News (US:NWS) Prnewswire·2025-05-27 10:00Core Insights - Realtor.com® has released its 2025 list of the Top Rental Markets for Recent College Graduates, with Austin, Texas ranked first due to its affordable living and job opportunities [1][3] - The rankings reflect a rental landscape influenced by decreasing rents and evolving job markets, focusing on cities that offer a balance of career prospects and lifestyle [1][4] Rental Market Overview - The top three rental markets are Austin, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; and Overland Park, Kan., based on factors such as rent affordability, job availability, and social amenities [1][2] - Austin has the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 18.9%, indicating that graduates spend a smaller portion of their income on housing compared to the national average [3][4] Job Opportunities and Economic Growth - Cities like Raleigh (30.4%) and Austin (29.4%) have a high share of jobs requiring a bachelor's degree with no prior experience, indicating strong job availability for recent graduates [4][6] - The Indeed Job Index shows that markets like Richmond, Va., and Scottsdale, Ariz., have 26% more job opportunities compared to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting robust career growth potential [4][6] Rental Availability and Choices - Atlanta and Overland Park lead in rental availability with vacancy rates exceeding 9%, providing new renters with more options and bargaining power [5][6] - The increase in multifamily housing construction in these markets is expected to enhance inventory and reduce competition for rentals [5] Lifestyle and Community - The cities on the list not only offer affordable housing but also vibrant social scenes, networking opportunities, and reasonable commute times, enhancing the overall quality of life for graduates [7][6] - Overland Park has an average commute time of 22 minutes, while Minneapolis has a high share of recent grads at 6.3%, making it conducive for both career and social development [7][6]