Key Takeaways:
- The best cities for spacious apartments with walk-in closets and storage are mostly in the South
- Fayetteville, NC, ranks as the top U.S. city for roomy apartments and abundant storage options
- Storage-friendly apartments are hardest to find on the East Coast, where smaller living spaces and limited storage prevail
- The average apartment size delivered in 2024 was 907 square feet, down 70 square feet from 2005 — roughly the size of a walk-in closet
- The self storage industry has nearly doubled its inventory over two decades, reaching close to 2 billion square feet by the end of 2024
Home is where our stuff is — but where do we put it all? With our love for retail therapy and nonessential spending going up by a third in recent years, chances are our homes are overflowing with stuff. But this isn’t just about consumer habits — the housing crunch has also forced cities to find new ways to accommodate growing populations.
To make room for more residents, apartments have been getting smaller over the past two decades. In 2024, new rentals averaged 907 square feet — about 70 square feet less than those delivered in 2005. On average, the American apartment is now short by roughly the size of a walk-in closet.
Where can renters still “live big” in a world of shrinking spaces?
With less space at home and more stuff than ever, the question remains: Where can renters still live comfortably without sacrificing the items they hold dear? Across the country, cities have evolved in different ways to accommodate renters’ space needs. Some prioritize dense, compact living, while others still offer room to breathe. With that in mind, we set out to explore where renters can enjoy spacious, uncluttered living while still embracing an urban lifestyle.
Of course, having room to breathe isn’t just about square footage — it’s about how well space is used. Smart storage solutions can make all the difference in apartment living. Features like walk-in closets, built-in storage, and access to self storage help maximize every inch, turning a compact layout into a functional home. In some cities, renters have a much better chance of finding these space-saving perks.
To pinpoint where renters can still enjoy airy apartment living, our StorageCafe research team analyzed 243 cities (each with at least 2,000 renters). We ranked them based on apartment size, the availability of walk-in closets and built-in storage, and access to self storage—an essential tool for keeping homes organized and clutter-free.
So, where can renters find the most spacious and storage-friendly living? Let’s dive in.
The South leads in spacious apartment living combined with ample storage
Fayetteville, NC, tops the list, offering renters an average of 990 square feet of living space — well above the national average. More than half of its apartments feature walk-in closets, and 46% provide extra storage within the complex, making it one of the most storage-friendly cities in the country.
Beyond built-in storage, self storage is widely available and affordable, with 12.1 square feet per capita. Further easing access to storage space, a Fayetteville unit rents for an affordable $113 per month on average, making it easier for renters to expand their living space without breaking the bank. Whether it’s seasonal gear, furniture or sentimental items, Fayetteville’s combination of spacious apartments and accessible self storage makes it an ideal place for those who value both comfort and organization.
North Carolina stands out for spacious rentals
North Carolina excels overall, with Wilmington, Cary, Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh all offering apartments that average over 900 square feet. Cary leads the state with an impressive 1,000-square-foot average and 62% of apartments featuring walk-in closets — the highest rate in North Carolina. Wilmington also leads in extra storage space, with nearly half of its apartment buildings offering storage options within the complex. Cary and Raleigh follow closely, meeting renters' needs with extra storage in 45% of their rental communities.
Other standout Southern cities
Murfreesboro, TN, ranks third nationally, blending urban convenience with suburban perks. Over 70% of apartments feature walk-in closets, and 37% offer additional storage within the complex. Beyond built-in storage, Murfreesboro stands out for its spacious apartments, averaging 992 square feet—giving renters extra room about the size of a large laundry room compared to the national average. Storage options extend beyond the apartment, with ample self storage facilities available to house seasonal items like outdoor gear, decorations, and clothing. Murfreesboro self storage is also abundant, with 9.7 square feet per capita at an affordable $121 per month.
Elsewhere in Tennessee, Clarksville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga also offer renters a spacious lifestyle. These cities have strong job markets and major universities, making them ideal for renters. In Clarksville and Knoxville, more than half of rental buildings with 50+ units include walk-in closets. Renters in both cities also get more legroom inside their apartments compared to the national average, giving them extra space to stretch out and live comfortably. If renters need additional space outside their rental setting, self storage is abundant across these cities, with square footage per capita exceeding 8 square feet of space. Rent for Clarksville storage boils down to $102/month, while a storage unit in Chattanooga and Knoxville rents for $94/month and, respectively, $125/month.
Over in Florida, which attracts not only snowbirds but also a significant number of professionals, demand for rentals with desirable amenities remains high. Tallahassee and Gainesville, FL, cater to storage-conscious renters, with 60% of apartments in Gainesville and 56% in Tallahassee offering walk-in closets. Cities like Orlando and Tampa also provide ample storage options — nearly half of rental complexes in these cities include this amenity.
Storage outside of the apartment is less common, but you can still find it in about a third or more of rental buildings in all four cities. For storage away from home, these Florida cities perform well, surpassing the national average in terms of square footage per capita—with the exception of Tampa, where self storage space amounts to 6.9 square feet per capita. As for self storage rental costs, Gainesville and Tampa have similar rates at approximately $132/month. Storage in Tallahassee is slightly lower, at $129/month, while Orlando offers the most affordable option, with units averaging $124/month.
Alabama’s towns shine, with Tuscaloosa apartments averaging over 1,000 square feet and leading the state in walk-in closet availability (73%). Huntsville and Mobile are also well-equipped to offer this sought-after feature, which is found in close to 60% of rental complexes in both cities. Moreover, whether you’re renting in Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, or Birmingham, you’re likely to find on-site storage in over 20% of apartment buildings — a valuable amenity that helps maximize living space.
Outside of the apartment setting, Alabama renters can also enjoy an abundant self storage supply that surpasses the national average in all these cities. Meanwhile, Montgomery stands out for its 15.1 square feet of self storage per capita, giving renters ample off-site storage options.
Where renters in Texas can still “live big”: More space, more storage and more apartments
Texas is booming — and renters are reaping the benefits. With a strong job market, a business-friendly environment and fast-growing cities, the Lone Star State has become a top destination for movers. This surge in migration has fueled record-breaking housing construction, making Texas one of the leading states for apartment inventory growth over the past two decades.
Between 2005 and 2023, Texas saw 15 of its cities rank among the top nationwide for housing stock increases. Now, renters in 12 Texas cities enjoy larger apartments, more built-in storage and greater access to self storage — helping them live comfortably without sacrificing space. In five of the highest-performing Texas, apartments are larger than the national average.
In the Dallas metro area, six cities that are well-equipped to respond to the renters’ need for apartment living and storage space. Plano, Frisco and McKinney stand out for offering apartments that exceed the national average, giving renters in these booming Texas cities more room to spread out. Renters in Frisco, McKinney, Carrollton and Grand Prairie benefit from walk-in closets being available in more than half of rental buildings. Meanwhile, Grand Prairie leads in built-in storage convenience, with 74% of apartments featuring walk-in closets — the highest share in the U.S. — and 59% providing additional storage space within the complex.
Over in the Austin metro area, both Austin and Round Rock are stepping up to help renters enjoy a superior lifestyle, thanks to the availability of walk-in closets and storage spaces within rental complexes. Round Rock holds the edge when it comes to walk-in closets, which are found in about 58% of apartment buildings, while in Austin this feature appears in about half of them. The same goes for apartment sizes, with Round Rock offering an average of 915 square feet of space over the 861 square feet renters get in Austin. This solidifies Round Rock’s position as one of the best cities for renters, as it continues to respond to the increased demand for housing.
Western cities deliver for renters seeking more space and smart storage
Out West, apartment dwellers benefit from more spacious living along with ample storage in six cities across Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon.
Arizona — particularly the Phoenix area — has become a migration hot spot for Californians and other Americans as well. To respond to the existing demand for housing, the Phoenix metro not only has built multifamily extensively in the past decades, but is also focused on enhancing the rental experience.
In Gilbert, Chandler and Scottsdale, apartments offer an average of more than 940 square feet, providing renters with plenty of living space. Similarly, over 62% of apartment buildings in Gilbert and Chandler feature walk-in closets, while in Scottsdale, renters can find this amenity in about half of rental complexes. Additionally, in all three cities, storage spaces are available in over a third of rental communities. Beyond apartment storage, Scottsdale has the highest self storage availability among the three cities, with 8.2 square feet per capita. A Scottsdale unit comes with an $184 monthly price tag.
Moving over to Nevada, Henderson and Reno offer the promise of a more spacious and comfortable apartment living. Both cities have seen increased levels of migration and a 30% jump in employment opportunities over the last two decades. This has driven demand for housing that prioritizes sought-after amenities such as walk-in closets and storage options. In Henderson, over half of the apartment buildings offer walk-in closets, while in Reno the share is slightly lower at 38%. In both cities, apartment extra storage is available in about a third of rental complexes. For additional storage away from home, self storage is widely available in Reno, where there are 14.3 square feet of storage per capita, the third-highest supply relative to population. A Reno unit rents for $129/month.
The East Coast falls short on storage: Where renters struggle for space
Renters on the East Coast face a space crunch, with high-density cities offering some of the smallest apartments and limited built-in storage. Miami Beach, FL, ranks at the bottom, with apartments averaging just 692 square feet — the smallest in the country — and only 5% of units including walk-in closets. In the Greater Miami area, Hialeah and Hollywood also have smaller-than-average apartments, but they’re more spacious than their Miami Beach counterparts, standing at over 830 square feet. In both cities, fewer than 10% of rental buildings include walk-in closets.
New Jersey cities such as Elizabeth, Paterson and Union City face similar challenges, with compact apartments and minimal storage options making it difficult for renters to keep their living spaces organized. Close to New York City, four New Jersey cities provide a less-than-ideal rental experience for those seeking spacious apartments with storage options. Many of these cities function as bedroom communities for NYC commuters, where high housing demand has pushed developers to build smaller units. As a result, extra amenities like walk-in closets and storage outside the apartment are rare. This is particularly true in Elizabeth, Paterson, and Union City, where apartments average less than 700 square feet. In Newark, apartments offer slightly more space, averaging 714 square feet.
Up north in Massachusetts, several cities are also feeling the impact of smaller apartments paired with limited storage options. In the Boston area, apartments average less than 800 square feet in Boston proper and Somerville and barely exceed 800 square feet in nearby Lowell. Walk-in closets are also in short supply, though Boston fares slightly better, with this amenity available in about 17% of apartment buildings. As a historic city, Boston also has some of the oldest rentals, averaging over a century in age. That makes walk-in closets a rarer occurrence, as this feature only became mainstream after the 1950s. In Somerville (11%) and Lowell (6.5%), walk-in closets are even less common.
Switching coasts, 16 Californian cities also grapple with smaller apartments and limited in-unit and out-of-unit storage options. More than half of these cities are part of Greater LA, where high-density development has led to smaller apartments. Similarly, three cities around San Francisco offer compact living spaces due to restricted construction space.
Building smaller also affects amenities like walk-in closets and storage spaces, which are increasingly rare in these areas. In fact, across California’s most space-constrained cities, out-of-unit storage is available in only about 18% or fewer of rental complexes.
The U.S. cities with the most self storage space
As apartments continue to shrink and built-in storage becomes a luxury, renters are turning to self storage as an extension of their living spaces. To address the growing need for off-site space, the self storage industry has nearly doubled over the past 20 years, reaching close to 2 billion square feet by the end of 2024. However, this growth has not been evenly distributed across the country. In some cities, however, finding extra storage is easier — and much more affordable — than in others. Across the country, a handful of storage-rich cities stand out, offering far more space per capita than the national benchmark of seven square feet per person.
Self Storage Availability and Rates Across U.S. Cities
StorageCafe analysis of Yardi Matrix dataTexas boomtowns are big on storage
Everything’s bigger in Texas — including self storage availability. Lubbock, Beaumont, Amarillo and Corpus Christi lead the state in storage supply, with renters enjoying an impressive 12.5 square feet per capita. As these fast-growing cities attract more residents, the demand for space has surged, and storage facilities have kept pace, ensuring renters don’t have to downsize their belongings along with their living spaces.
The South keeps storage convenient
Across the South, Montgomery, Huntsville and Mobile, AL, as well as Baton Rouge, LA, make sure renters have room to store everything from outdoor gear to furniture. With over 11 square feet of storage per capita, these cities rank among the best for accessible, built-in solutions to the space crunch. As housing demand grows in these metro areas, self storage is becoming an essential tool for renters looking to stay organized without cluttering their homes.
Storage surplus in fast-growing mid-size cities
The self storage boom isn’t just confined to the South — Reno, NV, Boise, ID, Colorado Springs, CO, Clarksville, TN, and Las Cruces, NM, are proving that mid-size cities can offer both space and affordability. With more than 11 square feet of storage per person, these cities offer renters the breathing room they need to store their essentials without feeling squeezed.
East Coast and Southeastern cities offer a storage safety net
While the East Coast is typically known for its tight living spaces, a few cities break the mold. Wilmington, Fayetteville, Greensboro and Tallahassee offer 9.7 square feet per capita, giving renters an alternative to stuffing closets or sacrificing precious square footage in their apartments.
Affordable storage hubs in the South
For those looking for low-cost storage solutions, Little Rock, AR, and Lafayette, LA, provide renters with over 12 square feet of storage per capita, making it easier to keep homes clutter-free without breaking the bank.
As housing trends continue to favor smaller apartments with fewer built-in storage options, these storage-friendly cities are proving that extra space is still within reach — if you know where to look. For renters in these metro areas, self storage isn’t just an add-on — it’s a practical, affordable solution for modern urban living.
While rising construction costs and high-density living are making apartments smaller, renters in many Southern cities can still find spacious units with ample in-unit and out-of-unit storage. For those in tighter quarters, self storage remains a reliable solution to keep living spaces organized and comfortable.
Check out how renters fare in terms of apartment and storage space across major cities in the U.S.:
Featured expert opinion
To gain further insights into how apartment renters contend with cozier living spaces, we've turned to experts in the field.
Doug Ressler, Business Intelligence Manager, Yardi Matrix
1. How can renters maximize storage space inside their apartments?
Households are finding creative ways to manage storage demands in today’s dynamic rental markets where living in sought-after locations might come with smaller living spaces. However, with a few intentional design and furniture choices, they can make the most of their home. For instance, going for furniture that doubles as storage, like beds with drawers or ottomans with hidden compartments, is becoming increasingly popular. This helps maximize space in smaller living areas. Additionally, utilization of vertical space with shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted storage can make the most of available space.
Adoption of a minimalist lifestyle and regularly decluttering can significantly reduce the need for extra storage.
2. What are some alternative storage solutions for renters?
Some neighborhoods have community storage solutions where residents can share storage space for items like seasonal decorations or sports equipment. Outside of the rental complex, self storage is also shaping up to be a great solution for renters confronted with tight living quarters. The storage unit is a temporary home for items that don’t see everyday use, whether they’re outdoor gear, bulky clothing, extra furniture or even cherished family heirlooms.
Overall, storage units are inexpensive, but cost can vary widely based on factors like location, unit size and additional features such as climate control, a useful amenity when storing sensitive items such as furniture, appliances, musical instruments and more. So, one should do their research. In major cities, prices can be higher due to increased demand and limited availability.
Methodology
This analysis was conducted by StorageCafe, a nationwide online platform providing self storage unit listings.
We analyzed 243 cities with renter populations over 2,000, ranking them based on apartment size, availability of walk-in closet availability and built-in storage options inside rental buildings and self storage. Our analysis includes apartment buildings with 50+ units only.
For data on rental buildings and amenities, we've turned to our sister division RentCafe, an online marketplace for rental and self storage listings.
Data on self storage rates and inventory came from our sister division Yardi Matrix, a business development and asset management tool for brokers, sponsors, banks and equity sources underwriting investments in the multifamily, office, industrial and self storage sectors.
Fair use and distribution
This study serves as a resource for the general public on issues of common interest and should not be regarded as investment advice. The data is true to the best of our knowledge but may change if amendments to it are made. We agree to the distribution of this content, but we do require a mention in return for attribution purposes.
