The best place to rent in America isn’t a large urban city — it’s a suburb in Collin County.
McKinney claimed the top spot on RentCafe’s best cities for renters in 2025, outperforming 149 other markets like Sarasota, Fla., and Atlanta.
The top cities were analyzed on 20 key metrics, including apartment quality, economic strength, traffic, air quality and access to natural amenities.
McKinney ranked high on affordability (No. 4) and quality of life (No. 9). The city also has a large share of high-end apartments, consistent job growth, a large park system and excellent schools.
The average apartment size in McKinney was 948 square feet — the second-highest on the list.
RentCafe called McKinney an “ideal choice for renters seeking a small-town atmosphere without sacrificing the perks of a larger urban center.”
“Altogether, McKinney strikes the perfect balance between affordability and suburban comfort, thereby earning its place as the best city for renters in 2025,” the report reads.
Other D-FW cities that made the top 50 include:
- Plano (11)
- Denton (33)
- Fort Worth (38)
Dallas came in at 57. Other Texas cities in the top 10 include Austin (4) and Round Rock (8).
McKinney’s population is nearly 228,000, according to the latest U.S. Census estimates. Since 2020, the city’s population has increased by more than 16%.
