10 cities to watch in 2025 for multifamily rental activity
By Quinn Purcell, Managing Editor
In its first report for 2025, RentCafe highlights the top metros where renters and real estate professionals should focus their attention this year. The list was determined by consistent rental demand identified in the past year.
RentCafe analyzed 12 months of data across 150 cities from its monthly Rental Activity Reports. Based on RentCafe's own data and millions of other interactions on the website, the top 10 cities were identified.
These are the top 10 cities for rental activity in 2025.
1. Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis is the top city for renters and real estate professionals to watch this year.
The city saw a 36% increase in pageviews on RentCafe.com compared to 2023, and a 8% rise in saved searches despite 13% fewer listings being posted. Its popularity is further semented by a 16% drop in apartment availability.
"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," the report states.
2. Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta comes in second for cities to watch in 2025.
Although the city had a 29% decline in pageviews and a 59% drop in saved search from 2023, the number of apartments available for rent remained steady. Atlanta has remained among the top three cities in nine of the 12 monthly reports by RentCafe in 2023.
"Known for its booming job market and rich cultural scene, Atlanta continues to stand out as a desirable destination for many renters, securing its place near the top of our rankings," the report states.
3. Overland Park, Kan.
Overland Park takes up the third spot for cities to watch this year.
Pageviews for the city increased by 48% while saved searches rose 6%—both indicators of growing interest from potential renters. Although there were 6% fewer listings favorited on the website in 2024, Overland Park had an increase in apartment availability by two percent.
"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," the report states.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is the fourth city for renters to keep an eye on, and the first of two Ohio cities to make the top 10.
It boasted a 26% increase in page views compared to 2023, 7% more listings, and a 18% drop in apartment availability. However, saved searches dropped by 28 percent.
"Cleveland’s affordability (cost of living is 9% lower than the national average), combined with its revitalized downtown and expanding cultural scene, makes it a compelling choice for renters seeking budget-friendly urban living," the report states.
5. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., ranks fifth for sought-out cities.
An 8% reduction in apartment availability underscores the continued rental activity in the nation's capital. This is despite pageviews dropping by 3%, favorites dropping by 24%, and saved searches decreasing by 40 percent.
"The nation's capital continues to draw apartment-seekers with its abundant career opportunities; rich historical character; and eclectic neighborhoods," the report states.
6. Santa Rosa, Calif.
Santa Rosa is the sixth highest city for renters and real estate professionals to watch in 2025.
The city boasts a 55% increase in page views along with a 144-position jump into the top 10 this year. Apartment availability decreased by 35% despite the city having 28% fewer favorited listings on RentCafe.com.
"With its breathtaking, natural surroundings; rich culture; and proximity to the Bay Area, the city is a perfect fit for renters seeking a harmonious blend of outdoor beauty and urban accessibility," the report states.
7. Detroit, Mich.
Detroit takes seventh for cities to watch this year.
The metro area had a 49% increase in page views and a 23% drop in apartment availability last year, though 20% fewer listings were favorited and saved searches declined by 11 percent.
"Detroit’s ongoing renaissance—fueled by revitalized neighborhoods; a flourishing arts and culture scene; and a strong sense of community—helped it secure the seventh spot among the nation’s top cities to watch in 2025," the report states.
8. Philadelphia, Pa.
Philadelphia is the eigth most sought-out city to keep an eye on in 2025.
With a 9% drop in apartment availability and a 42% increase in page views in 2024—despite 16% fewer saved searches and a 21% decline in favorited listings—Philadelphia remains among the top cities to watch this year.
"Known for its rich, historical heritage; appealing food culture; and relatively affordable housing compared to other East Coast cities, Philadelphia remains a dependable choice for renters seeking a blend of urban living and historic charm," the report states.
9. Chicago, Ill.
Chicago ranks ninth on the list for renters and real estate professionals to watch this year.
The city saw a 7% increase in page views, 28% fewer listings, and an apartment availability decline of 9%—despite renters saved searches decreasing by 33 percent.
"Renowned for its dynamic cultural scene, thriving business environment- and world-class educational institutions, Chicago secured ninth place among the nation’s rental markets to watch in 2025," the report states.
10. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati rounds out the list as the tenth metro to watch in 2025, and is also the second Ohio city to make the top 10.
Although the city saw a 19% decline in page views on RentCafe.com, a 47% drop in favorites, and 54% decrease in saved searches, Cincinnati's available apartment listings dropped by five percent. A steady demand for this market is highlighted as well by its cost of living that is 3% below the national average.
"Cincinnati continues to offer renters a good mix of value and urban amenities, making it a reliable choice for renters from various cities such as Columbus or Atlanta seeking a high quality of life at an accessible price," the report states.