Albany rental advice (Salem, Corvallis: apartment, rentals, house)

[IAPharmer]

Hello everyone! I have recently accepted a job in Albany and am looking to relocate to there from Iowa after I graduate this spring. My fiance and I are looking to rent for a few months before we buy a house so that we can get a good feel for the area first. I am in need of some advice on rental properties in the Albany area. We only need a small 2 bedroom apartment or similar for a few months to begin with. We would like a decent, quiet place for around $800 or less per month. Any suggestions on areas to look at or avoid?? We are also be open to renting in Corvallis or Salem. Thank you!

[4theluvofgold]

I'm currently in Albany for a job, PM me and I can give you more info.

[Dangerous Dave]

If you can go a little higher than $800, you should be able to find a smaller house in a newer neighborhood. I guess my advice would be to find a property manager.
I lived in a nice newer development in S. Albany called Chartwell Station, there were a few rentals in there in the $800-850 range. Well worth it.

[desray]

We are a family of 4 moving from New Zealand to Corvallis in mid to late August this year.

The whole move is quite daunting and everything will be new for us. We would appreciate advice on; where to live, what should we look for when renting a house in the USA - I'm thinking we will need to rent until we have some sort of history for the banks and then can think about buying, what schools to attend (keeping in mind that the whole school system is different for us including when your year starts, what schools each child would attend etc) - we have 2 children, a 6 year old who is presently in year 2 and a 10 year old who is presently in year 6.

Any other great information would be wonderful. Thanks.

[DavePautsch]

You may want to check with some of the local builders. I have heard from one recently that they are considering lease options on some of the "sitting" inventory. I'm not sure if it would be in the price range you are talking about, but certainly something you might look into. I'd be happy to give you more details.

DaveP