Amid the hustle and bustle of graduation season, Realtor.com has announced its highly anticipated list of the Top Rental Markets for Recent College Graduates in 2025. This year’s rankings highlight cities that not only offer affordable housing options but also promise vibrant job markets and a lively social scene suitable for new degree holders seeking their footing in the professional world.
Leading the pack is Austin, Texas, a city known for its dynamic culture and booming tech sector. “This year’s rankings reflect a rental landscape shaped by falling rents and shifting job markets,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “Young people can launch their careers here without sacrificing their lifestyles. These markets offer energy, opportunity, and community—all essential for recent grads.”
The top three cities, which include Raleigh, North Carolina, and Overland Park, Kansas, were chosen based on an array of factors relevant to recent graduates. The rankings considered rent affordability, job availability, commute times, social amenities, and the local share of recent college graduates.
Budget-Friendly Living
For cash-strapped graduates, the news is especially encouraging. Austin boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in the rankings at 18.9%. This figure reflects the percentage of gross income typically spent on housing, and a lower number indicates more disposable income for all those post-graduation celebrations—think late-night tacos or pizza. Following close behind, Minneapolis, Minnesota (19.7%) and Raleigh, North Carolina (20.0%) also provide affordable housing options, with the average graduate in the top 10 markets spending only 21.5% of their income on rent—well below the national average.
Strong Job Prospects
In addition to affordability, the job market also looks promising for new graduates. Cities like Raleigh (30.4%) and Austin (29.4%) are notable for offering a high share of jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree without demanding prior experience. According to the Indeed Job Index, which measures current job openings against pre-pandemic levels, hotspots like Richmond, Virginia, and Scottsdale, Arizona, show a whopping 26% more job opportunities compared to before the pandemic. This bodes well for graduates eager to jumpstart their careers.
Choice and Convenience
Vacancy rates are also favorable, particularly in Atlanta and Overland Park, where rates exceed 9%. This high availability provides new renters with plenty of options and the leverage to negotiate better rental terms. Many of the cities on the list are experiencing new multifamily housing developments, leading to more inventory and reducing competition among renters.
Beyond the numbers, these vibrant cities come alive with buzzing restaurants, music scenes, and extensive networking opportunities. For instance, Overland Park boasts an average commute time of just 22 minutes, allowing graduates to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Meanwhile, Minneapolis stands out with the highest percentage of recent grads (6.3%), perfect for building both careers and social networks.
As graduates step into this new chapter of their lives, Realtor.com’s list provides a valuable guide to cities where they can thrive personally and professionally. With favorable job markets and affordable living spaces, the future looks bright for the class of 2025.
Top Rental Markets for Recent College Graduates
|
Rank |
Market |
Rent-to- |
Rental |
College |
Forecasted |
Indeed |
Share of |
Average |
Location |
|
1 |
Austin, Texas |
18.9 % |
8.2 % |
29.4 % |
3.6 % |
114 |
4.6 % |
25 min |
3.9 |
|
2 |
Raleigh, N.C. |
20.0 % |
9.0 % |
30.4 % |
3.3 % |
113 |
3.9 % |
25 min |
2.4 |
|
3 |
Overland Park, Kan. |
20.6 % |
9.2 % |
25.5 % |
4.2 % |
114 |
4.0 % |
22 min |
3.9 |
|
4 |
Minneapolis, Minn. |
19.7 % |
5.2 % |
27.3 % |
3.7 % |
96 |
6.3 % |
24 min |
4.7 |
|
5 |
St. Louis, Mo. |
20.8 % |
8.0 % |
25.1 % |
4.0 % |
114 |
4.9 % |
25 min |
4.3 |
|
6 |
Richmond, Va. |
23.2 % |
8.2 % |
25.3 % |
3.3 % |
126 |
5.5 % |
23 min |
3.1 |
|
7 |
Pittsburgh, Penn. |
22.3 % |
8.7 % |
24.3 % |
4.1 % |
113 |
5.7 % |
25 min |
4.8 |
|
8 |
Scottsdale, Ariz. |
22.5 % |
7.9 % |
23.0 % |
3.7 % |
126 |
4.7 % |
23 min |
4.0 |
|
9 |
Richardson, Texas |
22.4 % |
8.9 % |
24.4 % |
4.0 % |
112 |
4.0 % |
26 min |
4.6 |
|
10 |
Atlanta, Ga. |
24.1 % |
9.3 % |
24.7 % |
4.1 % |
124 |
5.3 % |
29 min |
4.9 |
