“Find an apartment” is probably at the top of your to-do list if you’re contemplating a move to a new area. When searching for digs in a small city or town, especially one you’re unfamiliar with, it pays to do some research. Every town has its own character, which is reflected in its neighborhoods and housing options. Here are some things to keep in mind as you try to find an apartment in a small city.
Explore what makes the town tick. To find an apartment in a new place, it pays to learn about the area, in particular which neighborhoods are plum and which are the pits. For example, many small cities and towns are home to colleges. It may not be hard to find an apartment in a town that has lots of students because there are probably lots of rental properties, too, but be savvy about location. Unless you’re in school yourself, a student ghetto or near frat house row may not be the ideal place to find an apartment. Do your homework: If you’re moving to a college town, know where the kids live so you can make an informed choice about whether you want to be their neighbor.
Keep safety in mind. When you’re out to find an apartment, never overlook safety. People sometimes make the mistake of thinking smaller cities are safe by definition, but that’s not always the case. When you find an apartment that interests you, notice the neighborhood. Are the buildings rundown? Are the yards groomed or overgrown and littered? Drive around the area at night. Are the streets well lit? Would you feel safe coming and going by yourself after dark? Many city governments and police departments provide crime statistics by area or neighborhood. Try searching by city and state or by zip code.
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