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How to Find an Apartment In Another State
Finding an apartment in your own city can be daunting, but what if you need to relocate and find housing in another state without seeing it first? Don’t panic. Just follow these tips and you’ll be able to do your all your apartment-hunting footwork using your phone and computer.
Make a list
In many ways, finding an apartment long distance is a lot like finding one in your own city. You still need to focus on the aspects of apartment living that are important to you and balance them with what you can afford. Begin by prioritizing what you’re looking for. Do you need square footage, garage parking, amenities, a safe neighborhood, easy access to work/school/shopping? For help in choosing what kind of apartment is right for you (gated, loft, etc.), check out What Kind of Apartment Space Best Suits You? Read How to Choose the Right Apartment Location for advice on assessing the best location, and The Apartment Guide Neighborhoods section will give you plenty of information about your choice neighborhoods. Once you’ve ranked your priorities on paper, it will be easier for you to focus as you move on to the next step, looking for listings on apartmentguide.com.
Pound the virtual pavement
The listings on ApartmentGuide.com offer a wealth of information, including virtual brochures, photo galleries and all the details you’ll need about rent, amenities, etc. Look closely and take advantage of the online material.
If there are parts of the apartment property that don’t have posted photographs, be sure to ask the property manager for details. In fact, write down questions you have that aren’t answered by the online material so you’ll be ready to pick up the phone for the next part of the process.
Ask the right questions
When looking for an apartment in another state, you need to rely on senses other than the physical ones to help you assess whether or not it’s right for you. Since you won’t be able to hear how loud the traffic sound is in the master bedroom or see the surrounding neighborhood for yourself, you’ll need to put on your sleuthing hat and launch a full investigation into what might be your next home.
Your first call will be to the apartment property manager. After determining the cost of the unit, you’ll want to know its age, how many units there are, and all the detail you can about the interior: appliances (and their ages), gas or electric range, washer/dryer access (in unit or communal room), wood floors or carpet.
Also ask about amenities and community activities. Many communities seek to create a neighborhood atmosphere with mixers and other social gatherings for tenants. For more details about what to find out about your potential new home, read What to Ask Before you Rent. For information on what amenities to inquire about, check out Live Well Through Your Apartment Community’s Amenities. If you like what you’ve discovered, it’s time for lease details. As with any apartment, be sure to discuss its length and lease options after the first year.
Ideally, you will have spoken with a half-dozen property managers during your search so that you have a nice handful of possible apartments to compare. During your hunt, revisit your list of priorities and mark off how each one of your contenders fits into your ideal apartment profile. The winner often reveals itself through the process of elimination.
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What do you think is the ideal number of apartment roommates?
- 0 (47%, 24 Votes)
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