Moving to Billings in June for my husband's job... (Lockwood: low income, apartments)

[danishka]

I would like to know more about the area. My hubby's income runs around $31,000 a year (I'm a SAHM) and we need to find a place to rent and would like to know which places you would recommend? I believe the most we could afford for rent is $750-800. We have 2 young children. My husband's boss said not to rent in the south side. Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with the south end of the city? Which neighborhoods would you recommend that also fit our price range? We are still unsure of the exact office location within the city but I wanted to get a general idea of things.

Anything you could share with me as far as websites and personal experience would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Luey]

Of the towns I've lived in, Billings is one of my favorites--I think you will really like it there. It's big enough to offer decent shopping, movies, entertainment, etc. (Montana State Fair!), but not so big that it's unmanageable. Most of the city is pretty safe....i recommend the West end if at all possible because it's the newer part of town and is where most of the shopping and whatnot is located. I had a friend who lived in the Heights and had no problems with it. The areas around the colleges (Montana State University-Billings and Rocky Mountain College) and hospitals seemed decent. The Southside is quite a bit rougher and more high-crime. Also, avoid Lockwood--same reasons. As for finding a rental, you could try the Billings Gazette: BillingsGazette.com ::
and IMM apartments:
IMM Apartments: Over 5,000 apartments for rent: Home
I rented from IMM in Bismarck, ND and they were great about keeping the complex up.

[GEORGIAINMT]

I have a couple of points to make regarding your questions. For one, you will be on a pretty limited income, I'm sure you realize that. $31K isn't a lot for a family to get by on these days. So, as you said, you have a limited amount to spend on rent. It is more difficult to find a family friendly (big enough, nice neighborhood) rental in the nicer parts of Billings, such as the West end that previous poster mentioned. It's possible, but just harder. The heights is a bit cheaper, but a nice neighborhood if you don't mind the traffic in the morning and after work. I don't see anything wrong with a lot of Lockwood. There are some very nice neighborhoods over there and it is a child friendly area and has good schools. The south side (and for the past few years the north side east of 27th St.) are the more "undesireable" areas of Billings. There does tend to be some more crime there (which is typical of lower income areas no matter what town you live in). However, there are some nice little pockets of neighborhoods in those areas as well as good people there, too. I wouldn't totally discount the South or North side, but you just need to be careful. I'd suggest having someone who knows Billings well to help you in your search for a rental. Due to your limited rental budget you will really have to be fervent in your search to find a place that is right for you in that price range. Best wishes to you and your family!

[GEORGIAINMT]

I forgot to mention that if you are searching for a rental to skip trying to go through a guy named Dax. He just gets his info from the newspapers, online, etc. and then charges people big bucks for him to find you a place. You can do the same thing yourself for free!

[danishka]

Thanks for your answers so far. I realize it is a limited income and hope I will be able to find something acceptable. I currently live in a small city (around 10,000 people) in Northern MN and it is one of the poorest counties in Minnesota. I'm used to be on low income but I do want some place safe. You guys have been a help and I look forward to others answers if anyone has more input.

[danishka]

Originally Posted by Luey

...
and IMM apartments:
IMM Apartments: Over 5,000 apartments for rent: Home
I rented from IMM in Bismarck, ND and they were great about keeping the complex up.

Thanks for this tip. If any of those places that showed up in my search are available in June then they look like good places.