Troy, IL 161 Apartments for Rent

Who's the youngest editor of the Troy Tribune? U.S. Senator Paul Simon, who spent some time in Troy after dropping out of college.

You'd think this city was named after the great city of Troy from Greek mythology, but it was actually named for Troy of Missouri. Origins aside, Troy, IL may pale in comparison to mythological Troy -- well, what city wouldn't? -- but its abundance of restaurants, shops, parks and community activities easily makes it one great place to live in Illinois.

Moving to Troy

Do you like retro, vintage or contemporary homes? Troy's 5.35 square miles offers homes built across almost any era, including the present. You should be able to snag any square footage your heart desires, but spaces under 1,000 square feet are harder to find than bigger ones. Start early with your search for a place to live because almost three-quarters of city residents are homeowners and not renters, compared to the entire country, where only two-thirds of all residences owned.

Let's get the big challenge about finding apartments in Troy out of the way. Such rentals are rarer than a high-rise on a country road. If you manage to find a one-bedroom apartment, it most likely will be in somebody's basement or as part of a small apartment building containing just a few units. In any case, their owners are unlikely to be taking you on model tours or trumpeting the charms of their amenities on fancy websites.

So how do you find these hidden habitations? A rental management company like Hartmann Rental Properties can clue you in to any leased options that they're taking care of. A local real estate agent can offer a wider selection of properties, including single-family houses for rent, and can negotiate such details as monthly rates and security deposits on your behalf. Your agent can also take you to tour the rooms you're interested in, so you don't sign up blind for a stall in someone's barn.

Renting from an individual isn't going to be easier than renting from a professional complex. In fact, the opposite may be true. Because Mr. and Mrs. Property Owner aren't going to want to spend the money for expensive background and credit checks, they'll be fussier about asking for documentation about your job, finances and previous rentals. Giving as much of this paperwork in advance, especially a letter of recommendation from previous apartments, will get on your potential landlord's good side.

You may have to set up your own utilities. For electricity, download the application from Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc, fill it up, and then send or fax it back to the utility. For trash, call up Allied Waste. For water and sewer service, you'll need to go to city hall, pay a fee, and supply such documentation as an occupancy permit form and proof of property inspection.

If you're thinking of using Troy as a sleeping haven for St. Louis, then you'll be glad that the bigger metropolis is only about 20 minutes away by car. The city gives you access to three major highways: I-55, I-70, and I-270. Flying in from out-of-state? Lambert St. Louis International Airport is only half-an-hour away.

Neighborhoods in Troy

Think of U.S. 40 as the dividing line between Troy's two main neighborhoods.

City Center: As much as a city of 9,888 (2010 U.S. Census) can have an urban core, this 'hood has got it. You'd think that most of the hotspots would be located on Main Street, but actually most of the shops and nearly all the eateries are strung out across the 162, aka Edwardsville Road and East Center Street. The Walk Score of 52 means you're not going to be finding a charming downtown that you can stroll on foot. What few rental apartments there are in this 'burg are located in this neck of the woods. That's more than a figurative description because even in this half of the city, trees grow profusely and open fields are common.

Formosa Junction: This might as well be called Farmville because that's mostly what you'll find here along with lots of creeks, small lakes and ponds. It's the place to be if you like the peace and quiet of a rural environment. There are no condos, townhouses or rental apts at all, so your only month-to-month option is a single-family house. Over half of the homes sprung up during the last 30 years of the 20th Century, although about a third are newer than that.

Living in Troy

The Spring Community Expo is supposed to be about the Easter Bunny coming to town. But it's more of an excuse for city merchants to display their wares in a festive atmosphere. In summer, Downtown Days livens up the center of town with music groups, food and drink vendors, and a civic project like painting a mural on a local outdoor wall. Nights are shorter but that doesn't stop the city from hosting movies at Tri Township Park when it gets dark. These aren't your tired old musicals, but the latest animated features.

Speaking of the park, you couldn't ask for a better outdoor attraction. You got ramps for shredding your skateboard, basketball courts for slam bunks, and tennis courts for displaying your backhands. Kids can let loose with the cartoon animals on the playground or touch the real versions in the Petting Zoo. If you need to relax from a hard day at work, you can stroll the trails, lounge in the gazebos or admire the swans on the lake.

Take your active fun indoors at the Spin City Skate Center where you can rent or buy everything from traditional high-tops to inline skates to practice your moves on the rink. Meet up with the Historical Society to find out how to spruce up the city's 19th-century buildings. If you still lack for stuff to do, don't forget that the bars, entertainment venues and museums of St. Louis are just a quick car trip away.