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This Midwest City is Top Rental Market to Watch

Minneapolis is the top rental market to watch in 2025, according to RentCafe’s ranking of the most dynamic cities in the country. A strong performance in 2024, including seven months in the top spot for rental activity, solidified Minneapolis’ place atop the list.

The city experienced a 36% increase in page views on RentCafe.com compared with 2023, which signals growing interest among prospective renters. Saved searches increased by 8%, reflecting consistent demand for housing.

“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 our list,” RentCafe said.

In second place is Atlanta, which was last year’s top city to watch on RentCafe’s list. The city saw a 29% decline in page views and a 59% drop in saved searches on RentCafe’s platform but continues to draw attention even amid a slight cooling in renter behavior. The number of apartments available for rent remained steady and Atlanta has maintained its position in the top three markets for nine months during the past year.

Overland Park, Kansas, claimed third place fueled by its growing popularity among those seeking suburban living. Page views surged by 48%, while saved searches saw a 6% uptick — both signs of growing interest from prospective renters.

Overland Park’s reputation for excellent schools, family-friendly amenities, and high quality of life has propelled it into the spotlight, making it a top contender for renter interest from individuals in Kansas City and Chicago, said RentCafe.

Cleveland followed in fourth place with a 26% increase in page views, underscoring its growing appeal. In addition, renters favorited 7% more listings, and although saved searches decreased by 28% in 2024 vs. 2023, the city’s 18% drop in apartment availability highlights rising demand for rental properties.

With a cost of living 9% lower than the national average, Cleveland’s affordability combined with its revitalized downtown and expanding cultural scene make it a compelling choice for renters seeking budget-friendly urban living, said RentCafe.

Washington, D.C., placed fifth, drawing apartment-seekers with career opportunities in rich historical character and eclectic neighborhoods. Although page views for D.C. listings on RentCafe.com dropped by 3%, favorited properties decreased by 24%, and saved searches declined by 40%, the city continues to attract a high volume of online apartment searches.

Santa Rosa, California, Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago and Cincinnati rounded out RentCafe’s top 10 rental markets to watch in 2025.

By region, the Midwest and West led the country in rental trends in 2024, according to RentCafe. Midwestern markets attract renters for affordability and growing urban amenities while Western markets like Santa Rosa, California, offer a mix of scenic charm and urban convenience, said RentCafe. Southern cities captured a significant share of renter attention in 2024 with eight locations earning spots on RentCafe.com’s list of the top 30 most in-demand rental markets. In the Northeast, renters gravitated toward two major urban spots — Philadelphia and Queens, New York.

Reprinted with permission from the Thursday, 16 January 2025 06:44:56 EST online edition of GlobeSt © 2025 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited, contact 877-256-2472 or reprints@alm.com.