New apartments in Atlanta are getting smaller
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The average size of newly built apartments in Atlanta has shrunk by 6% over time, according to a report by RentCafe, an apartment-search website.
Why it matters New apartments have gotten smaller in most of the 100 U.S. cities researchers analyzed, including Atlanta, squeezing many renters who already pay steep prices.
By the numbers: Apartments built in Atlanta between 2015 and 2024 averaged 904 square feet, the report states.
- That's a drop of 54 square feet from the previous decade.
The intrigue: RentCafe notes new apartments built in Marietta between 2015 and 2024 rank among the top five in average size at 1,041 square feet.
- The average square foot in the previous decade was 941.
Context: In many cities where apartments are downsizing, developers are prioritizing smaller floor plans, RentCafe found.
Zoom out: Nationally, new apartments shrank decade-over-decade but grew slightly larger in recent years — averaging 908 square feet in 2024 compared to 891 in 2022, according to the report.
Yes, but: The recent uptick in U.S. apartment size coincided with a building boom that has since cooled.
- Rents are expected to rise this year as construction slows, a trend experts say President Trump's tariffs could prolong.
Go deeper: Here's how much apartment space you get for $2,000 in Atlanta