Where’s the nearest bus stop or train station? Renters want to know. Proximity to public transportation is a top consideration for nearly three in 10 people looking for a rental residence.
That’s according to a new survey of prospective renters by Apartments.com. The survey, conducted in January with over 20,000 U.S. adults planning to rent their next place, explored what apartment seekers look for when choosing a place to rent.
When advertising your property, how are you highlighting local neighborhood amenities like transit? Here’s what you can do to attract transportation-minded renters.
Renters choose transit over highway access
For 27 percent of renters, living close to public transit — such as a bus stop or train station — is non-negotiable. These respondents said they wouldn’t consider a place that isn’t close to transit.
In fact, public transit outranked highways or freeways. Only 18 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t consider a place without nearby highway or freeway access. That’s nearly half as many who prioritized living near public transportation.
Where does transit matter the most?
Not all parts of the country are as reliant on transit. Not surprisingly, public transit is a bigger priority for renters living in urban areas than those outside the city. Renters who live in areas with well-connected transportation networks are more likely to prioritize living near public transit.
Among major cities, Boston tops the list for interest in public transit, with three-quarters of respondents saying they wouldn’t consider a place that isn’t close to transit options. Next come Washington, DC and New York City, close behind with 74 percent each. Chicago is fourth place with 68 percent of respondents, while 59 percent of respondents in San Francisco cite transit as essential.
Where are renters least interested in public transportation? Among big cities, Houston (22 percent), Austin (23 percent), San Diego (25 percent), St. Louis (29 percent), and Miami (30 percent) rank in the bottom five.
How your Apartments.com listing highlights transit
Did you know that transit access is prominently featured on your Apartments.com listing? The Transportation section of your listing includes nearby transit options, including subways, commuter trains, and airports. Bus stops will be added later this year.
Renters will also find details on how walkable and bikeable your area is and what the local transit score is, according to Walk Score.
And to round out the picture, the Soundscore from HowLoud, Inc. evaluates how quiet the neighborhood is, based on traffic and other nearby noise.
A spotlight on transit in your city
Each top rental market, from Atlanta to Wichita, has a dedicated hub on Apartments.com highlighting everything a renter might want to know about that given area. These local area guides offer a helpful overview of what it’s like to live in each city, including how bikeable and transit-friendly the area is and what local transportation options are available.
Include transit in your property description
How else can you show off your local amenities? Don’t forget your property description. An effective property description can help draw in high-quality leads.
If your community is located a short walk or drive from a transit station, call this out in your description.
And make it specific. Rather than using vague, subjective phrases like “a commuter’s paradise,” describe what renters need to know, such as “a block from the Embarcadero BART station.” Think of useful keywords renters might search for — such as the name of your local transit agency.
When you use relevant details in your description, renters who may be interested in your property are more likely to discover your listing and ultimately turn into your future residents.
Looking for more renter insights?
Stay tuned for more details from the latest renter survey. In the meantime, check out these resources:
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