[–] bigfuckindealman 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
find an apartment complex that has at least some kind of security. the best apartment i ever had was gated and had cameras in the common areas. The rent wasn't to bad either, at 340 a month.
[–] [deleted] 1 point 4 points 5 points (+5|-1) ago (edited ago)
[–] Monsantos_Schlong 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Try looking for a house. Where I live I can rent a 3br 2ba house for 700-1500 a month
[–] tippyc 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Consider how you live, and what you find important. For me, it was worth a lot to have a washer and dryer in the apartment, so i don't have to stress about laundry in a public laundry room or spend a bunch of time going to a laundromat. I feel like the amount of money i save on the convenience of having this makes up for the fact that it costs a little more. I'm also reasonably close to work, which is nice. Some complexes also have perks like pools, tennis courts, workout rooms, barbecues, public computers, etc that you can use if you live there. On the other hand, neighbors suck everywhere, there's always going to be homeless people digging through the dumpsters for your aluminum cans, and the gate at the entrance is just there to make you feel good.
It helps to be in a decent neighborhood. You really get what you pay for, but only up to a point. In my area (greater Sacramento), apartments can be found as low as $700-ish per month, but that's going to be a shitty apartment and it's definitely not going to be in a neighborhood where you want to live. At the other end of the spectrum, a 1-bedroom apartment in Roseville can run you upwards of $2,000 per month. Those actual apartments aren't really much nicer than a $1,500 apartment, though. They're just in an upscale area.
Also, be prepared for the costs that aren't advertised. sure, they say $1,100 per month for that apartment. What they don't mention up front is the $60 a month for electric, $60 for water/sewer/trash, $60 for internet (fucking comcast is the only broadband available at the complex, but surewest has faster, cheaper fiber optic in the neighborhood across the street). There's also the move-in deposit, which no matter what anybody tells you, you're not going to get it back when you move out. Additionally, consider things like most complexes don't allow you to do maintenance on your own car on the property.
Hope this helps.
[–] [deleted] 0 points 17 points 17 points (+17|-0) ago
[–] hiphopafrica 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
This is seriously the most important advice in this thread, especially if you live in a shitty apartment or have a slum lord. I thought because there was tons of shit wrong when I moved in that there was no need to document it. He's gotta be aware of all this stuff, no way he'll think its me. He probably didn't but I still won't be seeing my security deposit.
[–] TheMagicalElf 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Absolutely this, I have had more than one place try to charge me for pre-existing damage and one place actually change their copy of my rental paperwork to scam me.
Take pictures of everything when you move in and keep your lease paperwork.
[–] RedditDead2005-2015 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Record movies of your walkthrough on your smartphone after you sign the lease if you must. I did it with a big ass camcorder. ;) In NYC, it's like a game tenants and landlords play where they will find reasons to keep or delay returning your security deposit. As far as they're concerned, it's money in their bank account from long ago that they have to pay to you. So focus on the pipes, ceilings, walls, floors, if there's any junk already there - basically everything.
[–] 5401773? 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
Some apartments offer laundry machines that aren't coin-op. If you find one you've struck gold.
I wouldn't turn down a nice place because they don't allow pets because most places don't.
If the heating is electric see if power is included in rent. If not (and I'd you live in a part if the world with brutal winters) you may want to look elsewhere.
In terms of groceries avoiding lots of snacks can save you a substantial amount of money. Splitting with roomates and buying groceries for big meals like stew that can be eaten for days as leftovers can save you money as well.