Self-storage has become a popular solution for many people who are looking to declutter their homes or store excess belongings. With the rise of self-storage facilities across America, it is interesting to see where the most popular cities are to store one’s belongings.
In the US, there are numerous self-storage facilities across various cities, each with its uniqueness. Plus, self-storage facilities are ideal for those who are relocating and need to keep their items safely stored while they’re in transit.
Keep reading to explore the top US cities for self-storage and what makes them unique for individuals or businesses in need of quality and secure storage options. You might also enjoy reading: 11 Best States for Self-Storage Investment.
1- Portland, Oregon
In 2018, Portland had the highest rates of development of self-storage facilities in the US, and for a good reason (Source: Oregon Business).
Even though Portland might be a smaller city, with an estimated population of 619,286 in 2023, it is still one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Pacific Northwest.
However, it is worth noting that the population of Portland has experienced a decline, which may be concerning for some, but you might find a deal when investing in a self-storage business.
2- Miami, Florida
Miami is known for its vibrant culture and warm weather, but it’s also home to some of the best self-storage facilities in the country. The city has a lot of storage facilities, providing ample options for anyone looking for a storage unit or those looking to invest in a self-storage business.
In 2022, the average price for a self-storage unit was about $202.7 per month, which is way cheaper than renting an apartment in Miami (Source: SpareFoot). Also, Miami’s self-storage industry is booming thanks to excellent weather conditions, low population density, and a growing economy.
3- New York City, New York
New York City is the most populous city in the US, and it is also home to some of the most popular self-storage facilities. In addition, New York City has numerous storage options, ranging from exclusive self-storage units to shared ones.
Due to limited space in the city, investing in self-storage can be a very lucrative business serving a significant demand, particularly for those looking to store their belongings temporarily.
It is not surprising that NYC is among the US most popular cities for self-storage. In addition, the increasing number of people moving to the city for work or education has created a need for self-storage. From college students to business professionals, people in NYC need space to store their belongings.
4- Dallas, Texas
Dallas is rapidly growing and expanding, and it is also an excellent location for self-storage, thanks to its vast land area.
Texas is one of the fastest-growing states, meaning there is a high demand for self-storage services. In 2020, about 5,234 self-storage facilities were located in Texas, making it the state with the highest number of self-storage facilities in the United States (Source: Statista Research Department)
The city of Dallas is home to numerous self-storage facilities, offering storage options that cater to different needs and budgets.
5- Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known for being the third most populous city in the US and home to America’s tallest building. Plus, Chicago is also one of the few cities in the US that has a high cost of living index.
Self-storage is a popular solution for many residents here, given the scarcity of space. Chicago is home to several industry-leading self-storage companies that offer different services, from climate-controlled units to drive-up storage spaces.
A major reason for self-storage demand in Chicago is the considerable number of workers, colleges, and universities in the area. As students graduate and move from dormitories to apartments, the need for self-storage increases. Furthermore, the many businesses operating in the city also generate the demand for self-storage.
6- Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is known for its sunny weather and low cost of living, making it an ideal destination for many. The city also has a thriving economy that contributes significantly to the demand for high-quality storage spaces. Moreover, Phoenix is also home to Fortune 500 Companies.
Self-storage facilities in Phoenix offer a range of options to suit individual storage needs, with most providing various benefits such as security features and 24-hour access.
More importantly, Phoenix’s warm and dry climate makes self-storage an essential service, especially for individuals looking to store valuable and sensitive items.
Furthermore, the many retirees who move to Phoenix create a demand for self-storage since these individuals may be downsizing their previous homes and need a place to store extra items.
7- Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is another popular city for self-storage, with a lot of possibilities for self-storage solutions. One of the main reasons for the demand is due to the many people moving to LA from out of state.
The entertainment industry, in particular, draws a significant number of people to LA. People who move to LA may opt to store their belongings in self-storage to ensure that they are safe and secure until they find a permanent home.
8- Houston, Texas
Houston is also among US most popular cities for self storage. Similar to Los Angeles, Houston has a growing population due to people moving in from other states.
However, Houston’s warmer climate makes self-storage more of a necessity since temperatures can get extremely hot and humid.
In addition, the many oil and gas companies in Houston generate demand for self-storage among their employees.
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Wrapping Up
Self-storage facilities are popping up all across America, and the demand is high in various cities. While the reasons for the demand vary from city to city, one thing is clear: self-storage is a necessity for many people, making self-storage a recession profit industry.
Whether you are looking for an opportunity to invest in self-storage or are a student, business professional, or retiree, self-storage provides a safe and secure way to store your belongings.