These Are The Hottest Rental Markets in PA, New Analysis Says

PENNSYLVANIA — Suburban Philadelphia has the fifth-most competitive market for apartment hunters nationwide so far in 2025, according to a new report that ranked the country's hottest rental markets.

Rent Cafe, a website connecting renters and property managers, said its ranking of the hottest rental markets nationwide revealed 10 of the top 20 most competitive metros are located in the Midwest, which appeals to remote workers who are seeking affordability and more space.

Suburban Philadelphia ranks as the second-hottest rental market in the Northeast and fifth nationwide, with an occupancy rate of 94.9 percent, has a competitive score of 85.3. Apartments are typically vacant for about 44 days before they are snapped up.

No other Pennsylvania cities were in the top 20 large rental markets.

Here’s the full list of the hottest metro markets:

1. Miami
2. Suburban Chicago
3. North Jersey, New Jersey
4. Lansing-Ann Arbor, Michigan
5. Suburban Philadelphia
6. Grand Rapids, Michigan
7. Cincinnati
8. Omaha, Nebraska
9. Bridgeport-New Haven, Connecticut
10. Milwaukee
11. Suburban Twin Cities, Minnesota/Wisconsin
12. Detroit
13. Broward County, Florida
14. Orange County, California
15. Kansas City, Missouri
16. Silicon Valley, California
17. Eastern Los Angeles
18. Chicago
19. Orlando, Florida
20. Eastern Virginia

Apartment hunters in small markets are feeling similar pressure to secure a place, Rent Cafe said. In this category, Lehigh Valley was No. 2 on the small rental market list, and Harrisburg was No. 6 on the same list.

Lehigh Valley touts a 96.5 percent occupied rate, and an average 38-day apartment vacancy. In Harrisburg, 95.6 percent of apartments are occupied, and apartments spend an average og 41 days vacant before renters move in.

The top 20 small markets are:

1. Fayetteville, Arkansas
2. Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
3. Lafayette, Indiana
4. Providence, Rhode Island
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
6. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
7. Youngstown, Ohio
8. Boise, Idaho
9. Jackson, Mississippi
10. Worcester-Springfield, Massachusetts
11. Rochester, New York
12. Dayton, Ohio
13. Madison, Wisconsin
14. South Bend, Indiana
15. Knoxville, Tennessee
16. Toledo, Ohio
17. Amarillo, Texas
18. Palm Beach County, Florida
19. Lubbock, Texas
20. Fayetteville, North Carolina

Rent Cafe ranked the markets on five key metrics for rental competitiveness:

• The number of days apartments were vacant;
• The percentage of apartments that were occupied by renters;
• The number of prospective renters competing for an apartment;
• The percentage of renters who renewed their leases; and
• The share of new apartments completed recently.

Rent Cafe said that many people are exploring new housing options that better meet their needs — whether they’re chasing career goals in major urban hubs, seeking a quieter life in a smaller city or suburb, or looking for a fresh start in a new neighborhood.

Rent Cafe said key takeaways of the analysis are:

• Given the competitiveness for apartments nationwide, more renters are staying put.
• Suburban Chicago’s No. 2 ranking in large markets cements the Midwest’s appeal for renters who are seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience.
• California’s Inland Empire is the top-trending rental market after a 9.5-point jump in its competitive index since early 2024, with the state’s East Bay also growing hotter (up 7.6 points). Manhattan, New York, landed between the two (up 8.2 points).

• With only 3 percent of units available, Fayetteville, Arkansas — the hottest small rental market — sees vacant apartments fill up in a record 22 days.