Covington Apartment Renter's Guide
Covington Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
Renowned singer-song writer Isaac Hayes was born in Covington. In fact, his childhood home once stood on Rialto Road. While the singer gained fame and accrued many awards, he never strayed too far from his hometown, as his recording career started with Stax Records in Memphis, just a short jaunt from Covington.
Covington is located in West Tennessee in Tipton County and not far from the banks of the mighty Mississippi River
Renowned singer-song writer Isaac Hayes was born in Covington. In fact, his childhood home once stood on Rialto Road. While the singer gained fame and accrued many awards, he never strayed too far from his hometown, as his recording career started with Stax Records in Memphis, just a short jaunt from Covington.
Covington is located in West Tennessee in Tipton County and not far from the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Just over 9000 residents make their home there, some of which are longtime dwellers. Covington is also home to several industrial facilities that employ many of the residents, including a well-known candy manufacturer. The Covington lifestyle is less hectic than in larger cities, heavy on outdoor recreational opportunities and light on night life.
Moving to Covington
As a fast growing town, Covington has seen an increase in new home construction. The new construction market is heavy on single family homes, but some apartments can be had is established areas. Launch your rental search knowing that finding a home may mean foregoing the new subdivisions for the charm and character of time-tested neighborhoods.
Housing Choices
Single family homes, apartment homes or mobile homes are all available in Covington. But the majority, or roughly 64%, of homes are single family, detached structures. Apartment buildings, attached homes and mobile homes make up the remaining 36%. Once you decide on the area of town you want to call home, you'll be on your way to small town living in no time at all.
Great Expectations
Rental housing in Covington is a mixed bag of new and not so new. Many homes were built in 1999 or earlier. Older homes have charm and character, but may have problems that typically occur with aging. Thorough inspections are encouraged before committing to a lease. Even if you bypass rental homes for apartment living, pre-lease inspections are usually a good idea and highly recommended. That way, you won't be left holding the bag.
House Hunting
When trying to rent an apartment, the timing of your search is usually not an issue. Most realtors, property owners and landlords will work with you pretty much any time, except for weekends and holidays. With that in mind, give yourself plenty of time to check out the different neighbors. After that, two to three weeks should be plenty of time to complete your rental application and cinch the deal. The rental market may be limited in some so areas, so it wouldn't hurt to start your search early.
Renting 101
Before inking the deal on your new pad, make sure you are prepared to handle basic apartment rental requirements. You need to have at least one month's rent on hand, a security deposit and proof you can pay the rent. Plus, you will need a summary of previous rental history. Also, be prepared for the usual background and credit check. Not every property owner or landlord will put you through this, but be ready just the same.
Covington Neighborhoods
Packed into Covington's 11.43 square miles are over 35 different neighborhoods. While this may seem like a lot to choose from, some of these communities are new constructions with single family homes and zero rental potential. Still, options are plenty, and depending on personal penchants, you can choose from living in or near the town center to living on the rural outskirts and all points in between.
Country Club Estates: This upscale neighborhood is located in the south east quadrant of the town and a bit on the outskirts. Few people live there, but those who do usually stay put. Rentals will be rare.
Arlington Heights: This is a popular neighborhood off the main drag through town. This area is also south of the town center but has easy access to Highway 51. Single family homes provide the strongest rent potential.
Baxter Estates: East of the town center, this is a small community with limited rental options.
Adele Acres: Located north of town and close to Highway 51, this community is also popular and a good candidate for rental homes. Finding 3 bedroom houses for rent may be the norm here.
Hidden Ridge Estates: This community is on the north side of Highway 51 and way north of the town center. You may be able to rent here, but the market favors single family homes.
Town Center: This neighborhood area features a mix of single family homes and small apartment buildings. You should be able to find one bedroom and two bedroom apartments for rent in this area.
Living in Covington
Small town living often means living without public transportation. You will need a car to get around Covington. Living in or near the town center may present more walking options, but you'll still need wheels to travel beyond town borders. How else are you going to check out what the greater Covington area has to offer? These offerings include several parks, like the must see Patriot Park and a modern recreational Sportsplex that caters to most any physical fitness needs. And, when the culture bug bites, you can head on over to the Tipton County Museum and the wonderful Veterans Memorial Monument. If you need more excitement, venture on down the highway, about 18 miles south to Memphis and take in the likes of Beale Street. There you might hear a tune or two that plays homage to Covington's native son, Isaac Hayes.