While Michigan is known worldwide for its freshwater beaches, killer fall foliage, as the birthplace of the automobile, and Motown, what it isn't known for is housing one of America's hottest rental real estate markets. It is. Surprised? I was.

RELATED: Income Needed to Afford Average Michigan Rent and Every State

I was even more surprised to learn that the Mitten State isn't home to just one of the hottest markets but three. That's three of the top twenty most in-demand markets for those looking to sign a lease rather than a mortgage.

Midwest Makeover Goes From Rust Belt to Semi-Chic

Renters looking excited while touring an apartment without having seen the OCCUPIED sign hanging within.
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Michigan and the rest of the Midwest are amid a "rebranding." The reinvention has blended technology, advanced manufacturing, and employers paying more attention to work-life balance." This new mentality has flooded the rental market with hoards of would-be-leasers looking for a line to sign on.

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While suburban Chicago is ranked among RentCafe's Top 20 Hottest Real Estate Markets in America, Michigan is close behind.

Michigan's Rental Market Appeal

A handshake deal is made in front of a small wooden home with an OCCUPIED sign hanging from it.
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What's the deal? Why are people flocking to Michigan rather than coastal hotspots or places that don't experience six months of winter annually? The short answer is: The other six months. Lakeside, summer living, reasonable rent (at least, for now), and Midwest sensibilities give those looking for the coastal lifestyle a place to call home without the saltwater pricetag.

RELATED: 5 Warning Signs Your Michigan Landlord Is Planning a Rent Hike

So, which Michigan cities made the list? Keep scrolling to see if you renew your lease before your landlord jacks up your rent.

The 20 Hottest Rental Metros in America

The leasing experts at RentCafe recently looked at metro areas across the United States to determine which was the country's most in-demand market. Here's a look at The 20 Hottest Rental Metros in America for 2024.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

America's Top 100 Cities For First-Time Home Buyers 2024

Looking for the perfect city for first-time home buyers in your state? Which city offers the bang for your budget in the country? To find the answer, the financial gurus at WalletHub looked at 3 key metrics: Affordability, Real Estate Market Rank, and Quality of Life. For WalletHub's full methodology, see the link in America's #1 City for First-Time Home Buyers 2024.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

The Top 10 'Must Haves' For Home Buyers

If you're considering putting your home on the market, you've found the right list. Today's homebuyers are looking for a place to call home, but only if it has the amenities and features they want. Thanks to Fixr, we know the Top 10 'Must Haves' For Home Buyers in today's market.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow