Going to rent my first apartment. How to be frugal and smart?

never live in a big city, but live close to one. you can go maybe 20 minutes away from the city and save 50% on rent AT LEAST. especially if you are just starting out, find a cheaper place to live right off the bat... plus, you have student loans, so you don't want to stretch yourself too thin, in case an emergency pops up. my sister who is a landlord gave me the best advice when it comes to room shares. DO NOT ever rent a place that you can't afford on your own. ever. it does not matter how long you have known a person, they could always skip out, stuff happens. try to find the cheapest rent, and always pay that first, even if you pay half each paycheck because worst case scenario, you have a place to live. then fill up your gas tank second, because there is no point of living somewhere if you can't get to work/home.

most utilities are billed in two month cycles (at least over here on the west coast) at my first apartment, I went to a nearby power company and asked what the last tenant paid on average at (address of prospective apartment) and they should tell you, when I went in there they told me what the winter/summer months would be like. I didn't use heating during the cold months, so my bill ended up being a third of what they told me. also, most places include water, sewer, garbage. but not electricity or recycling... just something to remember.

also, living in a place with extra amenities like a gym or pool really aren't needed. you could to basic workouts at the YMCA or gym, and you don't need to pay for it with extra rent, even if you work out for a couple hours every day, you don't need an apartment with a gym. focus on things like parking spaces, or a yard. this will be a lot better in the long run. and while big apartment complexes can be great for location, they can be loud and you don't usually get much privacy, or much useable living space. I would just avoid them. I live in an apartment right now I pay $600 for rent, 300 sq. feet. and my neighbor above me has loud sex all of the time, I can hear him walk around, and he sets off the fire alarm (which sets off our whole building) at least once a month, usually around 6am. I will be moving to a duplex, rent is $620, 750 sq. feet. with a washer dryer, and a fully fenced yard only a 5 min drive from where I currently live, in a quite neighborhood. I am splitting the rent, so it is $350 total with utilities. that is frugal, my friend. and I have bad credit too, and my new landlord is a nice guy, and doesn't work for a property management company, so he can actually work with me if something comes up. I would recommend renting this way, check out craigslist in that area and surrounding areas :)! hope this helps. sorry it is so long!

/r/Frugal Thread