Finding a new home can be incredibly exciting! When you’re looking for apartments in Philadelphia to rent, there is so much to consider to ensure that the property is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. 

Here are the top factors to consider when you’re on the hunt.

• Location, Location, Location

When it comes to real estate, the one thing you can never change is location. The location of the unit you’re considering should be towards the very top of your list as you begin touring buildings. 

Here are a few things to ask yourself:

• How close is this building to your job?
• Is the commute easy or difficult? I.e. access to public transportation, traffic patterns, etc.
• How close is the unit to amenities that you need on a daily basis, such as shops, restaurants, gyms, parks, hospitals, etc.?
• How loud/clean/safe is the area?

Although the area may change in demographics over time, take time to consider how comfortable you would be living in the vicinity, as well as how convenient the area is for your current lifestyle. 

• Everyday Essentials

Before you jump on a newly updated or centrally located building, make sure you have the answers to some practical, although boring, questions. 

One such question is parking: is there a designated and secure place for you to park your car? Is parking in short supply in the area? Is there visitor parking? Is there street parking nearby? The answers to these questions may influence your decision, especially if you use your car frequently.

Another important factor to consider is the noise level. If the apartment is located in an area of high growth, this could mean there are construction noises throughout the day. If it is located next to a highway, you will inevitably hear road noise throughout the day and night. Although a central downtown city location may be appealing in theory, the noise of a city may be disruptive to you and your sleep.

A good tip would be to visit any apartment/unit that you may be interested in at different times of the day. This will help you to determine whether the noise levels surrounding the building are manageable for you.

• How Does Management Handle Problems?

Make sure you’ve done your due diligence when it comes to researching the apartment management team. When renting a unit in a large building, there will likely be an office and maintenance staff on call to assist you with any issues that may arise. Newer buildings should typically have fewer maintenance issues.

Highly reviewed buildings will mean that your requests and complaints are addressed respectfully and in a reasonable span of time. Poor reviews indicate that you may be on your own when issues arise.

A few minutes of online research, and perhaps engaging with other residents when you see them, can give you some insight into how well a property is managed.

• Building Inspections

Don’t skimp on a formal inspection! Just like when you purchase a house or any other type of property, it is imperative to have a building inspection completed by a licensed professional. This is to ensure that you are not spending your hard-earned money on a property that is riddled with structural issues or that will develop serious problems in the future.

Regardless of the other features, structural integrity is of the utmost importance. Building inspections can often be completed for just a few hundred dollars, which is well worth it in the long run.

Good luck and happy hunting for your apartments in Philadelphia!