Nearly half a million people have moved to Texas since July 2021, according to data from the U.S. Census. For those who are also thinking about making the move to the Lone Star State, finding the right place can be a challenge—especially as a first-time renter. For those looking to rent a place for the first time in San Antonio, there are a variety of considerations, from the options you have regarding neighborhoods to the basics worth knowing.
An Overview of the Basics
For those looking for a place to rent in San Antonio, understanding the current property market can help greatly in understanding your options. For example, one article from the San Antonio Current highlights the fact that the city is among the nation's cheapest metros for those looking to split an apartment with a friend/acquaintance. On average, splitting a place with a roommate will result in a monthly rent of just $664, according to an analysis by the website SpareRoom. Aside from being aware of how much it costs to rent in the city, however, first-time renters should also know a few basics regarding renting in general.
In addition to basics such as budgeting, determining your needs, and touring a place, it's important to keep in mind that a tenant can decide if they want to live in a place that's managed by a landlord vs. by an outside property manager. According to one post from The Balance, one of the main differences between the two is who you'll be dealing with on a regular basis—while some landlords manage their own properties and are hands-on with their tenants, others may hire a property manager to serve as the point of contact between the landlord and tenant. When looking at properties managed by a third party property manager, it's necessary to keep in mind that the property manager may take care of matters from tenant selection to taking maintenance calls. In some cases (depending on the property management company involved) clients can choose to have their rental properties regularly inspected, which can address issues before they become too costly.
Exploring Your Options
When it comes to finding the right neighborhood in San Antonio, there are no shortage of options to choose from, from Downtown to River Walk and beyond. According to Rent.com, for instance, Downtown can be a great choice for those who love living in an urban environment, with rental options ranging from affordable studio apartments to luxury apartments with balconies and great views. It's a great place for professionals and downtown workers who want to avoid traffic and a long commute,
states the post, which goes on to highlight new apartment buildings in the Pearl Brewery District. Rent.com goes on to explore a variety of other neighborhood options worth considering—while Central City can be ideal for those who want to live in the heart of San Antonio, Far West Side features a mix of smaller residential neighborhoods. Stone Oak is noted to have many luxury, pet-friendly, and modern apartment complexes, while East Side offers a mix of commercial and residential areas.
Helpful Resources for Affordable Housing
While many prospective renters may be quick to use online resources like Zillow when doing their own research on rental options in a specific area, those looking for affordable housing options in San Antonio should be aware of additional resources available. Launched by the City of San Antonio, the website, HousingBaseSanAntonio.com aims to help people search for their ideal rental units by filtering by budget and proximity to amenities such as parks, public transit, etc.
According to the KSAT news article published in April of 2023, renters can detail their housing needs by creating a profile, and social workers will search the housing availability to find their client's best options. This partnership aligns with our mission to create and maintain affordable housing opportunities for our residents,
says Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Housing Base's innovative platform will be a valuable resource for the community and a significant step forward in addressing the affordable housing challenges in our city.
According to the article, renters can also filter their options to different parts of town and see which units accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
Finding the perfect rental in a city like San Antonio can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time renters who are navigating the current rental climate. However, by knowing your options and resources, you can get an informed start before jumping in.
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