Moving from South, looking to rent in Five College area. (Springfield: apartments, rentals)

[meger]

Hi all. I'm a recent grad and moving from the South to work in Massachusetts. I am having trouble finding rentals in the area. Any suggestions on places or rental agencies? I'm looking for a one or two bedroom around or under $1000/month. I would really appreciate your help! It's a bit difficult to get this set up from 15 hours away.

I was really hoping to find a relatively modern complex with exercise facilities, but in my online searches, I'm not finding much. It seems most places don't have laundry facilities inside apartments. Is that the norm in the area?

ANY advice is welcome! Thanks!

[teachertype]

Originally Posted by meger

It seems most places don't have laundry facilities inside apartments. Is that the norm in the area?

Yes, that's the norm here. Usually the washers/driers for tenants, if any, are in a separate laundry room in your price range. Most rentals are done in person through local ads, not long distance or through agencies.

You're a little late. Rentals are school year driven and very competitive. Most rental agreements for the September semester happen in late July or early August and the best places are already taken. Many landlords in the Amherst area begin their leases on Aug 15th so if the tenant backs out they can find someone for Sept 1, and an extra months buffer at the end when students skip out on the summer rent.

Look at the Hampshire Gazette and craigslist. What town do you need?

[meger]

I'll be working just outside Amherst (west of). But I'm OK with up to a 30-min drive. So I am considering Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, South Hadley, Easthampton, Holyoke and Chicopee.

[wmass]

You are more likely to find an apartment in a converted old house raher than in a 'Complex'. There just aren't a lot of complexes in New England, especially western mass. I'd focus on Northampton/Amherst area if you are searching from afar. A little pricier, but some parts of Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee can be sketchy.

Try the UMass housing page - its a good resource for finding apartments UMass Off Campus Housing: Search for Housing

Also rentnoho.com, western mass craigslist

Hathaway Farms in Northampton is one of the nicer complexes (townhouses) that comes to mind.
Hampton Court in downtown Northampton is in a fantastic location, but the apartments I've seen there are mediocre.

[western mass and love it]

why not look in Greenfield or belchertown.both are decent towns close to Amherst.