Good Places to Rent? (Augusta: apartment, buying a home, safe neighborhood)

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I've been offered a job at the VA Hospital on North Grand. My wife and I are thinking of renting for six months to a year to get to know the area, and finding an apartment or house to rent might be easier than jumping right into buying a home before we know the town.

We are looking for at least two bedrooms in a safe neighborhood. We have a six year old daughter, so schools are important. We are probably going to have to store a lot of our stuff until we find a house to buy. Our house payment here in Augusta, Georgia is a little over $700 a month, but with the raise we could probably do $800 or $900. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Chuck