4 Questions to Ask When Apartment Hunting

Apartment hunting can be intimidating and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! You may be asking yourself, where do I start? Your number one priority as a renter – and the first step in the apartment hunting process – should be to determine what type of Tallahassee apartment home is going to best meet your needs. By answering a few simple questions, you can easily narrow the search to apartment communities that are well-suited to your unique lifestyle. Don’t let the search overwhelm you, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey – after all, looking for a new apartment should be fun and exciting!

What’s my budget? 

The first step in finding the apartment of your dreams is to draft a budget detailing your monthly income and expenses. Check out our FSU Cost of Living Guide for budgeting as a college student in Tallahassee. It is recommended and often required by apartment communities that your income be at least 3 times higher than the monthly rent. As a student or young professional this price may seem especially steep, however, there are a variety of options at your disposal that make finding cheap apartments a breeze! Look for Tallahassee student apartments or FAMU off campus housing, as apartment communities geared to the student demographic are often cheaper and closer to campus – talk about a win-win! Another way to cut down on costs is to share your space with a few roommates.

What size apartment do I need?

The next step is to determine how much space you need in your Tallahassee apartment. If you plan on living with roommates, consider price versus comfort. Do you have a preference over the number of roommates you live with? If not, more roommates often equal cheaper rent. Several apartments even offer roommate matching and individual leases to make the process stress free. If you plan to live alone or with a partner, consider your individual needs. Would you be happier with an extra room for guests or an in-home office? A spacious 1- or 2-bedroom apartment will likely offer all the space you need. As you’re looking for different apartments, keep an eye on the square footage and overall layout of the unit – this will help you determine how roomy the space truly is.

What amenities and features would I like my Tallahassee apartment to have?

living responsibly photo Now for the fun part! Stylish features and resort-style amenities are arguably the best part of apartment living. Do you enjoy entertaining or baking on a rainy day? Come home to a chef-inspired kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and modern cabinetry. If you love living in Florida but aren’t always a fan of the heat, many Tallahassee apartments have sparkling, resort-style pools that make even the sunniest of days cool. If you’re looking for a quiet place to study, you’ve got options – head to the business center with free printing and coffee, lounge out on the pool’s sun deck, or flip flashcards out on your private patio/balcony.   there are several great money-saving amenities at your disposal as well. Think about how much money you’ll save on that expensive gym membership with an on-site fitness center. Don’t feel like wasting a day at the laundromat every week? With an in-unit washer and dryer your clothes can cycle while you catch up on a good book or run a few errands.

Which Tallahassee neighborhoods are best-suited to my lifestyle?


Loving where you live is equally important. Think about your daily routine and determine how far you’re willing to commute to work or school. If you’re a busy student, an apartment in Southwest Tallahassee near FSU, TCC or FAMU may be ideal. If you prefer to live a little further from campus but still want a quick and easy commute, consider apartments near the StarMetro, Tallahassee’s public transit. If you’re a young professional or growing family, you may find the quiet, residential neighborhoods of Northeast or Southeast Tallahassee more desirable.

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