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How to Find the Best 1 Bedroom Apartments in Cincinnati

Let’s face it, moving stinks. The thought of moving and finding a new apartment is very daunting. And rightfully so! Particularly in cities, such as Cincinnati, with vibrant neighborhoods and communities, it is difficult to determine the best area for your lifestyle. From young professionals who desire entertainment and dining options to students who require close proximity to college, the location of your apartment is almost as important as your budget. Fortunately, local real estate experts, such as NAP Cincinnati, can help find a great apartment in Cincinnati.

How to Find a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Cincinnati

Cincinnati offers a range of 1-bedroom apartments to suit different lifestyles and budgets. To help, the following 5 steps will help you find the perfect 1 bedroom apartment in Cincinnati that meets your needs.

1. Identify Your Priorities

Before you start your search, it’s essential to identify what you need and want in an apartment. Make a list of must-have features and amenities. Consider factors like:

• Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent each month. For reference, There are plenty of online rental calculators that will help you determine your budget.
• Location: Perhaps more important than budget, determining your desired neighborhood is vital to an enjoyable living experience. To select a neighborhood, then think about what is most important to you. From proximity to work, school, nightlife, public transportation or friends and family in the area, this is a personal decision.
• Amenities: Think about amenities such as parking, gym access, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly options. As you think about your priorities, then determine what you must have (like a pet-friendly 1 bedroom apartment if you have a pet) to have nice to haves (like a fitness center) to not needed (like a parking spot if you take public transportation).
• Space and Layout: Consider the size and layout of the apartment, including storage space and natural light. If you work from home, then ensure there is space for your workstation as well.

2. Research Cincinnati Neighborhoods

Cincinnati has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Here are a few to consider:

• Downtown: The heart of the city that offers an ideal base for exploring the city.
• Hyde Park: A charming, family-friendly neighborhood east of downtown with a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of outdoor attractions.
• Madisonville: A dynamic neighborhood experiencing revitalization, known for its diverse community, local businesses, and green spaces.
• Oakley: Blending urban convenience with suburban charm, Oakley is an attractive neighborhood with a lively atmosphere and proximity to downtown.
• South Lebanon: A picturesque suburban community offering a peaceful, family-friendly environment with easy access to outdoor recreation.
• Montgomery: An affluent neighborhood known for its excellent schools, upscale dining, and charming historic district.
• Fort Thomas: A scenic area with a strong sense of community, beautiful parks, and top-rated schools.
• Southgate: A quiet and convenient suburb with a welcoming atmosphere, close to shopping and entertainment options.

3. Use Online Resources & Read Reviews

With the world’s information at your fingertips, use it! After outlining your priorities and desired neighborhoods, then start with Google (or your preferred search engine) and jot down some apartments. In addition to the housing directories that follow, then looking at Google reviews will help you narrow the list of apartments with 1 bedroom.

• Zillow: A comprehensive platform offering a wide range of listings with detailed information and photos.
• Apartments.com: Provides an extensive database of rental properties, including reviews and ratings from current residents.
• Craigslist: Useful for finding unique listings and sublets, but be cautious of scams.
• Realtor.com: Offers apartment listings along with insights into neighborhood demographics and amenities.

While researching the 1 bedroom apartments, then various platforms offer online reviews. During this phase, then in addition to the star rating, look for patterns in the reviews. Warning signs would be frequent complaints about maintenance issues or noise. Conversely, positive signs would include lots of thanks, honest opinions, and length of stay at the apartment community.

4. Visit Apartments in Person

With real estate, then seeing is believing. While online research is a starting point, it is crucial to schedule in-person tours of your desired apartments. For those who may be moving to Cincinnati from a different location, this may not be possible. In this case, then virtual tours work well because you can see the space and also talk to the staff. Importantly, while conducting your in-person (or virtual tour), then make a list of important criteria for you and take notes. After you leave the apartment and start to weigh your options, then you’ll want similar notes on each apartment. For example, the following criteria should cover the basics.

• Condition of the Apartment: Check for any signs of wear and tear, pests, or maintenance issues.
• Noise Levels: Consider the noise level both inside the apartment and in the surrounding area. If you are interested in a downtown 1-bedroom apartment, then you may want to visit at night.
• Natural Light: Take note of the natural light in different rooms and at different times of the day. In addition, look out for street lights or other signs that the apartment might have artificial light at night.
• Security: Ensure the building has proper security measures in place, such as secure entryways and well-lit common areas.

5. Ask Questions

As part of your apartment tour, then bring a list of questions (in addition to your general criteria). While you may know some of the information from online searches, you’ll also want to ensure the property manager provides the same answer. Plus, you may want to ask a few questions that staff may not know so you can judge how they respond and their promptness in providing an answer for your question. Some common questions, which staff should know well include:

• Lease Terms: What is the duration of the lease? Are there options for renewal?
• Utilities: Which utilities are included in the rent? Are any of them the tenant’s responsibility?
• Maintenance: How are maintenance requests handled? What is the typical response time?
• Parking: Is parking available? Is there an additional cost for it?
• Pet Policy: Are pets allowed, and are there any breed or size restrictions? Are there any extra fees for having pets?

Pick Your New Cincinnati Apartment

After considering all the practical aspects, pick your new apartment and don’t forget to trust your instincts. If an apartment feels right, it probably is. Conversely, if something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.

As part of making the final decision, then it is important to review your list of priorities. Also, double-check your overall budget and ensure that you’ll enjoy the apartment without worrying about finances. (Also, as part of the application process, the management team runs a credit check, so if you know you can’t afford the 1 bedroom, you’ll have to find a different apartment.)

Another important consideration during your evaluation process is budget. Again, trust your instincts. If a 1 bedroom rent makes your budget tight, then consider a studio apartment in Cincinnati as an alternative. For some students and young professionals, a desired neighborhood will likely include apartments with multiple floor plans, so you can still enjoy all of the priorities and location with a smaller and more affordable room.

Finally, consider reaching out to someone knowledgeable about the Cincinnati city. At NAP, we offer 1 bedroom apartments in a variety of Cincinnati neighborhoods, so we can provide the pros and cons of each area based on where you work or go to school and your interests. Plus, with our central St. Xavier Park hub that offers multiple apartment buildings with available studios, 1 bedrooms, and more in different areas of the city, you’ll be in trustworthy hands. Additionally, St. Xavier Park’s Black Card program allows residents to receive exclusive specials and deals at neighborhood businesses, including yoga and barre studios, restaurants, and even hardware stores.

Happy apartment hunting!