highlighted by its long-term development plan, Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035.

Things to do in Pensacola

You’ll find yourself spending a lot of time outside in Pensacola with both the bay and ocean not far. Pensacola Bay is popular for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating while Pensacola Beach is the choice spot for swimming. Take a break from the water at one of the many state parks and nature preserves near Pensacola, such as Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park or Big Lagoon State Park.

Though Pensacola has 220 days of sun, there are days where indoor activity might be preferred. It’ll be hard to pick as there is so much to do in Pensacola, including an abundance of museums. The National Naval Aviation Museum, the Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Pensacola Museum of Art are highly popular. Learn more about local history at Historic Pensacola Village where you can step into the past via museums, demonstrations, and preserved buildings.

Take a tour of the sea via your tastebuds in Downtown Pensacola on Palafox Street. If seafood isn’t your favorite, other options include upscale steakhouses and fun brunch spots. Between eating, check out the many local shops that offer unique wares you can’t find anywhere else. There are several events celebrating food, including Palafox Market and the Pensacola Seafood Fest.

Living in Pensacola

Pensacola offers rentals at many different price points. Find affordable waterfront living by renting on Pensacola Bay in Downtown Pensacola or Southeast Pensacola. The lowest rents are found on the outskirts of Pensacola. The city overall is relatively budget–friendly. Residents enjoy an average rent of $1,337/month, which is 18 percent lower than the national average.

Getting around by bike or foot is feasible in Pensacola as there are many paths for dedicated use, including the General Chappie James Memorial Bridge Trail on the Pensacola Bay Bridge.  However, with the sprawling city and the length of the bay, a car will make life much easier. Pensacola has a WalkScore® of 44 and a BikeScore® of 52.

Using public transportation is possible as buses connect the main areas of Pensacola. However, the system is still quite limited, and Pensacola has a TransitScore® of 9.

Hoboken, NJ

• Population: 59,149
• Average rent: $3,778/month
• Niche Grade: A+

Hoboken is the perfect NYC commuter town as only the Hudson River separates them. However, the city has a life and identity of its own. Hoboken has so much packed into a small footprint it is nicknamed the “Mile Square City.”

Things to do in Hoboken

Even with the city only being about  one square mile in size, there is plenty to do. Stroll up and down Washington Street past restaurants and stores in historic, brick buildings. There are all kinds of cuisines to satisfy any palate, including Cuban, Korean, French, and more.

With the Waterfront Walkway and many parks, you’ll find ample ways to exercise. Church Square Park is near the farmers market and has a playground as well as a dog park. Sinatra Park is a must-see for music lovers and also has a great view of the New York skyline. Music and art continue to be near and dear to the city’s heart with the Hoboken Falls Arts and Music Festival celebrating all mediums and genres.

Living in Hoboken

With its easy commute  to New York  and the liveliness of the city, the average rent in Hoboken is still high at $3,778/month. However, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods if you are looking to stay on budget.

With the city being so close to New York, it has great transportation. It gets a WalkScore® of 98, BikeScore® of 79, and TransitScore® of 76. The Lincoln Tunnel is just a couple of blocks away and nearby train stations help you get into the Big Apple.

Sarasota, FL

• Population: 57,764
• Average rent: $1,797/month
• Niche Grade: A

Sarasota is just down the road from Tampa, with only about an hour drive between the two. The city is far from just another Florida beach town with a notable culture scene highlighting food and arts.

Things to do in Sarasota

In Sarasota, residents get the best of what Florida offers with lively art, food, and beach scenes. You have your pick of sandy beaches with over 35 miles across the city, but the most well-known is Siesta Beach on Siesta Key.

Downtown Sarasota is a lively place full of restaurants, local stores, galleries, and performance venues. Public art installations are scattered around the city and museums dedicated to the arts are plentiful. To further build out Downtown Sarasota, the Bay is an ongoing project to create a 53-acre public park, right on Sarasota Bay.

Tens of thousands of people head to events held in Sarasota. Annual highlights include the New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop and the Sarasota Jazz Festival.

Living in Sarasota

Whether you want to live on Lido Key or Downtown Sarasota, there is an apartment or condo available. The city offers waterfront living at a lower price compared to many other cities in Florida. The average rent in Sarasota is $1,797/month. With options ranging from luxury condos to quaint apartments, whatever lifestyle you are looking for you can find in Sarasota.

There are plenty of areas in Sarasota that are easy to walk or bike around as shown by the WalkScore® of 52 and BikeScore® of 54. You will need a car for longer trips. Public transportation is possible, but it’s not as built out as other cities. The city has a  TransitScore® of 13.

Marietta, GA

• Population: 63,122
• Average rent: $1,298/month
• Niche Grade: A

Though Marietta is known for being close to Atlanta, you don’t need to travel to the larger metro to have fun. The historic city has become a destination for those looking for a populated community that still maintains a small-town feel.

Things to do in Marietta

Marietta is known for its variety of events and entertainment. The Battery has a curated selection of shops and restaurants. It is right next to Truist Park, where you can watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball. Or you can head to Downtown Marietta and Marietta Square to browse galleries and enjoy food in the historic district.

Marietta Square is where many of the city’s events are held. Art in the Park is a must-see Labor Day weekend tradition full of all kinds of art, from jewelry to paintings. The community loves to support local businesses at the Marietta Farmer’s Market.

Take a break from the energy of the city by visiting a park and relishing the quiet of nature or walking through the past. Kennesaw National Battlefield Park provides a glimpse into the history of the region as a 1864 Civil War battleground. Laurel Park offers many activities for people of all ages and abilities, from paved trails to playgrounds. For those looking for a scenic but moderately challenging hike, the Sope Creek Trail runs along the Chattahoochee River.

Living in Marietta

Marietta is one of Atlanta’s most-populated suburbs so there are plenty of rentals to explore. Whatever type of housing you are looking for you can find in Marietta, from luxury to affordable. Overall, the city is cheaper than Atlanta as the average rent in Marietta is $1,298/month.

While a couple of pockets are perfect for walking and biking,  a car definitely makes life easier. Marietta has a WalkScore® of 48 and a BikeScore® of 34, meaning that you’ll need a vehicle for most errands. Public transportation isn’t as feasible either, with the city's TransitScore® of 13.

Top Most-Searched Very Small Cities

Very small cities offer a quiet lifestyle and close-knit community. Take your time enjoying life when you live in a very small city.

Stone Mountain, GA

• Population: 6,552
• Average rent: $1,148/month
• Niche Grade: C+

Stone Mountain is a small city just 20 miles from Downtown Atlanta. With a population of 6,552, the city has a strong small-town feel where newcomers are warmly welcomed to the community.

Things to do in Stone Mountain

 Stone Mountain is the perfect city for those looking to live next to a famous landmark and a great place to get outside and exercise. Over 3,200 acres, Stone Mountain Park features the world’s largest piece of exposed granite with trails up to the summit and around the base.

It’s not all hiking as there are many attractions to enjoy at Stone Mountain Park, such as the Summit Skyride and the Scenic Railroad. There are also many seasonal events and festivals that take place in Stone Mountain Park and the city itself.

The centerpiece of the city is Stone Mountain Village, the town’s historic downtown district. It’s full of local shops, restaurants, and art galleries for residents to peruse as they walk the brick-paved streets.

Living in Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain offers affordability with the average rent being $1,148/month. The housing in the area is diverse, with apartments, townhomes, and houses being plentiful. Even renting a house or townhome is relatively affordable with the average rent for a house being $2,049/month and $1,680/month for a townhome.

As you’ll live in a quiet suburb, you will need a car. There is very little public transportation, and larger box stores are farther away. Most errands will require a car as Stone Mountain has a WalkScore® of 45 and a TransitScore® of 3. With the plentiful trails around the city and in Stone Mountain Park, biking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy being outside. However, it’s not the best method of transportation as the BikeScore® is only 35.

Jonesboro, GA

• Population: 6,084
• Average rent: $1,154/month
• Niche Grade: B-

Jonesboro is a city steeped in history and full of Southern charm. There’s a reason the city was the setting for Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind. The city looks as though it came straight out of an epic drama with greenery surrounding historic buildings.

Things to do in Jonesboro

Explore the story of Jonesboro through the many historical sites and museums. The 1867 Train Depot is the city’s welcome center and home to the Road to Tara Museum, which is dedicated to the movie and novel Gone with the Wind.

Residents fill the streets and parks for events such as Jonesboro’s Jazz in the Park or Jonesboro’s Farmers and Artisans Market. Many of the local restaurants are on Main Street while chains and other large stores cluster around U.S. Highway 41.

There are several parks in Jonesboro, namely Lee Street Park, where a lot of events are held, and Rum Creek Park for sports games. Clayton County International Park, near Lake Spivey, offers trails and attractions like a tennis center, dog park, and water park.

Living in Jonesboro

The primary housing options in Jonesboro are houses, apartments, and townhomes. Renting an apartment in Jonesboro is the most budget-friendly option with the average rent being $1,154/month. A townhome averages $1,565/month and homes rent for around $1,918/month.

Living close to downtown will get you a smaller home, but it’s only a short distance to shops and restaurants. The suburbs offer more space and greenery, but you’ll need a car to get around.

Even though Jonesboro is not far from Atlanta, it is definitely a car-dependent city. The WalkScore® of 35 and TransitScore® of 1 showcase the need for a car, even if you are only going out to get groceries or a bite to eat.

Naples, FL

• Population: 20,168
• Average rent: $1,901/month
• Niche Grade: A

Towards the tip of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico lies Naples. This beach town is known for its sugary white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. For those looking for an upscale atmosphere, Naples is the city for you.

Things to do in Naples

The beach is obviously one of the main attractions of Naples with its emerald waters and nine-mile-long shoreline. Besides the beach, golf is the biggest pastime in the city with about 110 public and private golf courses. Many communities are centered around golfing with the courses running through neighborhoods or right next door.

The high-end shops and restaurants on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South fit the luxury vibe of the city. Explore the easily recognizable retailers, boutiques, and renowned restaurants that line the streets.

Culture and the arts are strong with many galleries in the Naples Art District. The Naples Philharmonic at Artis—Naples and The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre are staples of the city, showing how the arts are a pillar of the city and community.

The love for arts and culture is clear in the events as well. The Naples Shakespeare Festival and Naples National Arts Fair celebrate local art and performances. Food is also of huge importance with it being the focus of many events, including the Stone Crab Festival, Naples Winter Wine Festival, and the Everglades Seafood Festival.

Living in Naples

If you want to live near the action in Old Naples but still stick to your budget, then an apartment or condo is your best bet. The average rent in Naples is $1,901/month, but luxury rentals can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $11,000 per month.To find affordable homes for rent in Naples, check out popular suburbs like East Naples or Royal Harbor.

The walkability depends heavily on what neighborhood you live in. Old Naples is great for walking or biking, but if you live farther out then you’ll likely need a car. Overall, Naples has a WalkScore® of 41 and a BikeScore® of 51. These three methods are the main forms of transportation as there is not much public transit in Naples, which is the reason the city only has a TransitScore® of 1.

Katy, TX

• Population: 27,741
• Average rent: $1,332/month
• Niche Grade: A

Enjoy the close-knit community of Katy with easy access to Houston. Many residents commute the 13 miles to Houston’s Energy Corridor, but the city also has its own business hub. Katy surprises many as it’s not just a commuter town but a city with its own culture and an array of attractions, from excellent schools to lively entertainment.

Things to do in Katy

The population of Katy has rapidly increased in the last couple of years, leading to new shops, restaurants, and attractions. Next to the established Katy Mills Mall, you’ll find Typhoon Texas Waterpark and Dig World. The attractions add additional fun to the mall’s 175 stores and restaurants.

Katy is also quickly becoming a food destination with many restaurants establishing themselves as local staples. You can try whatever cuisine you want from Mexican and Italian along Highway 41 to Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, at Katy Asian Town.

The community is active with many events and festivals, like the Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo Festival, the Wild West Brewfest, and the Katy Rice Harvest Festival.

One of the perks of living in the suburbs is that there are plenty of parks and trails. Just around Katy itself, you have your choice with popular options like the Katy Boardwalk, Cinco Ranch Trails, Mason Creek North Trails, and Mary Jo Peckham Park.

Living in Katy

As a city in Texas, Katy has plenty of space for homes. Whether you want to live in an apartment that is close to entertainment or relax in a spacious home, Katy has both. The average rent for an apartment in Katy is $1,332/month, while houses rent for $2,589/month.

Because it is a suburb of Houston, a car is essential to get around Katy. With a WalkScore® of 41 and a TransitScore® of 3, driving is the most common method of navigating the city. You’ll see many people biking on the trails for fun but it’s not the best method of travel as the city got a BikeScore® of 39.

New Castle, DE

• Population: 5,715
• Average rent: $1,373/month
• Niche Grade: B

New Castle is a quiet city along the Delaware River. Its prime location offers a calm lifestyle with easy access to larger metropolitans like next door Wilmington,  as well as Philadelphia to the northeast and Baltimore to the southwest.

Things to do in New Castle

New Castle is the ideal location for those looking for history and nature. The city is known for its abundance of historical buildings preserved by the Delaware Historical Society and brick-paved sidewalks. Many landmarks with lengthy histories and museums telling  stories of the past fill the historic downtown.

Downtown is only steps away from the riverfront where you can enjoy a trail or park. New Castle Battery Park is a beautiful setting for a picnic next to the river. Or for a day on the beach, head down the Battery Park Trail to Deemer’s Beach.

Starting in the city, the Frenchtown Road Path is an easy trail to the Historic Penn Farm and New Castle Farmers Market. For a journey through the woods and over the Broad Dyke Canal, head to the Jack Markell Trail.

Living in New Castle

New Castle lacks good public transit with a TransitScore® of 1. Depending on where you live, it may be possible to bike or walk to do your errands or go to shops and restaurants. However, a car is still a necessity as the city has a WalkScore® of 35 and BikeScore® of 38.

Apartments comprise the majority of the rental options in New Castle, with townhomes and single-family houses for rent here and there. The average rent for an apartment in New Castle is $1,373/month, which is 16 percent lower than the national average. This makes the city more affordable compared to the average rent in Wilmington, which is $1,597/month.

Most-Searched Small Cities on Apartments.com

If none of the cities above have piqued your interest, check out other cities on the list:

Most Searched Small Cities (Population of 50k–100k)	Most Searched Very Small Cities (Population of 5k–100k)
Greenville, SC	Stone Mountain, GA
Pensacola, FL	Jonesboro, GA
Hoboken, NJ	Trinidad, CO
Sarasota, FL	Naples, FL
Marietta, GA	Katy, TX
Kissimmee, FL	New Castle, DE
Lancaster, PA	Holland, MI
Santa Monica, CA	Decatur, GA
Harrisburg, PA	Fairfax, VA
Bradenton, FL	Falls Church, VA
Appleton, WI	Davenport, FL
Ocala, FL	Morrow, GA
Fort Myers, FL	Williamsburg, VA
Wilmington, DE	Bethlehem, PA
Portland, ME	Humble, TX
Coral Gables, FL	Huber Heights, OH
Rockville, MD	Grand Blanc, MI
Delray Beach, FL	Northville, MI
Southfield, MI	Cumming, GA
Somerville, MA	Laurel, MD

Make Apartment Hunting Easy on Apartments.com

Even in a small city, you’ll have to choose from a number of rentals. It can be time-consuming to sift through them all. Luckily, Apartments.com makes it easy to find the one that fits all your criteria with a variety of filters, including:

• Price
• Number of beds/baths
• Home type
• Pet-friendliness
• Popular amenities

Once you’ve narrowed down the selection, look at high-quality photos, videos, and 3D tours to pick the perfect home. Rent with confidence on Apartments.com!