Sweet home Montgomery, Alabama: It’s where the skies are so blue and summer rages for nine months at a time. Looking to find a place to call home in the heart of Dixie? Just take note of the following Qs & As and you’ll be balling in ‘Bama in no time.
The pace of life in Montgomery is considerably slower than some renters might be used to, and the night life scene isn’t always hopping, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in Montgomery except fish, hunt, and ride around in your pickup truck blaring “Freebird
Sweet home Montgomery, Alabama: It’s where the skies are so blue and summer rages for nine months at a time. Looking to find a place to call home in the heart of Dixie? Just take note of the following Qs & As and you’ll be balling in ‘Bama in no time.
The pace of life in Montgomery is considerably slower than some renters might be used to, and the night life scene isn’t always hopping, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in Montgomery except fish, hunt, and ride around in your pickup truck blaring “Freebird.” There are some funky jazz and blues joints for the night owls, and the city also boasts a variety of live theaters and museums, including the world-famous Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
How hard will it be to score my dream home … er, apartment … in Montgomery?
Easy as pie. Montgomery has no shortage of available living spaces (twenty-five percent of residential buildings are small apartments or high rises), so don’t rush into an apartment unless you’re sure it’s right for you. The turnover rate for apartments is high, and new units are constantly opening up.
During the mid to late summer months, occupancy rates tend to spike so don’t hesitate too long to begin your search if you’re relocating in the heart of summer. Even then, though, renters rarely end up on waiting lists.
When filling out a renter’s application, you’ll need the basics, including identification, proof of income, and a respectable renting history. Month-to-month leases are available at many locations after the renter has completed an initial six-month or one-year lease.
So which part of Montgomery is best for me?
The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including how much you can afford to spend, whether you prefer a rural, suburban, or urban-based domicile, and what your transportation situation is. Generally speaking, the expensive neighborhoods lie in the central and eastern sections of the city, while the western and southwestern districts offer apartment dwellers lower-rent options. East Montgomery is the fastest growing part of the Capital of the South, but most of the residences on the east side are single-family homes rather than rental properties.
Some of the more popular Montgomery districts/neighborhoods include:
- Downtown Montgomery … If you want to be where the action is and live within walking distance of the state capital, city hall, and Riverside Park, scoring a pad downtown might be your best bet. Apartments can generally be found for as low as $400, while lofts are available for between $600 and $1500.
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Forest Park … Located just southeast of the downtown area, Forest Park is one of Montgomery’s most historic neighborhoods. Rental prices for most units range between $700 and $1000.
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Hillwood Hillwood is within walking distance of multiple parks. Apartment complexes in Hillwood typically feature a variety of outdoor activities and some of the most scenic views in the city.
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Cloverdale/Idlewild The Cloverdale/Idlewild neighborhood boasts multiple apartment buildings and townhomes for rent. Rental properties are available for as low as $400-$500.
Plenty of other Montgomery neighborhoods offer their own unique perks and charms, including the mansion-lined Garden District and the nostalgic (yet revitalized) Cotton Hill area. So rest assured you won’t have a shortage of options when searching for the perfect place to call home in the heart of Alabama.
What are some things I should know before taking the Montgomery plunge?
- Get your motor runnin’ … No matter which of Montgomery’s 50 neighborhoods you choose to live in, you’ll need to drive to get from points A to B. With wide lanes and ample parking in most districts, Montgomery is a driver-friendly city. The good news for non-vehicle owners is that public transportation is generally reliable and inexpensive (a one-way city bus ride only costs a buck and 35 bucks will get you a monthly pass).
And always remember: if you have questions about life in Montgomery, don’t hesitate to ask the locals. The folks in the Capital of the South love, love, love to chat it up, and they won’t hesitate to point you in the right direction.
Happy hunting!
