Godfrey, IL: 173 apartments available for rent

Located in the St. Louis metro, this large village is a mix of business and agriculture, rivers and beautiful limestone bluffs. To the southwest is the mighty Mississippi, to the north is the Illinois river, and the Missouri River (a starting point for Lewis and Clark back in the day) empties into the Old Muddy about 10 miles downstream. Families will be happy to know that this area of Illinois is chock-full of young families and quiet senior citizens living in pleasant peacefulness. Yes, it's a charmed life for a city built on an Indian burial ground. And, you just can't beat the cost of housing around here.

Rental rates range from $400 a month to over a grand, giving you plenty of options to choose from. In the $400 - $650 range are some cheap apartments and mobile home rentals. Anything more will get you a very nice rental home, typically a ranch house with three to four bedrooms and lots of yard space.

While the list of amenities in local rentals is usually short, the beauty and convenience of this village provides enough extras to keep anyone happy. There are countryside houses with fenced-in yards, a must for dog owners. There are also some places that back up to creeks and rivers, giving renters a pleasant escape from typical apartment-dwelling.

If you're bringing along the cat or dog, then rest easy, because pet-friendly property rentals can be found all over town. However, be prepared to pay pet fees, usually around $200, as well as a $25 per month pet rent. Those with dogs should also be warned that many places impose breed and weight restrictions. So, be sure to contact your potential property for fees and restrictions before making the big move.

So, that's the Godfrey life these days. Best of luck on the apartment hunt!