How to Find Your Perfect Apartment in the Big City

As someone who spent a good portion of her life in small town America surrounded by family, I never thought there could be real stress in finding a place to live. Out of college, my first apartment came from a newspaper ad in the small local paper that took a good 10 minutes to read front to back. I saw the ad and within a matter of days had moved in. My second apartment came on the recommendation of a friend and was more of a desperation move. It still served its purpose and I had a new home with relative ease. 

When I decided to move to Oklahoma City from northern Michigan, however, I wasn't prepared for the new and highly more complex world of shelter hunting. In the big city, I wasn't just looking at what I could afford for rent and deposit. The factor list had grown. Safety, distance to work, amenities, access to local shopping centers and grocery stores, and traffic activity and road plans suddenly had to all be taken into account. After having lived in small, safe, "get anywhere in ten minutes" towns, this was all a bit overwhelming. 

For those moving or getting ready to make a big move, we'll assume that you already know the importance of having money budgeted for temporary housing, such as a motel or an extended stay facility. Sometimes though, the next step can be a bit daunting. So the following is a list of tips I've picked up during my own cross country upheaval. My move may have been to Oklahoma City, but the following tips can be helpful no matter what your destination may be.