Basics of Property Management: Screening Potential Tenants

Out Of Town: 5 Reasons To Rent A Home In The Suburb Or The Boonies

5 February 2015

Jesse Obrien

Apartments and homes in bustling cities have a charm and a sense of belonging. You can walk to coffee shops and theaters. There's always something to do. That's why apartments and rental homes in many American cities are hot, with rising rent prices and low vacancy rates.

But an inner-city home may not be the best rental for you. Here are 5 reasons why a suburban or rural rental might make more sense.

1) You hate silly rules.

There are many town ordinances to follow, as well as landlord demands made on your lifestyle, when you rent or lease a home in the city. Condo association rules can apply if you're renting a condominium. Chances are, you're not going to be able to let your laundry dry on the balcony.

If you want to have a garden, practice drums in the garage, work on your car, have a clothesline, or let your cousins sleep over, you may want to consider renting a home out of town. Homeowners associations do still enforce rules in many suburban subdivisions, so a more rural, independent home on acreage is probably a good bet for you.

2) You've got small kids to raise.

Cities can be marvelous, culturally diverse places for children. Some city apartments aren't so awesome.

If you worry about your child getting enough fresh air and exercise, a home in suburbia may be an option. With room for a swing set in the backyard and a playroom in the basement, a suburban rental home will make your child happier than they would be in a cramped flat.

You'll want to check out the quality of local schools, of course, but a suburban subdivision is one of the best places for your child to meet other kids and make new friends.

3) Your pets are your family.

It is true that in-town apartment complexes are becoming far more pet-friendly. However, if you have more than a few animals, life in an apartment or city home can be frantic. You have to worry about your dogs barking, about walking your pets regularly and about traffic.

A suburban or rural home with a big fenced area for your dogs will give you peace of mind and allow your dogs to exercise without you.

4) You work at home or at night.

If you work at home, and you need a quiet atmosphere to be professional and productive, a rental home that's located out of a busy city may be the answer.

If you sleep during the day, you will find that there are far fewer daytime noises in a sleepy subdivision than in an active, industrious city.

5) You need fresh air.

Many cities are making great strides in improving and monitoring air quality. But if you have severe allergies or sensitivity to pollution, whether from vehicle exhaust or factory smoke, you may breathe easier if you distance yourself from areas with lower air quality.

Suburban and rural homes can be located close to rendering plants and other environmental nuisances, so do your research when exploring suburban and rural rental homes.

It helps to have a Realtor (from such places as Sunworld Group Inc.) or rental broker show you properties and explain the features of neighborhoods and local culture, no matter where you choose to rent your next home.  

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