How to Look for an Apartment There While You’re Still Here

Today's society is far more mobile than it was in your grandparents' or even your parents' time. Most people stayed close to their home town from cradle to grave, but now it's not unusual to move to a different city at least once in your lifetime.

Does the thought of a long-distance apartment search seem impossible? It takes a bit of planning, but it can be successfully accomplished. Here are some great tips from our friendly Springs leasing teams, who have helped a number of people through their relocation.

Spread the Word

Personal recommendations are still the best way to find a new apartment. Thanks to the reach of social media, you can now cast your net wider than ever. Tell friends and family, post it on Facebook, tweet a request, and use every available avenue to let people know where you're looking and what you're looking for (e.g., “pet-friendly” or “roommate”).

Complete Your Due Diligence

Another benefit of the digital era is having access to a variety of information, reviews and testimonials about cities and regions. Local newspapers and real estate websites are good places to start. Read everything you can find about your prospective area, particularly specific details about individual neighborhoods, so you can get a sense of which one "speaks" to you.

Check with Your Employer

If you're moving for a new job or transfer, find out if your employer can provide you with any resources. They can also put you in touch with other employees in that area who can recommend good neighborhoods within a reasonable commute distance.

Create Your Deal-Breaker List

Do you have your heart set on an outdoor pool? Maybe you're bringing your precious pet along, or you want convenient laundry facilities. Once you determine your must-haves, it will be easier to narrow down your options.

Look for On-Site Management

You'll have your hands full unpacking and settling in. Having to contact management via phone or email and waiting for a response can seriously hinder your efforts to get established. Even worse, it can prove to be a major inconvenience down the road when it comes to those day-to-day questions and problems.

Research Management Companies

This is a step that doesn't occur to many people, but shouldn't you know as much as you can about the company that is responsible for maintaining the community? Once you get down to the final candidates, check sources like the Better Business Bureau, ApartmentRatings and Yelp to find out what previous and current residents have to say.

Online Tours, Lease Applications 

Look for apartment communities that share lots of images and/or online tours of their apartments and amenities so that you get a good feel for what they offer. Also check out their social media profiles, and see if they have 3D floor plans that can provide you a sense of the overall space. Lastly, see if they offer a secure, online application process that can expedite your leasing process so that you have more time to concentrate on moving to your new home.

Our Springs Apartments communities are recognized nationwide for their sterling online reputations. Each one has on-site management and 24/7 maintenance teams to help you with a smooth move-in and provide excellent customer service every day.