Quote:
Originally Posted by -SeanWalker-
You have to get further away from RTP to find better rates. the smaller towns in the main triangle counties , or towns in bordering counties like Clayton, or Mebane.
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I actually would caution against this logic as a rule.
I just finished a month-long apartment search since I am moving to the area from Greenville, N.C. My only stipulations were price and safety, so I was not being picky by any means.
I found many of the outlying towns like Garner, Clayton, Knightdale and others have the same or higher rent (in a less convenient location). I absolutely did not find considerably lower rent in those smaller towns, unless it was an income-restricted property or in a terrible area (based on local crime data).
I found that the lowest reasonable rent (no utilities included) both within and outside Raleigh for a small 1br/1ba was about $800-$900. You may be able to find slightly lower, and you certainly can find higher, but that was about average, I found.
Fees also are high. I found that application fees ranged from $75-150 and "administrative fees" were anywhere from $125 to more than $200. Pet fees (not refundable, not a deposit, just the privilege of having a pet on the property) were $200 minimum, but more likely $250-$400. Pet rent also is charged almost everywhere, and averages about $20.
During my search, I read hundreds of reviews on all of the major sites and visited dozens of properties. I will say that while the reviews are, of course, overwhelmingly biased toward the negative, if you see several recent reviews with similar complaints, it's likely true.
But by all means, ask questions of property management or the owner. Ask anything and everything and never, ever feel uncomfortable asking questions. I actually had several complexes think I was "shopping" them as if I were a secret shopper or something because I asked so many specific questions over the phone, email and in person. If a property won't answer questions about their policies, condition of buildings and facilities, or reviews you've seen, that's a huge red flag in my experience. Within reason, they shouldn't balk at any questions you have.
And never, ever sign a lease without viewing the exact unit you will move into, if possible. Don't just view a model and sign.
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