Characteristics to look for when choosing a town to rent in... (apartment, renters)

[dhanu86]

I'm considering 3 or 4 towns all nextdoor to eachother because I'm moving within the next month and plan to stay a few years.

for example: Is it good to live in a populated town that's mostly renters or mostly home-owners?

Are you turned off by college towns? Is it less homely with to many people moving in and moving out?

Are dense towns or burbs better for renting an apartment/ home?

[CptnRn]

The questions are broad and general, so speaking in broad generalities...

communities with mostly home owners are usually more stable and lower in crime. Home-owners take better care of their property and care more about the neighborhoods they are invested in. A regular turn over of a rental population usually results in a less homey environment.

Higher density usually brings with it higher crime rates.

[Jillaceae]

It really all depends on what you are looking for. More home-owners also means renters are more likely to be low income. Not that not having tons of money makes you a bad renter or neighbor, but when the financial base of renters is lower, you are more likely to get slums, unfortunately. Personally, I prefer renting in a city because of this. I also find there is less turn over in an nice building in the city than anywhere else.