The Best Cities for Renters: 5 of the Top Options

When looking to relocate, many renters will look to move to the best cities for real estate. When determining which major cities are the best for renting an apartment, the amount of income that an average renter spends on housing is taken into account. Given this criterion and other factors, five of the best major cities for renters are outlined below.

El Paso, Texas

El Paso is one of the best cities to rent an apartment due to its low rental costs and amazing weather. The city is situated in an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast. Residents have the opportunity to spend time in the largest urban park in the U.S., Franklin Mountains State Park, and this provides them with the opportunity to camp, mountain bike, hike, and rock climb. El Paso has the 11th cheapest rental market among over 200 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., and it is one of the safest cities in the country. Additionally, the State of Texas does not have state income tax, and this is another great way to help renters save money.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle offers a variety of housing options for renters, and only 23% of the renters living within the city pay over 50% of their average household income on their rental and utility expenses. This city is home to a number of the major industrial and tech companies in the country, and this has helped Seattle to avoid a major downfall during the recession. The Seattle area also gets top ratings for safety, and its water location makes it a great locale for renters. Before renting an apartment in this city, it may be in your best interest to review your 3 in 1 credit report.

Des Moines, Iowa

During the recession, Des Moines was ranked as one of the best “overall performing cities” within the U.S. This city saw a low unemployment rate, and the low cost of living and high-ranked public schools makes this a great place for young families. Additionally, less than 18% of renters in Des Moines pay over 50% of their household income toward their rent and utilities. However, you should be prepared for potential landlords to check credit scores if you wish to rent an apartment in this city.

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita is also one of the best places to rent due to its low rental costs. A recent exploration of the real estate market in this city found a 900 square foot basement apartment with one bathroom and one bedroom being rented out at $900 per month. However, another study stated that the average rent in the city was just $527. Wichita residents that rent have the ability to save more money in order to eventually purchase a home, and rental properties in this city come with little to no responsibilities in terms of maintenance. Another major benefit of living in this city for renters is the low unemployment rate which has been kept down due to the city’s health care sector.

Ogden, Utah

Ogden is home to a variety of institutions of higher education, including Hill Air Force Base and Weber State University. The presence of these organizations coupled with other economic opportunities has led to rising income levels and a jobless rate that is below the national average. For example, one of the country’s largest facilities of the Internal Revenue Service employs more than 5000 residents of Ogden. Renters that are relocating to this city from other major cities can expect to trade in a small apartment for a spacious town home for the same rental price. Additionally, less than 20% of renters in Ogden pay over 50% of their household income toward their rent and utilities.

Before attempting to get approval for a rental unit in any one of these cities, it is in your best interest to review your credit report. Many renters have the same question when they are looking for a new unit: how can I check my credit score? By obtaining a copy of your credit report, you can better understand whether or not you will have issues renting an apartment in one of these five best major U.S. cities for renters.

Joy Mali is an active blogger who is fond of writing articles on credit monitoring and educating people to monitor their monthly credit report to prevent you to be a victim of credit fraud. Follow her on Twitter to know more on best cities for renters in us.