Situated 40 miles west of Terre Haute, Indiana in historic Coles County, Charleston is home to some of the Land of Lincoln’s most affordable apartments for rent. Are you ready to fulfill your renting destiny (yeah, we sometimes get a bit overdramatic here at ApartmentList) and land the apartment of your dreams in Charleston, Illinois? Before you start scouring the listings for your future humble abode, here are a few quick tips to get you started on the right foot.
Charleston is first and foremost a college town, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find the bulk of the apartments in the city clustered within a few blocks of the Eastern Illinois University campus. Obviously, if you don’t fall into the College Joe demographic, you might want to concentrate instead on the limited number of rentals situated on the outskirts, further away from campus.
Cheap apartments for rent are pretty much the only way to go in Charleston, so if you get your kicks by overspending on apartments, you’re out of luck (isn’t it about time you broke that habit anyway?) In fact, you’ll find a virtual deluge of apartments in Charleston, Illinois in the $300-$400 range (nope, not a typo), and even spacious, multi-BR units are available in abundance for under $600.
Don’t mistake affordability for lack of quality when it comes to apartments and townhouses for rent in Charleston, Illinois. Even some of the most modestly priced rentals come equipped with ultra-sweet amenities like patios, balconies, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, on-site laundry facilities, tennis courts, clubhouses, fitness centers, and tons of other cool stuff.
Pretty much every apartment complex in Charleston sees major spikes in occupancy just before the fall semester at EIU, so if you’re a student in the market for a campus area crash pad, we recommend beginning your hunt no later than May or June to ensure you have the pick of the apartment litter.
Don’t be intimidated by apartments in Charleston that adhere to “income restriction” policies. For all practical purposes, it just means that if you have no job, bank account, renting history, or credit, you’ll need a reputable cosigner to seal the deal.
Most leasing deals in Charleston are for a full year, although some landlords offer short-term, month-to-month leasing deals as well. Just be prepared to fork over an extra buck or two in rent each month if you’re residing on a short-term lease. Same goes for pet-friendly apartments in Charleston, Illinois.
Furnished apartments for rent are amply available as well in Charleston (again, for a slightly higher monthly cost). In other words, you can do yourself a favor and finally drag that beer-and-Dorito-stained futon of yours to the curb. And now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time for our favorite part: finding you an unbeatable leasing deal in Charleston, Illinois. Best of luck and happy hunting! See more
Studio apartments could offer the best of Charleston living at a less expensive price tag than larger units. Look for the best buildings near entertainment, dining, and public transportation or highway access.
Ask about the square footage of studio apartments in Charleston during your tour. Even a little extra space in another building can offer more room for storage or an additional chair. Consider the layout and what you can accomplish before you sign. You should have enough room for your bed, a small sitting area, and a dining table. You can always get creative and loft your bed to save on space underneath or install a fold-down table or desk that tucks away.