In a country as large as the U.S., it can be a challenge for someone without a strong desire or an urgent need to be in a particular place to settle on a city to live in. RentCafe's new list of the best cities for renters in 2024 identifies the South as the best region to investigate.

Its list of the top 50 best places for renters includes 38 Southern cities. It is headed by Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, Sarasota, FL, McKinney, TX, and Scottsdale, AZ. Round Rock and Austin, TX also scored well, as did three North Carolina cities: Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Raleigh.

RentCafe judged cities by 20 metrics related to the cost of living and housing, the state of the local economy, and quality of life. Charleston was ranked Number 1 due to its strong local economy, affordability, lower cost of living, and multiple career opportunities thanks to major employers and its thriving tourism industry. Its quality of life including spacious apartments, quality schools, abundant green space, and active social life also contributed.