Welcome to the “Bagel Capital of the World”! Contrary to its superlative, Mattoon, Illinois, home to the Lender’s Bagel factory and the largest bagel in the world has more to offer than just a lot of carbohydrates. So let’s take a look at some apartments for rent and find you the home of your dreams.
Mattoon is located in the eastern central portion of the state, about 45 miles from Decatur and 55 miles from Champaign. The city is part of the Charleston-Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area and has a population of a little over 18,000.
Like many Midwestern cities, Mattoon’s economy was based largely on the railroad and manufacturing industries. During the middle of the 20th century, many of Mattoon’s factories closed up shop and business was sent to foreign countries. Because of this reduction in employment opportunities, Mattoon development has become a bit suspended in recent years.
Never fear! Nearby Charleston, which is home to Eastern Illinois University, has kept the two cities afloat for a while. EIU, which educates about 11,000 students annually, has made both Charleston and Mattoon livelier with cultural and academic engagements, as well as entertainment, restaurants, and bars. If small town life starts to get you down, a 12-mile drive due east may help lift your spirits.
Perhaps the best part about living in Mattoon is the low cost of living, along with all the cheap apartments and rental properties. With a decent safety rating throughout most of Mattoon’s neighborhoods, you’ll be sure to find apartments for rent that suit your needs.
Just east of the city, towards Charleston, you’ll find a small area of new development in the form of condominiums, townhomes, and apartment communities. This area offers everything from studio apartments to two bedrooms, which frequently come with amenities such as a swimming pool and clubhouse. Two bedroom apartments for rent here range from $550 to $700.
To the west of the city center you’ll also find a great, quiet, semi-rural feeling neighborhood with a few rental options available. While most homes in this neighborhood are owner-occupied, you can occasionally find great, safe rental homes. Two bedrooms here generally range from $600 to $750.
I’ve got great news for animal lovers! Many of Mattoon’s desirable rental properties are pet friendly. Though some apartments and houses for rent may require an additional pet deposit, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place that is both cat and dog friendly. Two paws up!
So welcome to Mattoon! Enjoy all that this small, central Illinois community has to offer! See more
Finding an apartment in Mattoon that accepts your pet may not be easy, but it’s very possible. Keep in mind, most of the time you’ll have to pay a premium for bringing your dog along in your new apartment. Some apartments require you to pay monthly pet rent, others will ask for a non-refundable pet fee or a refundable pet deposit.
While landlords and property management companies have varying pet policies, most of them limit the number of dogs you can bring to your apartment and include breed and weight restrictions.
If your pet falls under some of the restrictions outlined in the pet policy, it’s still worth asking the landlord if they can make an exception for your dog. Preparing a pet resume ahead of time could help you build the case for your furry friend. Make sure to include information on behavioral training your dog went through over the years and proof of vaccinations. If you can, include references from your former landlord and/or neighbors.