Finding the perfect apartment involves more than just square footage and amenities. For many, it's about the lifestyle a city offers. If your Sundays are dedicated to touchdowns and tailgates, living in a city that shares your passion for professional football is a major win.
Get ready to explore the top 10 cities where being a football fan and a renter come together for an unbeatable experience.
10. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte kicks off our list with its passionate fan base and growing city life. As a major financial hub, it offers plenty of job opportunities, and its love for its home team runs deep.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,468/month
- Stadium access: Bank of America Stadium is conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte. Many surrounding neighborhoods, like South End and Wesley Heights, are within walking distance or a short light rail ride away. This makes getting to the game without a car a breeze.
- Public transit: The LYNX Blue Line light rail is a fan favorite, with a station right near the stadium. This system connects Uptown to southern parts of the city, making it easy for renters in various neighborhoods to join the pre-game festivities.
- Fan experience: The area around the stadium, known as the "Uptown Tailgate," becomes a sea of team colors on game days. The city's energy is undeniable, with countless sports bars and breweries offering specials and a place to cheer with fellow fans.
9. Denver, Colorado
Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers an incredible outdoor lifestyle combined with a historic football tradition. The city's high altitude isn't the only thing that will leave you breathless; the dedication of its fans is just as impressive.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,606/month
- Stadium access: Empower Field at Mile High is situated just west of downtown. Renters in neighborhoods like LoHi, Jefferson Park, and Lincoln Park can easily walk or bike to the stadium.
- Public transit: Denver's RTD light rail system has a dedicated stop, Empower Field at Mile High Station, serving multiple lines. This makes it a popular and efficient way for fans from across the metro area to avoid game-day traffic.
- Fan experience: Denver fans are known for their unwavering loyalty. The tailgating scene is legendary, with parking lots filled with grills, games, and generations of supporters. The stadium's "Mile High" chant creates one of the most memorable atmospheres in the league.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve, and its love for its football team is no exception. Home to more than two dozen hall of famers, this city is a place where passion is palpable, making it an exciting home for any dedicated football fan.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,732/month
- Stadium access: The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, home to Lincoln Financial Field, is easily accessible. While not as centrally located as some stadiums, it's a straight shot from Center City and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Public transit: The Broad Street Line subway is the go-to option for game days. It drops you off right at NRG Station, just steps from the stadium gates. It’s a fast, affordable, and festive way to travel with thousands of other fans.
- Fan experience: Philadelphia fans are famous for their intensity. The energy on game day is electric, starting with the massive tailgate parties in the stadium lots. Being a sports fan here is a communal experience, creating a strong sense of belonging for everyone.
7. Seattle, Washington
Seattle combines stunning natural beauty with a booming tech industry and a football culture that is loud and proud. The "12th Man" isn't just a nickname; it's an identity that permeates the entire city.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $2,087/month
- Stadium access: Lumen Field boasts a prime location in the SoDo neighborhood, just south of downtown. Nestled along Puget Sound, visitors get to take in majestic views of the Olympic Mountains. Renters in Pioneer Square, the International District, and even Downtown Seattle can enjoy a short walk to the game.
- Public transit: Seattle's Link light rail has two stations—Stadium and International District/Chinatown—that serve the field. King Street Station, a hub for Sounder commuter trains and Amtrak, is also right next door, providing excellent regional access.
- Fan experience: Home games in Seattle are an event. The fans are so famously loud that they have twice set the Guinness World Record for crowd noise. The sense of community among the "12s" is powerful, with blue and green visible all over the city on game weeks.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a sprawling, modern city with a deep-rooted sports culture. Although Atlanta has never won a professional football championship, its state-of-the-art stadium and high ticket sales make it a fantastic place for a football-loving renter to call home.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,610/month
- Stadium access: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located on the western edge of Downtown, making it highly accessible. Neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, Vine City, and Downtown Atlanta are within walking distance.
- Public transit: Atlanta's MARTA rail system is perfect for game days. The GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station drops you right at the stadium's doorstep, allowing you to bypass the city's notorious traffic.
- Fan experience: The stadium itself is an architectural marvel with a retractable roof and ‘no seat is a bad seat’ layout. Before the game, "the Home Depot Backyard," an 11-acre park next to the stadium, hosts massive tailgate parties with live music and activities.
5. Dallas, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the love of football. While the stadium is technically in Arlington—not Dallas, the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex buzzes with excitement for ”America’s team.”
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,396/month
- Stadium access: AT&T Stadium is about a 20-30 minute drive from both Dallas and Fort Worth. Renting in Arlington or Grand Prairie will put you closest to the action, but the entire region gets in on the game-day spirit.
- Public transit: Public transit directly to the stadium is limited. Most fans drive, and the tailgating scene is one of the biggest in the country. Rideshare services are also a very popular option for getting to and from the game.
- Fan experience: The stadium is a destination in itself, often called "Jerry World." With a capacity to accommodate more than 100,000 cheering fans, the stadium’s sheer scale is something to behold. The fan experience is top-tier, with a massive video board and an atmosphere of high-stakes football. The entire DFW area is dotted with sports bars and restaurants where you can catch the game with other passionate fans.
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The second Pennsylvania city to make the list, Pittsburgh has built its reputation on hard work, and its football team proudly upholds that identity with an impressive six national championships. For renters looking for an affordable city with a tight-knit community and an unmatched football heritage, look no further.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,391/month
- Stadium access: Acrisure Stadium has a beautiful location on the North Shore of the Allegheny River, with a stunning view of the downtown skyline. Renters on the North Side can walk, while those in Downtown Pittsburgh can simply cross one of the city's famed bridges.
- Public transit: Pittsburgh's light rail system offers free rides between Downtown and the North Shore, making it incredibly easy to get to the stadium. Several bus routes also serve the area. Many fans also arrive by boat, docking along the river wall.
- Fan experience: The "Steeler Nation" is a global phenomenon, but its heart is in Pittsburgh. Home of the beloved ”Terrible Towel,’ the city lives and dies with its team. The affordable cost of living and deep sense of community make it a welcoming place for any fan to join the black-and-gold family.
3. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has become a football powerhouse, and the city's energy is infectious. Known for its world-class barbecue and friendly Midwestern charm, KC is now equally famous for its dominant football team, passionate fans, and regular visits by Taylor Swift.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,206/month
- Stadium access: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is part of the Truman Sports Complex, located about eight miles east of downtown. Driving is the primary way to get there.
- Public transit: While some bus routes serve the area, most fans drive, contributing to one of the best tailgating scenes in all of sports. The parking lots at Arrowhead are a festival of smoke, barbecue, and team spirit hours before kickoff.
- Fan experience: Arrowhead Stadium is renowned for being one of the loudest in the world. The "Arrowhead Chop" chant is an intimidating and unifying experience. The entire city gets behind the team, with local businesses and neighborhoods decked out in red. It’s an exhilarating place to be a fan.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
In New Orleans, football is intertwined with the city's lively culture of music, food, and celebration. Famous for its “Laissez les bons temps rouler” mantra, game days here are more than just a sporting event; they are a city-wide party.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $1,282/month
- Stadium access: The Caesars Superdome is perfectly situated on the edge of the Central Business District and is a short walk from the famous French Quarter. Renters in the business district, the Warehouse District, or even the Lower Garden District can easily get to the game on foot.
- Public transit: The St. Charles Streetcar line runs nearby, offering a scenic route to the area. However, the stadium's central location makes walking the most popular and enjoyable option for local renters.
- Fan experience: The "Who Dat Nation" is known for its incredible spirit. Before games, Champions Square next to the Superdome hosts free concerts and festivities. The party often spills into the streets of the French Quarter, where the celebration continues long after the final whistle.
1. Green Bay, Wisconsin
There is no city in America more synonymous with pro football than Green Bay. Here, the team is not just a source of entertainment; it's actually a publicly owned institution and the heart of the community. For the ultimate football fan, this is the place to be.
- Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $978/month
- Stadium access: Lambeau Field, nicknamed “the Frozen Tundra,” is nestled within a residential neighborhood. This is the only city on the list where you can genuinely rent a house across the street from the stadium and be part of the action every single day.
- Public transit: On game days, Green Bay Metro offers several special bus routes from various parts of the city and suburbs directly to Lambeau Field, making it easy for those who don't live within walking distance.
- Fan experience: The fan experience in Green Bay is unmatched. It's a pilgrimage site for football lovers. The history, the community ownership, and the "Lambeau Leap" create a bond between the team and its city that is unique in all of sports. With the most affordable rent on our list, Green Bay makes it possible for the most dedicated fans to live right in the center of football history.
The Choice is Yours
No matter which city you choose to call home, there’s a place to belong. From lively tailgates to quick commutes on game day, each city offers a unique way to enjoy your passion for pro football while finding the home that suits your lifestyle. If you’re ready to make a move, explore these cities and many more on Apartments.com!
Methodology
To build this list, we looked at a handful of factors that matter most to renters who love the sport. We considered average rent prices for one-bedroom apartments to make sure each city was attainable. Stadium access—whether you can walk, take public transit, or drive—played a big part, as did the quality and reliability of local transit options.
Of course, we couldn’t leave out the fan experience, from tailgating traditions to the overall excitement that fills the city on game days. Together, these criteria helped us highlight cities where football and everyday life go hand in hand.
Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s January 2026 reports.
