In 2025, the landscape for Black renters continues to evolve with cities across the southern part of the United States offering vast opportunities for community, career growth, and quality of life. According to RentCafe‘s annual list, several metropolitan areas stand out for their combination of affordability, cultural richness, and economic prospects that particularly benefit Black residents and families looking to rent.

These top-ranked cities showcase strong Black-owned business scenes, cultural institutions celebrating Black heritage, and supportive policies aimed at creating inclusive communities. From the growing tech hubs of Texas to the booming richness of the Southeast, these locations provide environments where Black renters can thrive professionally while finding communities that offer both belonging and opportunity.

The following cities represent the cream of the crop from RentCafe’s comprehensive analysis, taking into account factors such as affordability, job opportunities, cultural amenities, and quality of life, specifically considering the experiences of Black renters. Each city offers its own unique advantages while providing welcoming environments for Black individuals and families.

Top Southern Cities For Black Renters In 2025:

1. McKinney, TX

Located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, McKinney tops the list for Black renters in 2025. The city offers a combination of affordable housing compared to nearby Dallas, excellent schools, and a growing job market. McKinney has seen significant growth in its Black population, with the development of cultural institutions and community organizations. The city’s historic downtown district and commitment to inclusive development make it particularly attractive for Black professionals and families seeking suburban comfort with urban amenities.

2. Sarasota, FL

Sarasota shines as a destination for Black renters with its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and growing Black cultural presence. The Newtown African American Heritage Trail highlights the city’s rich Black history, while the city has invested in programs supporting Black entrepreneurs and homeownership initiatives. With no state income tax and a strong tourism economy providing diverse job opportunities, Sarasota offers Black renters an attractive coastal lifestyle with increasing community representation.

3. Atlanta, GA

Long considered a mecca for Black Americans, Atlanta continues to hold its position as one of the premier cities for Black renters. The city boasts renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University, a thriving Black business community, and significant Black political representation. With its rich civil rights history, vibrant music and entertainment industry, and status as a hub for Black excellence across multiple industries, Atlanta offers unparalleled cultural connections and professional networks for Black renters.

4. Austin, TX

Austin’s booming tech industry and cultural scene make it increasingly attractive for Black renters. The city has made conscious efforts to preserve and celebrate its Black heritage through initiatives like the African American Cultural Heritage District. While traditionally underrepresented, Austin’s Black community has grown alongside programs promoting diversity in the tech sector. The city’s renowned music scene, which has deep roots in Black cultural contributions, coupled with Texas’s favorable tax structure, makes Austin an appealing destination for young Black professionals.

5. Huntsville, AL

Huntsville has emerged as a surprising contender for Black renters, driven by its aerospace and technology industries offering high-paying jobs with lower living costs than many tech hubs. The city’s Alabama A&M University, an HBCU, contributes to a strong educational foundation. Huntsville has invested in revitalizing historically Black neighborhoods while maintaining affordability, and its growing diversity has been supported by community-led initiatives celebrating Black culture and history throughout the year.

6. Wilmington, NC

This coastal city offers Black renters a unique combination of Southern charm, historical significance, and emerging opportunities. Wilmington has worked to acknowledge and heal from its complicated racial history, including the 1898 massacre, through reconciliation initiatives and the development of the 1898 Memorial. The city’s growing film industry, healthcare sector, and coastal economy provide diverse employment paths. Black cultural festivals, community organizations, and a lower cost of living compared to other coastal cities make Wilmington increasingly attractive to Black renters.

7. Charleston, SC

Charleston’s rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage and growing economy place it high on the list for Black renters. The International African American Museum (IAAM), which opened in recent years, celebrates the city’s central role in African American history. Charleston’s tourism, technology, and manufacturing sectors offer varied employment opportunities, while historically Black neighborhoods like the East Side are experiencing thoughtful revitalization. The city’s renowned food scene, deeply influenced by Black culinary traditions, and coastal lifestyle, attracts Black renters looking for cultural depth and economic opportunity.

8. Round Rock, TX

Adjacent to Austin, Round Rock offers Black renters the benefits of the region’s robust economy with more affordable housing options. The city has seen significant growth in its Black population, with community organizations and cultural events developing to serve these residents. Major employers like Dell provide strong job prospects, while the city’s excellent school system and family-friendly amenities make it particularly attractive for Black families. Round Rock’s investment in public spaces and community programs demonstrates its commitment to serving its increasingly diverse population.

9. Raleigh, NC

As part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh offers Black renters exceptional educational and career opportunities. The presence of Shaw University and St. Augustine’s University, both HBCUs, contributes to a strong foundation of Black education and community. Raleigh’s healthcare, technology, and education sectors offer a range of professional opportunities, and the city’s affordability, compared to other tech hubs, makes it accessible. The Black community is well-represented in local government and business, with cultural festivals and community initiatives supporting Black residents year-round.

10. Orlando, FL

Rounding out the top ten, Orlando offers Black renters more than just its world-famous attractions. The city has a growing Black professional class supported by diversity initiatives in its tourism, healthcare, and technology industries. The Wells’Built Museum of African American History preserves the city’s Black heritage, while cultural events like the Zora Festival celebrate Black literary traditions. Florida’s tax advantages, combined with Orlando’s year-round warm weather and diverse economy, create an appealing environment for Black renters looking for opportunity and community in the Sunshine State.