With a population of 123,088, Hartford is a densely populated place in Connecticut. The estimated median house or condo value is $95,000.
If you have recently completed graduation or are a young professional just starting in Hartford, CT, renting an apartment is likely your first step into adulthood. It’s an exciting period, but it can also be daunting with all the choices out there.
How do you know which apartment is suitable for you? Here are six factors to consider while looking for apartments for rent Hartford CT.
Your Budget
Setting your budget for an apartment is the first step to narrowing down your options. Start by determining how much you can shoot for on monthly rent payments.
If possible, try not to allow more than 30 percent of your income to go toward payment. Once you’ve figured out an ideal max price, start looking for apartments in that range.
Location
Location is critical when it comes to apartments. You have to think about things like commute time, how walkable the neighborhood is, and what kind of amenities are nearby.
If you have a specific neighborhood in mind, start your search there. If you’re flexible, consider all your options and look at several neighborhoods.
Size and Floor Plans
The size of your new apartment matters, but it’s more complicated than looking for a place with enough rooms.
You must think about what you need in terms of storage, floor plan layout, and the number of bathrooms available. You must look for an apartment that minimizes wasted space to keep costs low.
You should consider which room you’d like to have your living area in. Do you want a one-bedroom or a two-bedroom? How much living and dining space do you need? When looking at floor plans, make sure to check the square footage to see if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Reputation of the Apartment Community
When looking for apartments for rent in Hartford, CT, you’ll likely come across reviews and ratings by current or past renters.
Check sites to read good and bad reviews to get a more accurate view of what it’s like to live on that property. If there are several negative reviews, it might be worth looking elsewhere.
According to realtor.com, there are 185 homes for sale in West Hartford, ranging from $65,000 to $1.4 million in value.
Utilities and Amenities
Apartments vary in what they include with rent. Some include all utilities, some charge for water and trash, and others have monthly pet fees.
You’ll also want to consider what amenities the complex has to offer. Do you need a pool, a gym, or on-site laundry? You must list your needs and wants and factor that into your decision.
If you have a car, one of the main things you’ll need to consider when renting is parking.
Many apartments require an extra monthly fee for parking, so make sure to ask about it before you sign the lease. You’ll also want to check to see if street parking is available and how difficult it is to find a spot.
The Lease
You must read the lease agreement thoroughly before signing anything. Some leases have hidden fees or clauses that you might not be aware of.
If there’s something in the lease you disagree with, ask your landlord to change it. Don’t sign a lease until everything is to your liking.
These are just a few things to think about when renting an apartment in Hartford, CT. You must keep these factors in mind as you search, and you’re sure to find the perfect place for you!