Renters Are More Likely to Search for Apartments Near Grocery Stores Than Friends and Family

Sorry, loved ones! The produce section is apparently winning over the hearts of renters in 2026.  

When you think of renters searching for a new apartment, location might be one of the first things that pops to mind. Location is the heart of most conveniences, after all: shorter commutes, easier school drop-offs, or accessibility to parks, restaurants, and errands. But according to a May 2026 Apartments.com survey, one convenience stands out more than many renters may expect: grocery stores.  

Grocery stores are part of everyday life. Whether you’re planning a full weekly shop, picking up a few things for tomorrow’s potluck, or making a quick run because you forgot milk, living near a grocery store can make a neighborhood feel more convenient and easier to manage.  

What renters told Apartments.com they’re looking to live near  

The survey results show that renters consider a wide range of nearby places when searching for their next home. Here are the results from the May 2026 survey: 

After work, grocery stores, and friends or family, renters also placed importance on outdoor space, dining, medical care, transportation, and schools. These responses point to a larger trend: renters are thinking about how a location supports their lifestyle, not just how the apartment looks in photographs. And the top three answers prove it.  

Renters want apartments near grocery stores 

Nearly half of renters surveyed said they look for apartments close to grocery stores. That puts grocery access ahead of parks, restaurants, medical care, public transportation, schools, shopping centers, highways, and entertainment venues.  

For renters searching for apartments near grocery stores, the appeal might be simple: 

• A nearby grocery store can make everyday routines easier, especially for renters with busy work schedules, families, roommates, pets, or limited access to transportation.  

• Being close to a grocery store means rents don’t have to plan a necessary errand around long drives or multiple stops.  

For renters who are the top chefs in their household, grocery access can be one of the most important factors in choosing a neighborhood — especially if they prefer specialty stores for those hard-to-find ingredients. It also matters for renters who do not cook. Someone will always need a frozen pizza! 

Work still leads the apartment search 

While grocery stores ranked high, work was still a top priority. 54% of renters said they only look for places close to work for themselves or a family member. That result isn’t surprising as return-to-office mandates sweep the workforce. Commute time can shape a renter’s entire daily routine. A shorter commute may mean more time at home, less time in traffic, and more flexibility before and after the workday. For renters who commute several days a week, living near work can be a major factor in deciding where to rent.  

Family and friends matter, but daily convenience matters more 

Friends and family ranked third on Apartments.com’s survey, with 34% of renters saying they only look for places close to loved ones. That is still a significant share of renters, and for many people, there’s nothing quite like having a support system nearby.  

But the fact that grocery stores ranked higher shows how strongly everyday convenience influences the apartment search. Renters may love being close to family and friends, but they also know they will probably need groceries more often than they need to borrow a ladder, attend Sunday dinner, or stop by for a chat. This shows that renters are practical and balanced: close enough to the people who matter... yet closer to the places that keep life running smoothly. 

Nearby locations matter to today’s renters

Apartment hunting is about finding a place to live, with the location and space to match your idea of a perfect home. However, it is also about finding a location that supports your routine. Renters are often asking practical questions as they search: 

• How long will it take to get to work?  

• Where is the nearest grocery store?  

• Is there a park nearby?  

• Can I get to public transportation easily?  

• Are restaurants, healthcare, or schools close enough? 

These questions matter because the right location can make daily life easier. A beautiful apartment may be less appealing if every errand requires extra planning. On the other hand, an apartment near the places renters visit most often can feel more convenient from the start. That may be why grocery stores ranked so highly in the survey. They are not flashy, but they are useful. 

Find Apartments Near Grocery Stores on Apartments.com

Whether you want to live close to work, near a grocery store, by a park, or within easy reach of public transportation, Apartments.com can help you find rentals that match the way you live. 

With AI Smart Search on Apartments.com, renters can streamline the apartment hunting process by eliminating extra steps and seeing results that fit what they want. Instead of searching broadly and sorting through listings that may not match your priorities, you can look for apartments based on the features, locations, and nearby conveniences that matter most to you. So, if your ideal rental is close to work, close to friends and family, or close enough to a grocery store for a last-minute dinner run, Apartments.com can help narrow the search.