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ollege graduates are often faced with the decision of where to live after completing their education, and renting is a common choice. Realtor.com's "Top Rental Markets for Recent College Grads" report identifies cities that offer the best opportunities for young professionals. The report analyzed over 300 places across the US, considering factors such as rent-to-income ratio, commute time, social amenities, and unemployment rates.
Cities at the top of the ranking include Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; Overland Park, Kansas; Minneapolis; St. Louis; Richmond, Virginia; Pittsburgh; Scottsdale, Arizona; Richardson, Texas; and Atlanta. These cities offer a balance of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life that appeals to recent graduates.
Austin takes the top spot due to its low rent-to-income ratio and high proportion of entry-level jobs. Raleigh stands out for its abundance of bachelor's degree-requiring jobs with no experience needed. Overland Park boasts a low rental vacancy rate and short commute times. Minneapolis has a high share of recent college graduates, while St. Louis has seen an increase in job openings.
Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale notes that this year's rankings reflect changes in the rental market, including falling rents and shifting job markets. These cities offer not only affordability but also energy, opportunity, and community, making them attractive to young professionals. The median rent cost nationwide was $1,699 in April, with studios and one-bedroom units seeing a 1.9% decline in rent year over year.
