Self-Storage Development Shifts to Suburbs
Owners and renters in 20 metros should expect new storage projects to appear farther from city centers.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Commercial
StorageCafe, analyzing Yardi Matrix data, found that 20 U.S. metropolitan areas where urban projects once dominated self-storage construction now have mostly suburban projects in their pipelines. Another 15 metros are shifting the other way, toward urban self-storage development.
Why it matters
The shift tracks population growth: metros moving toward suburban storage recorded median population growth of 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, versus 5 percent in metros moving toward urban storage. For households, that means storage options near home may change over the next few years as developers follow where residents are settling.
In 20 metropolitan areas, suburban projects now predominate in the self-storage pipeline, while 15 metros are moving toward urban development. Orlando's urban share of deliveries is projected to drop from 57 percent over the past decade to 39 percent.
The players
StorageCafe
A self-storage listing and market-data platform that analyzed the Yardi Matrix construction data behind this report.
Yardi Matrix
A real estate research firm whose self-storage construction data serves as the basis for the analysis.
The details
StorageCafe analyzed Yardi Matrix data to compare the urban and suburban share of self-storage construction over the past decade. Metros where suburban projects now lead recorded stronger population growth than those moving toward urban storage. Orlando, Florida, serves as an example of a metro where the urban share of new storage is projected to shrink.
Timeline
Population growth compared for 2014 to 2024.
Urban and suburban construction shares measured over the past decade.
The Home Front
Self-storage construction is following population movement, with the Yardi Matrix pipeline data showing a clear split between metros shifting toward suburban and urban development. Metros gaining suburban projects grew faster over the past decade than those moving toward urban storage.
If you rent a storage unit or are planning to, check whether new facilities are opening near you before committing to a long lease. Households in Orlando and similar metros should expect fewer new urban storage options in the coming years.
The takeaway
Storage options near you may change as developers follow population growth. Before signing a long-term storage contract, compare current facility availability in your area.
Further reading
For more on how commercial property trends are reshaping local markets, explore our Commercial coverage.
