Fresh diploma in hand and wondering where to plant your post-college roots without selling a kidney for rent? Realtor.com’s latest report has your back, highlighting the top 10 U.S. cities where recent grads can find affordable rentals, promising job markets, and vibrant lifestyles.
Top 10 Rental Markets for Recent College Graduates in 2025:
- Austin, TX – With a rent-to-income ratio of just 18.9%, Austin tops the list. It’s a tech hub with a live music heart, making it perfect for work and play.
- Raleigh, NC – Boasting the highest share (30.4%) of recent grad-friendly jobs, Raleigh offers a balanced lifestyle and strong job market.
- Overland Park, KS – Enjoy the shortest average commute time of 22 minutes and a high rental vacancy rate—translation: options and breathing room.
- Minneapolis, MN – Rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% and a solid peer group of other recent grads (6.3%) makes this city both smart and social.
- Richmond, VA – Low unemployment (3.3%) and a creative community vibe? Yes, please.
- Scottsdale, AZ – High job openings index and short commute times make Scottsdale both opportunistic and efficient.
- Pittsburgh, PA – A vibrant college town feel that sticks around after graduation—with a location score of 4.8 to prove it.
- Richardson, TX – A rising star near Dallas, great for careers in tech, healthcare, and finance.
- Atlanta, GA – With the highest location score (4.9) and a high vacancy rate, it’s a smart and soulful pick.
- Charlotte, NC – Okay, it’s not officially on the list, but you know I had to plug Queen City. It’s growing fast, and the opportunity here is real.
So, What Now?
If you’re eyeing one of these cities but don’t know where to start, good news: we’ve got trusted real estate connections in all of them. Whether you’re renting short-term or laying roots for a longer stay, we can plug you in with local pros who get it.
📞 Lauren Rocco
📍 EXP Realty
📱 704-900-9140
