Atlanta is riding the wave of a robust U.S. apartment construction boom in 2025, contributing significantly to the estimated 506,353 new apartment units expected to open nationwide by year’s end.
While this figure falls short of last year’s record-breaking numbers, it remains well above the annual averages seen since 2015, underscoring the sustained demand for rental housing across the country—and Atlanta is at the heart of this trend in the South.
Atlanta Among Top Cities for Apartment Growth
The South, driven by its status as a “migration magnet,” accounts for more than half of the nation’s new apartment developments this year.
Atlanta, with its thriving economy and growing population, is a standout in this regional surge, alongside major Texas metros like Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
The city’s appeal lies in its business-friendly environment, relative affordability, and less restrictive zoning laws, which have fueled a construction boom in contrast to the more regulated coastal markets.
“Atlanta continues to attract developers and residents alike, thanks to its dynamic job market and economic growth,” said Doug Ressler, senior analyst at Yardi Matrix. “The South’s favorable conditions, including those in Atlanta, make it a hotspot for new apartment projects, meeting the needs of a growing population drawn to the region’s opportunities.”
Top 10 Cities for Apartment Growth in 2025
| Rank | City/Metro Area | New Apartment Units (2025) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas, TX | ~30,000 (est.) | Leading the South with strong job growth and high demand. |
| 2 | Austin, TX | ~25,600 (est.) | High construction activity, but softening rents due to supply surge. |
| 3 | New York City, NY | ~20,000 (est.) | Major urban market with consistent high-rise development. |
| 4 | Phoenix, AZ | ~18,000 (est.) | Sun Belt growth driven by affordability and population influx. |
| 5 | Atlanta, GA | 17,512 | Metro Atlanta ranks fifth nationally, with 6,359 units in the city core (Queen City). Fueled by tech, manufacturing, and infrastructure. |
| 6 | Miami, FL | ~15,000 (est.) | Strong rental demand and urban development focus. |
| 7 | Houston, TX | ~14,000 (est.) | Robust multifamily construction in suburban and exurban areas. |
| 8 | Charlotte, NC | ~12,000 (est.) | Growing as a financial hub with increasing renter interest. |
| 9 | Denver, CO | ~10,000 (est.) | High construction but softening rents due to oversupply. |
| 10 | Raleigh, NC | ~9,000 (est.) | Emerging Sun Belt market with strong job and population growth. |
Metro Atlanta is projected to complete 17,512 new apartment units in 2025, making it the fifth-busiest market nationally.
While New York leads the nation in total apartment deliveries, edging out Dallas by just over 1,000 units, Atlanta’s contributions are helping solidify the South’s dominance in the 2025 apartment construction landscape.
The city’s growth mirrors that of Austin, which has emerged as a national leader at the city level, while other Southern markets like Naples, FL, have seen their apartment completions nearly quadruple in a single year.
Final Word
As Atlanta continues to expand its rental housing stock, the city is well-positioned to accommodate its influx of new residents, driven by job opportunities and a vibrant urban lifestyle.
With the South leading the charge in the nation’s apartment construction boom, Atlanta’s role as a key player in this trend is undeniable, shaping the future of housing in the region for years to come.
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
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