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Map shows cities with most boomers renting homes

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 8:47 GMT by Newsweek

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Cities Where Baby Boomers Are Renting the Most: An In‑Depth Look

A recent Newsweek feature, titled “Map: Cities With the Most Boomers Renting Homes,” charts a striking shift in the housing habits of the United States’ largest generation. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the article maps the geographic concentration of baby boomers (born 1946‑1964) who rent rather than own a home. The result is a striking visual of a generation that, once hailed as the “home‑owning” class, is now increasingly choosing to lease.

Key Findings from the Map

• Highest Concentrations: Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Tampa, Florida boast the highest percentages of renting boomers, with rates ranging from 43 % to 47 %. In Phoenix, 44 % of boomers rent, a figure that surpasses the national average of roughly 28 %.
• Secondary Hotspots: Denver, Colorado; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee also feature prominently, each with rental rates above 35 %. These cities are noted for their rapidly growing economies, mild climates, and relatively affordable rental markets.
• Lower‑Rate Cities: In contrast, cities such as San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; and Washington, D.C. have lower rental rates for boomers—often falling below 20 %. In these markets, high home prices and limited rental supply keep many boomers in ownership or lead them to relocate elsewhere.

The map employs a color gradient to indicate the proportion of boomers renting, with darker reds marking higher concentrations. The accompanying data table provides city‑by‑city figures, giving readers a quick way to compare across regions.

Why Are Boomers Renting More?

The Newsweek article cites several socioeconomic forces behind this trend:

1. Downsizing & Mobility
   Many boomers are moving from larger family homes to smaller, low‑maintenance properties. Rental apartments or townhomes offer flexibility, especially for those who anticipate a change in health or wish to relocate closer to family without the burden of selling a house.

2. Affordability Pressures
   In high‑cost metros, buying a home can require substantial down‑payments and mortgage commitments that do not fit comfortably within a retiree’s fixed income. Rental markets—especially in the West and South—have remained comparatively affordable, attracting boomers who prefer the liquidity of cash rather than tying it up in real estate.

3. Lifestyle Preferences
   A growing number of boomers value the amenities that rental complexes provide, such as on‑site fitness centers, security, and maintenance services. These perks align with a “no‑worries” lifestyle that many retirees seek.

4. Economic Uncertainty
   The Newsweek piece notes that even well‑off boomers are wary of committing to a long‑term mortgage in an uncertain economic climate. Renting offers a sense of control, especially when housing markets can fluctuate unpredictably.

5. Geographic Relocation
   The article highlights how many boomers are moving to “sunny” states—Arizona, Florida, Texas—for better weather and tax advantages. These states also have higher rental rates for the demographic, indicating a correlation between relocation decisions and housing preferences.

Data Sources and Methodology

The article’s analysis hinges on the ACS 1‑year estimates for households headed by boomers, combined with HUD’s “Housing Vacancy Rates.” Researchers filtered the data to include only those households where the renter paid rent for the dwelling rather than being a homeowner or a co‑owner. For cities with less than 1,000 boomers, the estimates are flagged as “unreliable” due to small sample size. The map also cross‑references the National Association of Realtors (NAR) report on “Boomer Housing Trends,” which indicates a 12 % rise in rental participation among boomers between 2015 and 2019.

Expert Commentary

The article features insights from a few industry experts:

• Dr. Angela Ruiz, Housing Economist at the Brookings Institution: “Boomer rental rates are a bellwether for broader shifts in the housing market. When a demographic that traditionally favored homeownership moves toward renting, it signals changes in affordability and consumer expectations.”

• Mark Ellis, Senior Analyst at NAR: “Our data show that even in high‑cost metros, a segment of boomers is embracing the rental model. This reflects a strategic choice to preserve wealth rather than tie it up in depreciating real estate.”

• Lisa Chang, Director of the Housing Policy Center at UCLA: “Policy makers should anticipate rising demand for senior‑friendly rentals. This includes ensuring that rental housing stock includes accessibility features, and that rent‑control policies do not unduly limit supply.”

Policy and Market Implications

The rise in boomers renting has tangible effects on the housing market and local economies:

1. Rental Market Expansion
   Increased demand has led to higher rental prices in boom‑renter hotspots, potentially pushing lower‑income renters out of those markets. Some cities are seeing a rapid expansion of multifamily units to keep pace with demand.

2. Mortgage Markets
   With more boomers opting to rent, the demand for purchase‑qualified mortgages may shrink, potentially affecting lenders’ portfolios and influencing interest rate dynamics.

3. Urban Planning
   Cities with high boomer‑renter populations may need to adapt zoning codes to encourage senior‑friendly rental development, including accessible units and community amenities.

4. Intergenerational Housing
   The trend may alter the traditional family dynamic, as boomers rent rather than own, thereby influencing patterns of intergenerational co‑habitation and the long‑term housing stock of households.

Additional Context

While the Newsweek article focuses primarily on the U.S., similar patterns are emerging abroad. A recent OECD report on “Housing Affordability for Older Adults” highlights that in many European cities, aging populations are increasingly renting rather than buying, driven by similar affordability and mobility considerations.

The article also references a Pew Research Center study that found 57 % of boomers consider housing a top financial priority. The study links this priority to a desire for “financial flexibility” and “preparedness for health care costs,” underscoring the strategic nature of renting as a financial decision.

Bottom Line

The map and accompanying analysis from Newsweek reveal a significant realignment in the housing choices of baby boomers. Cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Tampa are becoming hubs for boomers who prefer the flexibility, affordability, and lifestyle amenities of renting. This shift has far‑reaching implications for real‑estate markets, housing policy, and the broader economy. As the generation that once dominated homeownership continues to reshape its approach to housing, policymakers, developers, and community planners must adapt to a more dynamic and diversified housing landscape.