Minneapolis emerged as the most sought-after city among renters in the first quarter, according to a RentCafe study analyzing engagement across 150 major U.S. cities. The city saw a 35% rise in saved apartment searches and a 10% increase in favorites year-over-year, reflecting growing demand from prospective tenants nationwide.
The city’s appeal stems from a combination of a robust job market anchored by major corporations such as Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth, alongside a cost of living about 8% below the national average. RentCafe credited a $350 million mixed-use redevelopment project along the Mississippi River, known as the Upper Harbor Redevelopment, as a key factor attracting new renters to North Minneapolis.
The study noted that apartment availability in Minneapolis decreased by 6%, encouraging renters to secure listings quickly as competition intensified. The strongest interest in Minneapolis properties came from renters based in Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Minneapolis climbed two spots from the previous quarter to claim the number one ranking, a position it last held earlier this year.
Atlanta maintained its second-place position, while Miami jumped 24 places to secure third. The Bronx distinguished itself as the only Northeastern city in the top ten, rising to sixth place with a significant surge in renter interest—driven largely by those seeking more affordable New York City access. Saved listings in the Bronx grew by 110%, with interest coming mainly from New York City and Boston residents.
Regionally, the West dominated the rankings with 11 cities in the top 30 and five new entries, while the South followed with nine cities. The Midwest accounted for seven cities, and the Northeast had three in the top tier of renter demand.