Apartment hunting in any city can be a formidable task, but when you are searching for one out of state, it presents a whole new set of challenges. No matter your reason for the move, we found a few tips that can help make you go a little smoother. IF POSSIBLE, VISIT YOUR NEW STATE AHEAD OF TIME If your schedule permits, it’s advised to visit your new city ahead of time. Getting a feel and the vibe of your new city and potential apartment in-person is the best way to start your search. If you are fortunate and have a company relocation package, they may provide you with temporary housing while you’re visiting. If not, visiting your new city will afford you the opportunity to visit different areas in relation to your new job or school. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH Today, information is readily available via the internet. Most reputable apartment communities have websites that offer images of their grounds and apartments, along with amenities and special features. And with Google Maps, you can research the area to get a feel for local features, hangouts, shopping, neighborhood groceries and other points of interest. SEEK LOCAL HELP Many times, the university or your HR department can shed light on relocation. Check with these sources first, usually, someone there will have the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Consider reaching out to the leasing agents at apartment communities. Often, they can share distance to the school or business that brings you to the city and possible benefits or hindrances of their location. It’s their job to stay informed on the area, so be sure to ask questions. SEEK OUT VIRTUAL TOURS Most apartment communities are going to share their best images on their website. But the more tech-savvy apartment communities are jumping on board with 3D touring. This technology gives a more accurate depiction of your new living arrangements and is considered the next best thing to a live tour. BE AWARE OF THE LOCAL MARKET While we all like to shop around to find the best bang for our buck, keep in mind the rental market of your new city. College and large cities often have a high demand for temporary housing arrangements. The earlier you start looking, the better, and if you find something you like, you need to act quickly or could end up missing out. FOCUS ON LOCATION Finding an apartment near your employer or school would be great and relieve you of the stress associated with learning your new city's layout. But occasionally, where you are employed or go to school may be in high demand area and out of budget. If this turns out to be the case, look for alternatives that are close to public transit or near the interstate just outside of your desired area. BE READY WITH A SECURITY DEPOSIT If you are relocating for work, your deadline may be out of your control. Make sure you have a security deposit ready when you start looking. While you are at it, have your references and bank statements available as well. It would be very disappointing to miss an opportunity for a lack of preparation. MONEY MATTERS For students and fist time renters, take time to understand the full cost of renting. Most apartment managers can share the average utility bill for a 1-bedroom apartment. But you need to factor in groceries, transportation, internet/cable and possibly renters insurance. Be sure that the apartment you are considering works well within your budget. Also, keep in mind that your credit score plays a role in your approval to rent. If you have not established credit, now is a good time to do so. If your credit score is low, consider taking steps to improve your score. Most local banks can help you understand the steps you need to take to establish or clean up your credit. HONESTY REALLY IS THE BEST POLICY If you are honest with the property manager about your credit situation, you might find they have a little wiggle room or discretion in this matter and can offer solutions to help you secure your first apartment. Apartment hunting can be stressful, especially when you are out of town or state. Our friendly property managers are here to help If you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette,LA be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments to take a tour or call to schedule your virtual tour. TAGS: out of town apartment hunting, apartment virtual tours, relocation specialist, short term apartments in lafayette la, corporate apartments in lafayette la, corporate housing in lafayette la,
12 Comments
7/9/2021 12:40:54 pm
It was really helpful when you said to research local features near the apartment. My cousin was telling me a couple of weeks ago about how she wants to look into finding a luxury apartment to move into in a couple of weeks, and she wants to make sure that she can find the right one for her. I'll make sure to pass this information along to her as she searches for an apartment to move into.
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8/12/2021 12:39:48 pm
I like that you mentioned that you should look for places that help you with transportation. I know when I moved away for college living near public transit was the best decision I could have made as a student. Thank you so much for the tips for looking for an apartment.
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10/28/2022 08:15:00 am
If you are fortunate and have a company relocation package, they may provide you with temporary housing while you’re visiting. I’m so thankful for your helpful post!
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12/12/2022 08:43:43 am
Thank you for pointing out how you should consider location when looking for an apartment. My daughter is looking for an apartment now that she's graduating college. I'll have to share this with her so she can hopefully find something that is close to work for her.
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12/29/2022 04:27:06 am
Really great post. I visit your site for the first time and will definitely be back to search more contents like this.
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1/4/2023 08:46:06 am
It really helped when you talked about going apartment hunting and the importance of focusing on your desired area. My girlfriend and I are interested in finding an apartment that's closer to our work since we just started a new job, so we think that your tips will help us find the best place for our needs. Thank you for the information on considering our lifestyle and the places we visit when looking for an apartment.
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1/27/2023 05:30:26 am
I like how you mentioned that virtual tours could help you identify the layout of the property. My friend told me the other night that he was hoping to find a townhome that could offer two bedrooms for him and his brother. He asked if I had any idea what could be the best option to do. Thank you for the information. I'll tell him it will be much better if he consults the townhomes community in town as they can provide information about their offers.
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3/1/2023 11:42:58 am
I love how you advise to research and find as much information on a place as possible when hunting for an apartment. I have a friend who is looking to move out of their current living situation and they want to rent their own apartment. We'll have to be sure to find a place that has a lot of available information so we can feel confident going in.
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3/6/2023 12:52:14 pm
It makes sense that you should consider the location of where you are employed when searching for an apartment. My younger sister is planning on moving out of our parent's house at the end of April, so she wanted to make sure she found the right place to move into. I'll pass this information along to her so she can know how to find a good apartment!
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5/3/2023 01:43:41 pm
Thanks for mentioning that you need to be ready with a security deposit when you start looking. My mother wants to move into an apartment since she doesn't need as much space. It would be great to go with her to help her find an apartment that meets her needs.
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8/14/2023 12:11:39 pm
Loft hunting in any city can be an impressive errand, however when you are looking for one out of state, it presents an entirely different arrangement of difficulties.
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