Moving is stressful enough, let alone moving to a different state. Adding even more to the challenge includes limited opportunities for in-person visits, unfamiliarity with the new area, and the logistics of planning a move to a separate state.
But not to worry – this article will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to confidently search for, evaluate, and secure an apartment in another state, making your relocation process smoother and far less stressful.
1. Print All Financial Documents Ahead of Time
Most rental properties will require the following documents when applying for an apartment. It’s best to have these documents ready to go ahead of time so that you can apply as quickly as possible after touring or virtual touring:
- Paystubs
- Bank statements (typically of the last 3 months)
- Offer letter from your current or future employer (if you’re being relocated for work)
- Driver’s license, passport, or other form of ID
- Proof of renter’s insurance (if needed)
- Social security number (which most landlords use to run your credit history)
- Landlord references
- Other references (if applicable)
- Your guarantor’s paperwork (if using a guarantor)
2. Use the Power of the Internet
The first step to finding an apartment in your own state or out of state is an internet search, of course! You could start with a basic Google search for apartments in the state or city you want to move to.
Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Apartments.com are also great tools for your apartment search. They often help you narrow down your search based on your specific criteria which means that it’s relatively simple to find an apartment in a different state.
3. Look for “For Rent” Signs
A surprising yet fun way to find an apartment is outside of the internet. Some landlords rely on simply posting a ‘For Rent’ sign outside of the building in the hope that passersby will call the number.
If you know the neighborhood you want to live in, walk around and look for vacancy signs posted outside of buildings while you’re visiting for tours. This will also help you to get a better feel for different neighborhoods in your new state to determine walkability and proximity to local parks, shops, and restaurants.
4. Contact Property Management Companies
Property managers are another great resource for helping renters find homes. Search for property managers in the state and area by searching “property manager” or “your city” (or the neighborhood you want to live in).
5. Take Photos of Every Apartment
If you have the opportunity to visit the state where you’re planning to move, we recommend taking photos of every apartment you tour. When you return home after the trip, you’ll have an archive of photos and videos to assess which ones you liked the most/least.
6. Request a Video Call or Ask a Friend to Tour the Apartment
Floor plans and photos can be deceiving, so it’s important to view the space through a live video tour if you can’t tour the apartment in person. Don’t solely rely on the virtual tours on their website, ask for an agent to conduct a live video tour so that you can ask questions and see the apartment in real time. If you have friends or family who live in the area, ask them to tour the space on your behalf.
7. Carefully Read Reviews
Before signing a lease, read all reviews about the property management company, maintenance company, and apartment complex as a whole. Keep a lookout for any mention of mold, bug infestations, maintenance issues, flooding, etc.
8. Research Different Areas
The hardest part about moving to a new state is learning about the various neighborhoods. Whether you prefer to live in an area that’s filled with hiking trails, campsites, downtown bars, coffee shops, restaurants, etc., consider moving to an area that has all of your favorite activities within close proximity. If you don’t work remotely, you’ll of course also want to ensure you’re in an area that’s close to the office.
9. Consider Moving in With a Roommate
Moving to a new state can be a daunting task. Making new friends and getting acclimated to the area can take months if not years. Having a roommate can alleviate loneliness and help acclimate to your new area.
If you move into a roommate’s apartment that’s already furnished, that will also eliminate the need to buy couches, tables, kitchenware, etc. If you don’t feel comfortable signing a one-year lease with a new roommate you’ve never met, consider subleasing for a few months to help determine if it’s a good match.
10. Be on the Lookout for Scams
If a prospective landlord asks for a rental payment before you’ve signed the lease or refuses to do an in-person/video tour, there might be something wrong. Trust your instincts, as scammers are abundant in the apartment rental industry. Basically, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Start Your Search with Draper & Kramer
If you’re in the market for an apartment in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, or St. Louis, we invite you to explore Draper and Kramer’s luxury apartment rental properties. We have highlighted some properties below to help you get started with your search:
Austin, Texas:
DK Riata is located within walking distance of Apple’s expanding Austin corporate campus and provides access to Austin’s top attractions.
Chicago, Illinois:
We have several properties to choose from in Chicago, including our Wrigleyville Lofts located only two and a half blocks north of Wrigley Field, 61 Banks Street featuring panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Hubbard221 in River North, Burnham Pointe in sought-after the Printers Row, and many more.
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas:
The Crest at Las Colinas Station is located in a major center for employment and entertainment in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Our Bell Tower Flats is part of Adriatica Village, a mixed-use development modeled after a Croatian fishing village that features old-world-style architectural details.
Denver, Colorado:
The Wright is a premier apartment community in Centennial, Colorado, along the I-25 corridor in South Metro Denver, while Tempo Nine Mile is a new rental community in development in Aurora, Colorado.
Phoenix, Arizona:
Located approximately 25 minutes from downtown Phoenix and just north of the Loop 101 and State Route 51 interchange, Senita on Cave Creek provides residents with easy access to the city and neighboring Scottsdale.
Saint Louis, Missouri:
Moda at The Hill is a 225-unit rental residence in St. Louis’ historic The Hill neighborhood.
