Atlanta emerged as the #2 city to watch in 2025, only surpassed by Minneapolis. 

Here are more highlights from the report: 

• Almost half (14) of the top 30 cities to watch in 2025 are newcomers — these cities were on renters’ radars throughout last year. This further enhanced Atlanta’s status as a renter favorite, not only by remaining in the top, but securing a top spot too. 

• The Midwest and the West are neck-and-neck for the region to watch in 2025, boasting 10 cities each in the top 30. The Midwestern hubs stand strongmirroring last year’s favorites, notably Minneapolis (#1); Overland Park, KS (#3); Cleveland (#4); and Detroit (#7).  

• When it comes to the West, no less than nine new cities entered the top 30, including Santa Rosa, CA (#6); Reno, NV (#12); and Tacoma, WA (#18). Portland is the only Western city to remain a strong renter favorite year-over-year. 

• The South featured eight cities to watch in 2025, led by Atlanta (#2) and Washington, D.C. (#5). This region also boasts four new entries, including Louisville, KY, which jumped 104 positions, signaling it ought to draw a lot of renter attention in the following months.

For many, 2024 has been a year of transformations — driven by shifting job markets, lifestyle changes and emerging trends in urban development. As these changes unfold, 2025 is poised to be an exciting year for rental activity. But, which urban areas are set to become hotspots for new residents, thriving businesses and fresh opportunities?To find out, we’ve taken a closer look at the online engagement rates on RentCafe.com for the most dynamic cities of 2024. Specifically, after analyzing the most popular rental markets each month during the past year, we’ve compiled the data to provide a comprehensive view of the last 12 months and get a sense of what’s ahead. 

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 our previous annual rental activity report and a city that continued to capture renters’ attention throughout the year.Claiming third place, Overland Park, KS, saw a significant rise, fueled by its growing popularity among those seeking suburban living. Meanwhile, Cleveland follows in fourth place, maintaining its momentum thanks to steady renter interest, while Washington, D.C. rounds out the top five by showcasing enduring appeal despite a slight dip in online engagement.

For the full report visit https://www.rentcafe.com