Graduating from college is an exciting time. You are about to embark on the beginning of a new and important chapter of your life. Using your acquired and tested skills from school to find new and gainful employment can lead to a new level of independence. Whether you lived in the dorms, commuted from home, or rented an apartment with roommates, venturing out on your own can be exciting, but is can also be intimidating. You may have many questions:
- Where should I look?
- How much can I afford to pay?
- How do I know which place is right for me?
There are many great resources to help you find a great place to live. Following a few simple tips can help to find the best apartment in the best location at the best price for you.
Where should I look?
Many recent graduates will find a new job within a city center. While it may be appealing to try to find a job and live in a big city like New York or Chicago, it can be nearly impossible to find an affordable and safe place to live in these cities. You may be able to afford a more comfortable lifestyle within a big city atmosphere by looking at smaller cities with exciting city lifestyles like Pittsburgh or Waukesha. Waukesha apartments, for example, provide larger and more comfortable spaces than similarly priced studios in large cities. These smaller cities still have great job markets, and new apartments in Waukesha are beautiful, modern, and affordable.
How much can I afford to pay?
It is important when looking for a place to live that you consider not only the cost of rent. Living in and maintaining an apartment on your own includes paying for utilities like electric, gas, and cable. These can add up to several hundred dollars per month. It is important to research how much it may cost to pay these bills. You can start by asking around in a building in which you are looking. Many tenants will be more than happy to disclose their average utility costs to help a potential neighbor. This and some quick internet research can help you get a better idea of exactly how much a certain residence costs. Compare this to your monthly income, making sure to save room for leisure activities, to find out if the apartment is a good financial fit for you. You may even consider finding a roommate to defray the costs of a larger or more luxurious apartment.
How do I know which place is right for me?
Finding your first place is an exciting process. By looking around the market at a several different apartments, you can get a better idea of what an area has to offer. If you fall in love with a home during your tour, do some extra research to make sure that the leasing company is reputable and that the location is safe. Once these factors are verified, make it happen! You can find a place that you love to call your own.