Posted on 07/16/2025 1:14:29 PM PDT by grundle
McKinney, Texas, has emerged as the top city for renters in 2025, according to an annual report by RentCafe.com, which analyzed 150 U.S. cities based on 20 key metrics.
The study highlights affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life, with Southern cities, including several in Texas, dominating the rankings.
McKinney leads the list, praised for its affordability (ranked 4th) and quality of life (9th). The city offers a lower-than-average cost of living, a robust supply of high-end apartments, and steady job growth, blending small-town charm with urban perks. Residents enjoy over 40 parks, scenic trails, and natural spots like Towne Lake, making it a standout for those seeking suburban comfort.
Other Texas cities also shine. Austin ranks 4th, buoyed by a strong local economy (12th) and cost of living (13th), driven by major employers like Dell Technologies and Facebook, plus access to Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek Greenbelt. Round Rock, at 5th for cost of living and housing and 14th for quality of life, adds to the state’s appeal with its educated population and growing job market.
The South claimed all top 10 spots, with 41 of the 50 featured cities from the region. Atlanta placed 3rd, excelling in cost of living (9th) and local economy (5th), attracting young renters with its diverse apartment options and nickname “Silicon Peach.” The region’s strength is evident in categories like housing and economy, where nearly all top cities rank in the top 30.
Nationally, Sarasota, Florida, took 2nd, leading in cost of living (3rd) and supported by employers like PGT Innovations, while Huntsville, Alabama, rounded out the top five with top marks in cost of living (5th) and economy (9th), thanks to firms like NASA. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, led in cost of living and housing, Miami topped local economy, and Washington, D.C., retained its quality-of-life crown for the second year.
The RentCafe.com analysis, using April 2025 data from Yardi Matrix, focused on cities with at least 10,000 apartment units, evaluating cost of living (50% weight), local economy (30%), and quality of life (20%). Metrics included apartment size, unemployment rates, school ratings, and air quality, sourced from the Bureau of Census, EPA, and others.
Southern dominance reflects its affordability and community appeal, making Texas cities like McKinney, Austin, and Round Rock prime destinations for renters in 2025.
This is ugly for McKinney.
Renters do not pay the proportionate amount of property tax, per square foot of ground, as do homes.
I find it interesting that they rank so high compared to cities in CA, OR, and NY that have such draconian regulations to protect renters.
Renters = Demonrat Voters .
Quick way to flip a town radical left .
Because they build so many dang apartments there. They’ve managed to cram 6 complexes into a small area of the city that lies within the Allen ISD. Perhaps by design?
These are the dumbest polls with no reality based polling which you’d be hard pressed to find on any anonymous poll exceeding 2 people.
I’ve rented all my life. Have never voted for a Dem.
McKinney is an interesting place, now with the water park/hotel, music venue and all the rest...
It’s trying to become Orlando with a quaint downtown.
Complete garbage about the south. In Orlando a 3 bedroom house is $3,000 a month. And when you move out there is a 100% chance you DON’T get your deposit back. Millions of homes owned by Black Rock in America.
LOL. Still trying to keep that small town charm while also becoming a tourist attraction.
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