Finding An Apartment: Research
DeAndre' Upshaw on Apr 2, 2009 Note: An ongoing series about finding an apartment. See Part 1 here.
One of the most intimidating components in the process of finding an apartment is actually finding one. There are plenty of sites out there that will guide you through apartments in the area that you are looking for (just do a google search), but how do you find the best place for you?
If you're going to be living in a town with a college or a university nearby, start there. College towns often have an abundance of housing for their students which are priced more affordable for student-age people.
Once you pinpoint some places around that college area, move your search outward. As you move further away from the university, prices will drop. Realtors know that students will pay more to live close to their school, so prices are generally higher very close to the school.
If you've exhausted all of your resources and cannot find a place to stay that will satiate your living needs, turn to more alternative solutions like craigslist.
The best thing about craigslist is that you can find listings by professional realtors who are trying to get more exposure on their listings, and casual subleasers who happen to have property that they would like to lease out.
The most important thing about finding an apartment is doing you research. Never do anything completely online; if you're moving to a new area that's too far for you to drive, ask the person you are leasing the unit from for up-to-date photos and measurements.
Find out information about the area, crime rates, and other things that are important to you, such as the availability of high speed internet and cable or satellite.
Do your research! It'll pay off in the end.
DeAndre'
