Tarrant, AL 304 Apartments for Rent

It's hard to lose with a town that held a contest to get its name. The contest was held in 1915, although it's still unclear if the name refers to longtime resident Benjamin Tarrant or Felix I. Tarrant, President of National Cast Iron Pipe Company.

Tarrant is the kind of town Lynyrd Skynyrd spoke of in their iconic song "Sweet Home Alabama." Blue skies and quaint living are hallmarks of one of the South's most populated areas. Sweet tea flows in abundance and grits (a breakfast food similar to cream of wheat) is a staple on every table. That's not to say the area isn't modern. The region has enjoyed a boom in commerce that has sustained steady growth for decades. As a suburb of Birmingham, history was made as Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote one of his most important speeches nearby. Home to classic rock bands, a rich cultural history and unique cuisine, Tarrant provides a particular type of living experience. One the city itself describes as a close-knit feeling among the residents.

Moving to Town

The weather patterns of the southeast United States are consistent. Winters are relatively mild with only a few months of chilly temperatures. Summers are long, and humidity is high. Rainfall is a nearly weekly occurrence that provides a green and lush environment ideal for camping and hiking trails outside of the major towns. Outdoor activities that are popular in the region include hunting of all kinds, fishing, tent camping and hiking. Lasting as long as April to November in some cases, the moderate weather patterns of the region are conducive to the occasional getaway.

All Roads Lead to Birmingham

The transit system in Tarrant is even more extensive than the industrial economy it is based on. North of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport and at the junction of three major interstates, getting to and from the city is a lot easier than choosing which route to take. With no major hubs for hundreds of miles, Tarrant and the metropolitan area it borders is the center of activity for residents even from other nearby states.

Moving to the Country

Tarrant isn't exactly country living complete with farmhouses and sprawling acres. Neither is it city life in its most sincere sense. It's a stopping point between the two. With virtually no development to the north and a jewel of the South just across the interstate, this city enjoys the benefits of both styles without an excessive amount of either spoiling the experience. When it comes to employment opportunities, if your background lies in manufacturing, you've got nothing but choices. Avionics is a big draw to Tarrant as well as manufacturing and production. For other kinds of work, professionals find it best to hit the highway and check a few miles south where commerce revolves around professional occupations. There aren't many office buildings in Tarrant, but there are plenty of chances to earn an honest wage for an honest days work.

Be Prepared

Of course, when moving you'll need to do all the dirty work. This means making sure you're credit report is squeaky clean, as many landlords will want to check. Also be ready with proof of income, meaning any bank statements or pay stubs, as your prospective landlord will also want to make sure you can actually afford the apartment to rent. You may even be lucky enough to find something with all utilities paid, so be sure to talk to your landlord about what's included. Whatever you do, just give yourself enough lead time -- think about a month -- to start your search. Looking online or in local papers are always a good idea, but don't forgo driving around town. You may just find that hidden treasure tucked away.

Neighborhoods in Tarrant

There's basically one large neighborhood in Tarrant, a large industrial area and extensive undeveloped forestland, oh, and Lake Ketona. There is not going to be nearly as many options for all expenses paid hi rise apartments in Tarrant. There will be plenty of opportunities to locate a house to rent or even decent studio apartments if you know where to look. Where to look is going to be south Tarrant with a few subtleties of which streets may appeal to you over others. South Tarrant: Almost the entirety of the residential area in Tarrant is north of the airport and south of the rock quarry. Referring back to the city's statement of a close-knit community, almost all of the homes in this town are within a few miles of each other. South Tarrant is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and socialize with your fellow Tarrantonians. Being close to I-20 also makes it possible to hop on the interstate and explore the shopping and entertainment capital of northern Alabama within a matter of minutes. Central Tarrant: As indicated, central Tarrant is basically the city's lifeblood in the form a massive rock quarry and a number of industrial operations that provide employment opportunities for most of the town's residents. To the west side of this area, the city does have its commerce center. Though considerably smaller than what some might be used to, all of the towns needs can be supplied in the strip malls and shopping centers that line its western border. North Tarrant: As you head out of town, less and less in the way of human intervention can be detected as more and more of nature takes over. Between Tarrant and Memphis there's very little in the way of human involvement, period. Perfect for scenic drives and late summer outdoor activities, everything from north Tarrant to Tennessee is a cover shoot for Country Living magazine. Be careful venturing off alone, as black bears are common to this region, but an afternoon on the established trails can go a long way toward revitalizing a weary spirit.

Living in Tarrant

Tarrant is the kind of place where people talk to one another. It's not unusual to stop amongst daily errands and have a conversation with your neighbors about any number of topics. The community spirit is alive and well in a way that makes residents feel as though they are part of a larger family. Frequent summer festivals and fairs provide an opportunity to mingle with other residents and enjoy the typically pleasant weather patterns. Moving to this city can mean having to let go of the stress and hurry that typically accompanies larger residences. Like it or not, things move slower, life is lived with more emphasis on the moment than the future and taking it easy is not only acceptable, it's practically a necessity. For new initiates, the transition can be somewhat awkward at first, but with time the question becomes why would you want any other way? If you do find yourself longing for the hurry and commotion and, let's face it, a really good latte, a short drive is all it takes to find the concrete jungles that many call home. With countless entertainment venues, sporting events and shopping, nearby metro areas let you live it up in decadent cosmopolitan style. Don't worry, a front porch swing and cool glass of lemonade will be waiting when you get back.