A new national report showing that New York City renters stay in their homes longer than anywhere else in the country underscores a powerful truth about the city’s housing market: despite economic shifts, rising costs, and evolving lifestyles, New Yorkers remain deeply committed to the communities they call home.
For Albert Dweck of Duke Properties, this stability is a promising sign of both tenant confidence and long-term housing resilience. “In a city that moves fast, what’s remarkable is how deeply people choose to stay rooted,” Dweck says. “This speaks volumes about the strength of our neighborhoods, the value of well-managed properties, and the enduring appeal of living in New York.”
Brooklyn Leads the Nation in Rental Stability
According to RentCafe, Brooklyn renters have the longest average stay of any urban market in the nation—holding onto their apartments for an impressive 49 months, or just over four years. With an occupancy rate hovering near 96%, the borough’s rental scene has proven to be both competitive and stable.
“Brooklyn’s mix of culture, community, and convenience has turned renters into long-term residents,” says Dweck. “It’s no longer just a place people pass through—it’s where they put down roots.”
The data reveals more than just preference; it highlights a structural shift toward housing stability. Amid rising mortgage rates and limited supply, many New Yorkers are finding that renting—particularly in well-maintained, community-oriented buildings—offers both flexibility and financial confidence.
Dweck notes, “When renters renew year after year, it shows they feel supported. That’s the outcome of responsible management and consistent investment in quality living environments—something Duke Properties has always prioritized.”
Manhattan’s Consistent Demand Reflects Enduring Appeal
Across the East River, Manhattan renters stay in their homes an average of 34 months, ranking among the top rental markets in the U.S. Even amid record-breaking rents and competitive bidding seasons, tenant retention has remained strong.
“The Manhattan market continues to represent global demand,” says Dweck. “What’s especially encouraging is that renters here are staying longer despite the pressures. It demonstrates a deep loyalty to the city and a belief that living in New York is still worth it.”
The city’s unique balance of accessibility, opportunity, and amenities continues to attract residents who value proximity to their workplaces and cultural life. For Duke Properties, this trend reaffirms the company’s commitment to creating properties that blend affordability with location value.
“Manhattan will always be dynamic,” Dweck adds. “Our focus is on maintaining livable spaces where people don’t just move in—they stay.”
Duke Properties Emphasizes Long-Term Relationships and Community Roots
The longevity of renter tenures aligns with Duke Properties’ long-held philosophy: that real estate is not merely about buildings, but about people and their sense of belonging.
“Every renewal is a sign of trust,” Dweck explains. “It means a tenant feels valued, heard, and cared for. We view every lease as a long-term partnership, not just a transaction.”
In neighborhoods from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Duke Properties continues to invest in maintenance, modernization, and tenant engagement initiatives designed to strengthen these partnerships. “Stable tenants build stable communities,” Dweck says. “And stable communities build a stronger city.”
New York City Renters: A Positive Signal for the City’s Future
The RentCafe findings offer more than market insight—they reveal a city whose rental ecosystem is maturing. Even as demand surges and new developments rise, tenants’ growing tendency to stay longer suggests a shift toward security and sustainability.
Dweck sees this as a hopeful indicator for the next phase of urban housing. “Longevity means people are finding value and comfort in their homes,” he says. “That’s the foundation for long-term growth in New York’s real estate market.”
In a city often defined by movement, the choice to stay speaks louder than ever. As Albert Dweck reflects, “When renters hold on to their homes, it tells us something powerful—New York isn’t just a place to live. It’s a place to belong.”