Relocating to a new city and going apartment hunting can be a nerve-wracking process. It’s essential to be prepared when you are searching for a new place to call home. With plenty of research and some knowledge about the area you are moving to, you will have what you need to find the best possible apartment in the area. Get ready to start your new life in Downtown San Diego by following these useful apartment hunting tips.
Apartment Hunting Tips for San Diego Renters
Downtown San Diego is filled with many exciting and interesting things to see and do. Those who call the area home are surrounded by vibrant culture, museums, theaters, and several great attractions. Finding an apartment in the heart of the city will ensure that you will never run out of fun things to enjoy. But there are several things that you should consider before you make a final decision on your new apartment.
Get a Clear Picture of Your Budget Plan
It’s best if you have a budget plan in place when it comes to apartment hunting. You don’t want to find your dream home only to learn that it is too far out of your price range. The rule of thumb for apartment hunters is to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. That goes along with the common 50/30/20 rule, which is broken down like this.
- 50% of your income goes to fixed needs such as rent, transportation, or utilities.
- 30% of your income goes to your daily expenses, such as shopping or eating out.
- 20% of your income should go to your long-term financial goals, such as vacation savings or a retirement fund.
Top Tip:
Whether you’re moving to San Diego or are a local, finding housing that fits within a tight budget plan can be difficult. You may need to adjust the 50/30/20 rule to meet your own specific needs while living in the area.
Know Which Amenities You Must Have and What You Can Live Without
What’s more important to you, an apartment with free services such as water, sewer, and trash pickup? Or a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with modern stainless-steel appliances? The amenities that an apartment offers can be a deciding point for many renters. And while you may love the panoramic views offered at an expensive downtown location, that apartment may be out of your price range. Make a list of the amenities that are most important to you. It’s fine to add in some of the things that you don’t necessarily need but would like to have as well. You may find an apartment that features some of the luxurious amenities that you thought you couldn’t afford.
Top Tip:
If you do find an apartment that’s out of your price range in a community that you love, speak to the building manager. They can let you know if any more affordable units are opening up soon, show you alternate floor plans that may be cheaper and tell you about any rental incentives that they have.
Stay Organized by Using a Spreadsheet
There may be several apartments you are interested in, and if you don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity, you should take the time to check each out. Creating a spreadsheet with information about the properties you have in mind can help you stay organized while hunting for a new place to rent. You can include details in the spreadsheet, such as the price of rent, location, top amenities, and the distance to work or other places of interest. That will make it much easier to narrow down your choice and decide which apartments you would like to visit first or schedule a tour.
Top Tip:
The rental market in San Diego is very competitive (the countywide vacancy rate is around 4.9%), especially for luxury apartments in Little Italy, so you’ll have to act fast if you want your top pick.
Write Down a Few Important Questions to Ask While Apartment Hunting
It’s important to ask questions any time you are looking for an apartment to rent. You want to know everything about the property and the landlord’s terms before making a final decision. Here are a few good questions to ask while you are looking for apartments to rent in Downtown San Diego.
- Do you require renter’s insurance?
- Can I make any permanent or temporary changes to the interior of the apartment?
- Is there a laundry area on-site?
- Do you have a strict guest policy?
- What are the lease terms? A lease can be month to month, every six months, annual or biannual.
- Can I look at a floor plan?
- Are utilities included? Sometimes an apartment complex will include all utilities with the rent, while others may only include one or two of these services. You should find out if they are a flat rate or split equally with other renters in the building.
Be sure to address any concerns you may have about the apartment with the building owner or landlord while you are taking a tour. This information will help you make a well-informed decision about which apartment is the best option for you.
Find Your Dream Apartment in Downtown San Diego
To learn more about what to know before moving to San Diego, contact the experts at Allegro Towers at (619) 737-1711. Our team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions you have and help with your apartment hunting in San Diego.