The Top City for Renters to Watch in 2025 Amid Midwest-West Battle for Popularity
Minneapolis is Renters’ Top City to Watch in 2025
After a strong performance in 2024, Minneapolis takes the top position as the city to watch in 2025, solidifying its reputation as a rental activity hotspot. Notably, it secured the #1 spot seven times throughout the past 12 months. Next is Atlanta, the leading location in RentCafe.com’s previous annual rental activity report and a city that continued to capture renters’ attention throughout the year.
Regional Trends
A closer look at regional trends during the past 12 months highlights the Midwest and West as the top regions renters should keep their eyes on in 2025. That’s because each claims 10 spots in this annual report. For example, Minneapolis; Overland Park, KS; Cleveland; Detroit; and Cincinnati showcase the Midwest’s appeal, driven by affordability and growing urban amenities. Similarly, the West has its own standout entries, like Santa Rosa, CA, which ranks sixth for offering a mix of scenic charm and urban convenience.
Minneapolis is the Top City for Renters to Watch in 2025
1. Minneapolis
After seven months occupying the coveted top spot, Minneapolis earned its place as the #1 renter hotspot to watch in 2025. The city experienced a notable 36% increase in page views on RentCafe.com compared to 2023, signaling growing interest among prospective renters. While renters favorited 13% fewer listings than in 2023, the city still witnessed an 8% rise in saved searches, reflecting a consistent demand for housing.
This surge in online search activity contributed to a 16% drop in apartment availability, further cementing its popularity as a sought-after rental market. Here, Minneapolis’s unique blend of urban amenities, affordability, and high quality of life continues to attract renters, ensuring its status as the leading city on this list.
Midwest and West Dominate Searches
In the Midwest, Minneapolis takes the crown as the most sought-after city in the U.S. in 2024, leading the regional rankings, as well. It’s followed by Overland Park, KS (#3), which has made an appearance among the nation’s top three cities five times this past year. Cleveland follows at #4 and Detroit at #7, with Chicago and Cincinnati at #9 and #10, respectively. Other notable Midwest cities include Indianapolis (#15); Omaha, NE (#27); St. Paul, MN (#29); and Columbus, OH (#30).
Similarly, California cities saw more searches during the last year, with Santa Rosa, CA being the standout example as it managed to climb an impressive 144 spots to the top 10. Not to be outdone, Reno, NV, moved up to #12, while Sacramento, CA, climbed 38 spots to rank 16th. Tacoma, WA, also stands out at #18. Other top Western cities include Portland, OR (#19); Spokane, WA (#21); North Las Vegas, NV (#22); and Los Angeles (#23). Meanwhile, San Jose, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, complete the region’s list at #25 and #28, respectively, nationwide.
Southern Charm Wins Over Renters Looking for Warmer Weather
Southern cities captured a significant share of renter attention in 2024 with eight locations in the region earning spots on RentCafe.com’s list of the top 30 most in-demand rental markets of the last 12 months.
Methodology
To compile this report, the research team analyzed RentCafe.com’s rental listing data across the 150 largest cities by population in the contiguous U.S. and with a relevant listing inventory sample. The regions are defined according to the Census Bureau.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minneapolis takes the top spot as the city to watch in 2025, solidifying its reputation as a rental activity hotspot. The Midwest and West are neck and neck when it comes to the top region to keep an eye on in 2025, with each claiming 10 spots in this annual report. As the rental market continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see which cities emerge as the next hotspots for renters.
FAQs
Q: What are the top cities to watch in 2025?
A: Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Overland Park, KS, are the top cities to watch in 2025.
Q: Which regions are dominating searches in 2025?
A: The Midwest and West are neck and neck when it comes to the top region to keep an eye on in 2025, with each claiming 10 spots in this annual report.
Q: What are the top cities in the Midwest and West?
A: In the Midwest, Minneapolis, Overland Park, KS, Cleveland, Detroit, and Cincinnati are the top cities. In the West, Santa Rosa, CA, Reno, NV, Sacramento, CA, Tacoma, WA, Portland, OR, Spokane, WA, North Las Vegas, NV, and Los Angeles are the top cities.
