Probably one of the biggest challenges you will face when moving to the States is finding affordable housing. Just remember that is not impossible! When an offer has been extended to you, you can always ask the host company on suggestions for places to live. In the past, many of our program participants have asked the host company directly for some help and they’ve always been of great assistance on the best areas/neighborhoods to live in, transportation, etc. You also have the option of getting in touch with an agency to help you look for a place. We will add you to the Architect-US participants chat so the rest of the community can give you some advice on housing as well. You can also take a look at some of our other blogs topics which give you suggestions on this matter and helpful information on things like transportation, safety, and other matters that you have to take into consideration. So that you can begin your search for housing, we’ve put together a list with the best platforms for you to use:
1. Apartments.com
A simple apartment search engine for you to use. It is one of the forerunners and provides you with great search filters that will help you narrow down your search. It also shows you all of the listings on a map which will help you choose the location visually. With the filters you can decide the type of housing you are looking for, bed and baths, pet eligibility, and other community amenities.
2. Homes.com
This website is usually used by buyers mostly but it will definitely include some listings that are worth taking a look at, and also ones that may not be listed in the other search engines as well. You can narrow your search by using filters such as price, size, year built, and building type.
3. Craigslist
This is a great website to use but one that you have to use carefully as well. Craigslist listings are usually used by “smaller” landlords as a platform to rent/sell the home/apartment for a reasonable price. It has been used for a long time and it is a great application for you to check out. What is important is that you avoid scams. If you see listings that are way too cheap, or they ask for money in advance, or once you have emailed the owner they cannot meet in person at all, it is most likely a scam and a way for them to take money from you.
4. Zillow
Zillow is also one of the best apartment search sites because of its interactive navigation. You’ll be able to use a map to draw around the area that you want to search in. That way you can select a specific area of the city or neighborhood that you want to live in, giving you complete control. You can also use on of the features which allows you to receive alerts when a new home becomes available that fits your price range and size requirements. With it’s Zestimate tool, the platform will also find an estimate on the possible cost for rent for the area that you have chosen.
5. Trulia
Trulia is another of the well know search engines for apartment and housing listings all over the States. One that you will want to check out as well. It has a nice layout and will let you explore the neighborhoods and provide you with the cost ranges for each.
6. Airbnb
Commonly used as a tool when traveling, it can also be used to find short term housing solutions. So, if you would like to get to the States first before making a final decision on where to live in, you can always use this as an option for you to stay in the meanwhile. Some of the people that have their apartments listed in Airbnb for rent can be contacted for you to find if there are any possibilities to stay for longer periods of time. So, it is definitely a great platform for you to use and consider when you are moving to the States.
This are all great search engines for you to use in your apartment hunt. Just make sure that you take into consideration factors such as safety, price, convenience in transportation to the office and the distance from it. All of these things are important, specially in bigger cities in the U.S.
Add comment