In 2025, renting is decidedly in vogue.
While renting has historically been a stepping stone on the road to ownership or a backup plan when personal or financial circumstances made buying impractical, more people are choosing to rent over buy than at any time in modern history. Collectively, there are 46 million renting households in the US, including people across age demographics, income spectrums, and life stages. For instance, nearly 75 percent of Gen Z view renting as a smarter option than buying. Meanwhile, the number of renter households earning $1 million or more tripled between 2019 and 2023.
As Glen Stegemann, a broker with The Agency based in Miramar Beach, Florida, told the New York Times, “They’re choosing flexibility and liquidity over ownership.”
”The average home price has increased by 45 percent since 2021.
Why More People Are Choosing Flexibility and Freedom
For many people, renting is a strategic choice that aligns with their modern, dynamic lifestyle. Here are the top three reasons people embrace the rental lifestyle.
#1 Financial Freedom and Predictability
Historically, conventional wisdom said that owning was the smart choice, a wise investment in you and your family’s future.
In today’s housing market, that’s much less true as the financial barrier to entry and escalating upkeep costs make ownership less attainable for the average household. The average home price has increased by 45 percent since 2021, and half of aspiring home buyers say they can’t even afford the down payment.
At the same time, limited housing stock, elevated mortgage rates, and increasing property taxes make it unlikely that home ownership will become affordable any time soon. Renters aren’t waiting around or holding their breath. With renting being the more affordable option than buying in most large US metros in 2025, it’s no surprise that so many people are embracing the rental lifestyle for its maintenance-free living and financial flexibility.
#2 An Adaptable Lifestyle
Life isn’t static, but our housing often is. Literally, fixed in the ground and held in place by a multi-decade-long mortgage, home ownership doesn’t accommodate a job change, growing families, or new life stages.
Whether you’re a young professional on the move, a family needing more space without a long-term commitment, or a retiree looking to downsize into a maintenance-free environment, renting offers an adaptable lifestyle.
#3 A Maintenance-Free Home
Mowing the lawn, fixing or replacing appliances, and cleaning the gutters. These are hallmarks of home ownership, but the costs add up, and the time spent is non-refundable.
Renting offers freedom from these obligations, and build-to-rent communities, in particular, offer the privacy of a home with the convenience of a maintenance-free lifestyle. At Quinn Residences, we take this a step further by overseeing 90-95% of all work orders in-house. This ensures a prompt, professional, and familiar service.
Reverse Engineering The Ideal Rental Experience
Understanding these desires is one thing; building a community around them is another. A great community doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we are building with purpose, not with engineering prowess and detailed blueprints (that’s the next step!) but with a deep understanding of who our future residents are and what they need to live well. This allows us to reverse-engineer the ideal rental experience for our communities. The communities are unique, but the ingredients are the same.
We start with the resident.
Our process begins with data-driven insights into our target demographic: predominantly young families, with an average resident age in their 30s. This resident-first approach allows us to anticipate their needs. For example, knowing many residents work from home, we ensure our floor plans can accommodate a comfortable office space.
We emphasize location
We strategically select suburban infill locations that offer the perfect blend of neighborhood charm and urban convenience. Our communities are intentionally situated near major thoroughfares, making commutes and travel seamless. We prioritize proximity to premium grocery stores, great schools, and other essential retail and service offerings.
We include those amenities that make a difference.
Every feature in a Quinn community is chosen to enhance the lives of our residents. For example, many of our residents are pet owners, so we try to include luxury dog parks at each of our communities. Additionally, every community features a playground, creating a place for children to play and neighbors to gather.
These are intentional decisions that foster a sense of belonging, strengthen community, and enhance the quality of life.
Renting Without Compromise
In 2025, renting isn’t a second-best option, a fallback when homeownership is unattainable or unrealistic. It’s a strategic decision offering the flexibility to match your lifestyle, the financial freedom to pursue your goals, and the convenience of a maintenance-free home.
Find the perfect place to connect, grow, and thrive without the burdens of homeownership. View available homes for rent in your neighborhood or contact us today to learn more.
