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3 Ways First-Time Renters Can Save Money
First-time renter? Well, you’re not alone. With the rising prices of the housing market and homeowners in a stalemate to sell because they have no place to go, renting is becoming a more appealing option to people living on their own for the first time.
Finding an apartment comes with a whole host of challenges (see: finding an apartment), and it can be overwhelming to get into the weeds of it all when you’re strapped for cash and don’t know what you’re doing, so here are some tips on how to save money for first-time renters.
Location Location Location
Rent prices vary greatly depending on where you are looking. Less populated areas like Minnesota and Ohio are a renter’s dream with prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the $500-$600 range. Take that same floorplan and put it in a popular coastal city like New York or San Francisco, and the price jumps by almost $2,000.
If you have a job lined up and don’t have a say in where you move to, location still matters. Try to find housing that is good for your commute. Many populace cities offer cheap public transport that could make it so you don’t even need a vehicle.
It’s important to take security into account, however. Oftentimes housing is cheaper in areas deemed “unsafe,” so be sure to decide what you feel comfortable with…