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How To Find Studio Apartments For Rent In A New Town
Are you new in town and looking for a place to rent? Have a hard time finding your dream home? Take a deep breath and relax.
Unless you’re really lucky, apartment hunting can be mind wrecking. Things are even harder for those who have just moved to a new city. They have no idea where to begin and what to expect from a potential landlord.
Plus, you have to figure out what areas are safe and close to public transportation. If you have a job, look for properties located near your workplace.
Consider the costs too. In the U.S., the average monthly rent for a studio ranges from $470 in Kansas to $3,600 in California. If you’re going to move to New York, expect to pay around $2,200 per month.
Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to! Follow these steps to find the best studio apartments for rent in a new town:
Research Your New Location
Each city has good areas and less favorable areas. The differences between the two can be shocking. From the architecture to the streets and people, everything looks different.
Research the neighborhoods in your new town. Try to determine which areas are safe and which ones could be dangerous.
Go online and search for neighborhoods with the highest crime rate. Cut them off your list.
Next, look for neighborhoods in the same area as your new school or workplace. After all, you don’t want to make a two-hour commute twice a day.
Even if the apartments located in these areas cost more, you’ll save money on transportation.
On top of that, you’ll have more time for yourself and the things you love.
Stay away from any area that’s too expensive, dangerous, or located far from your office. Focus on three to five neighborhoods. This should make things a lot easier.
Assess Your Needs
Before you start searching for a flat, consider your lifestyle and personal needs. Don’t make a decision based solely on price.
Let’s say you enjoy working out. Check the gyms available in the areas on your list. This information should be available online.
Love to spend time outdoors and take long walks? In this case, you don’t want to live in an industrial area. Look for neighborhoods with jogging trails, parks, and greenery.
If you have kids, research the schools and parks in the areas you’re interested in. For a thriving nightlife, check out the posh areas in your new town.
Once you know exactly what you need, begin your search for the perfect home.
Set a Budget Range
Studio apartments vary in price depending on location, space, and comfort level. Thus, it’s important to set a budget before contacting landlords or real estate agents.
The cheapest places to rent a property are located in the Midlands. Here you can get a place to stay for $623 to $730 a month. Louisville, Kansas City, and Arlington are just a few examples.
San Diego, Seattle, Miami, and Boston are the opposite end. Here you can expect to pay as much as $4,000 for an apartment.
Decide how much you can afford to pay on rent each month. Consider other expenses too, such as utility bills and repairs. Don’t forget about groceries, gym membership, loans, and other monthly payments.
Be realistic and stick to your budget. Getting into debt can cause a lot of trouble.
If you’re short on money, rent a cheap studio. Later, you can upgrade to a fancier apartment.
Make a Plan
Determine how you’re going to proceed while searching for studio apartments. Do you have a place to stay until you find the perfect flat? If not, assess your options.
Planning is essential. Depending on your budget, you can do the following:
- Stay with a friend or relative
- Book a hotel or hostel room
- Use Airbnb
- Rent a serviced apartment on short-term
Living with a friend is the most convenient option. However, you might not have friends or relatives in the city you’re moving to.
In this case, search for hotels or hostels. The downside is that you’ll pay more. The longer you stay, the higher your expenses.
Another option is to use short-term rentals. Many real estate developers offer serviced apartments for one to six months or longer. In general, these are cheaper than a hotel.
Plus, you’ll get a fully furnished apartment and cleaning services. Some rentals even include room service. It all comes down to your budget.
Contact a Real Estate Agency
When it comes to apartment hunting, real estate agencies are your best bet. A skilled realtor can help you find the perfect flat in as little as one day.
Contact real estate agents in your new town. Let them know what you need and how much you can spend on rent. If you have a dog or cat, tell them about it.
Beware that many landlords don’t allow pets. Real estate agencies can browse their database to see which ones are willing to accept your furry friend.
Liberty Properties, for instance, offers gorgeous properties in residential neighborhoods. If you check out their website, you’ll see that many of them allow pets. Visit their blog to learn more.
Don’t forget to ask what documents are needed to rent a place.
Many landlords require two recent pay stubs, proof of employment, and a bank statement.
Some even want a reference letter from your previous landlord.
A real estate agent will inform you about these things in advance. This way, you’ll be prepared and have everything at hand.
Search for Studio Apartments on Your Own
If, for some reason, you want to rent a place on your own, check out local listings online.
Facebook groups, online ads, and rental sites are all a great choice. Local newspapers can help too.
However, the risks are higher when you’re renting directly from the landlord. You could get scammed or be denied the right to have a rental contract. Many landlords will refuse to sign a contract so that they don’t have to pay taxes.
A real estate agent can help prevent these issues. He will make sure that things go smoothly and even discuss with the landlord on your behalf.
Final Thoughts
As you see, finding the perfect place to rent takes time and effort. Some people spend weeks or even months searching for studio apartments in a new town. The more requirements you have, the harder it gets.
Begin your search ahead of time. Use any resources you have at hand, such as online ads and references from friends and colleagues. You never know who can guide you in the right direction.
Have you ever rented a house or apartment in a new town? What was your experience like?
Share your story below!
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Kaya Wittenburg
Kaya Wittenburg is the Founder and CEO of Sky Five Properties. Since the age of 10, real estate has been deeply ingrained into his thoughts. With world-class negotiation and deal-making skills, he brings a highly impactful presence into every transaction that he touches.
He is here to help you use real estate as a vehicle to develop your own personal empire and feel deeply satisfied along the way. If you have an interest in buying, selling or renting property in South Florida, contact Kaya today.
