How to Find the Best Dallas Apartments

There thousands of Dallas apartments available for rent, both on a month-to-month basis and as long-term (six months to a year) leases, in all locations and in a very wide range of rental prices. Which Dallas apartments will be right for you will depend on many factors, such as your budget, how far you are willing to commute and what type of transportation who typically use, whether you have your own furniture and/or keep pets, physical needs, amenities desired, and personal preferences in terms of neighborhood and community.

Dallas apartments range in price from under $400 to over $5500 per month. Obviously, more room (i.e., greater square footage) means higher rents; however, location is definitely a factor as well. Dallas apartments in the $400 - $500 price range tend to be located in the outlying suburbs, while those in the four-figure range are closer to the center of town.

With spiraling oil prices and other costs associated with automobile ownership at all-time highs (insurance, maintenance, tolls, licensing), it may actually make more economic sense to choose a higher-priced rental in the middle of town than something cheaper in the suburbs. Most of these upscale apartments, located right in downtown Dallas, are in the $1500 - $2500 per month range (although you can get an entire penthouse for around $10 K, if so inclined). If being within walking or cycling distance of work and downtown amenities means you can dispense with your automobile, you might actually save money by choosing one of the more expensive downtown or uptown Dallas apartments.

Dallas apartments also mean no yard work or maintenance hassles. Generally, the owner of the building – whether it’s an individual landlord or a corporate management company – is legally responsible for all maintenance, meaning you won’t have to pay for the plumber when faucets start leaking. Many Dallas apartments have maintenance people on staff as well, so you won’t have to worry when the heat or the AC starts having problems.

Pet lovers will be pleasantly surprised to know that many Dallas apartments are pet-friendly. Of course, there are some limits – chances are, you won’t be allowed to keep a horse, but generally, cats and dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome in Dallas apartments that allow pets.

When does it make sense to rent one of the many Dallas apartments instead of buying? Generally, if you plan to be in a residence five years or less, you’re better off renting. In addition, if you purchase a property – whether it’s a free-standing, single-family home or a condo – you will be responsible for all maintenance, upkeep and property taxes.

These are good issues to keep in mind when considering Dallas apartments.

Jonathon Blocker works with a local housing group to help people find Dallas apartments. He provides advice on such issues as location, schools, and neighborhoods to individuals looking for Dallas apartments. For newcomers to the area, Jonathon's advice on how to find the best Dallas apartments makes perfect sense.