Moving to a new city brings a rush of different emotions: excitement, determination, uncertainty, hope, and maybe even fear. One of the first things that people have to do when they decide to move to a new place is figure out how to find an apartment in a new city.

A new apartment in another city can feel like a fresh start. However, starting a new chapter isn’t easy if you have to search for an apartment and sign a lease without physically being in the same city.

Don’t worry, though! Apartment hunting from afar is easy if you use the following helpful tips to apply for an apartment for the first time.

How To Find An Apartment In Another City

Research your new city.

Before making any big move, whether across the state or across the country, it’s important to do some preliminary research on what area you’ll be calling home. There are plenty of online resources that break down demographics, job market, nightlife, and entertainment scene of each city.

For example, if you’re wondering what it’s like to live in Bethesda, then you should do an in-depth search online and reach out to contacts who currently live there to get candid opinions of the area.

Choose an area that is accessible to where you’ll be commuting.

Once you narrow down the general area you’re interested in, based on your research of your new city, you can scope out what is nearby. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to live and work in the same city.

Many individuals work in Washington, D.C., but choose to live outside of the city due to the number of affordable apartment communities nestled right outside the metro region.

When figuring out how to find an apartment in another city, it’s important to make sure you consider access to public transportation. In Maryland and Virginia, many apartments are accessible to the Metrorail and Metrobus. Taking advantage of public transportation allows you to save money while living in a more residential area.

Search online for property management companies.

The most important factor to consider when moving to a new city is finding a trustworthy property management company. Look up reviews, speak with current residents, and figure out what the core values of the company are.

Signing a lease from hundreds of miles away won’t feel terrifying if you know you’re partnering with a company that cares for its residents. Your new property management company should make it simple to rent an apartment in a few easy steps!

Decide what your apartment community needs to have.

Make a wish list of everything your future apartment community would offer in an ideal world — this is the time to get specific and dream big! Rank the items on your wish-list in order of importance and mark which features are non-negotiable.

If you have a car, make sure your potential apartment has parking. If you love nothing more than relaxing poolside on a hot summer day, a swimming pool is a huge bonus. Most apartment communities list their amenities online, but that doesn’t mean they are free. Clarify what is included in the rent and what will be an additional cost. This will help keep your budget in line and save you from unpleasant surprises down the road.

Research satisfaction guarantees.

Some management companies will take the stress of moving to a new city down a notch by offering a satisfaction guarantee. These guarantees can mean that if you are not satisfied with your new apartment for any reason, you will be allowed out of your lease when you arrive. Moving to an apartment community with a satisfaction guarantee can provide you with some peace of mind, especially if you have to rent sight-unseen.

Take a virtual tour.

Scroll through the pictures of the apartment community that are available online. You’ll be able to envision yourself in your new home, get an idea of what furniture can fit in your future space, and make sure the complex itself meets your needs. If you don’t see photos online, ask! Many communities have them at the ready, just an email away.

Moving to a new city doesn’t have to feel scary if you can get a sneak peek of what your apartment and apartment community look like. From there, you can determine what you want to include on your ultimate first apartment checklist.

With Southern Management You’ll Move With Confidence

Take the stress out of your move by signing a lease with Southern Management. We have over 75 apartment communities in Maryland and Virginia, each committed to transparency and a high standard of excellence. Southern Management is the most trustworthy property management company in the region, so you can confidently sign a lease without ever seeing the unit.

Our dedicated team members have insight into the neighborhoods surrounding each apartment community and would love to assist you during your apartment search. We’d be happy to answer questions on pricing, amenities, public transportation, short-term leases, etc.

If you are in town and want to see what Southern Management has to offer, drop into one of our open houses. We’ll tell you all about your new home and the Southern Management difference.

Ready to make a move? Contact us online today!