Some may know Rockingham, NC as home to Bucky Covington, a finalist on season 5 of American Idol, while others recognize resident Dannell Ellerbe, linebacker for the Miami Dolphins. The city of Rockingham is probably best known though for Rockingham Speedway, which was once home to NASCAR races for almost 40 years.
The city of Rockingham lies in Richmond County, North Carolina, and has a population of around 9,558 inhabitants (according to the most recent census)
Some may know Rockingham, NC as home to Bucky Covington, a finalist on season 5 of American Idol, while others recognize resident Dannell Ellerbe, linebacker for the Miami Dolphins. The city of Rockingham is probably best known though for Rockingham Speedway, which was once home to NASCAR races for almost 40 years.
The city of Rockingham lies in Richmond County, North Carolina, and has a population of around 9,558 inhabitants (according to the most recent census). On the whole, it's a great place to live and work. Founded in 1784 and named after the Marquis of Rockingham, today the city covers 7.3 square miles and remains a center of commerce for the county, with plenty to see and do in the area. Surrounding Rockingham you'll find an area of great natural beauty, with Blewett Falls Lake, the Pee Dee River and National Wildlife Refuge and more, all nearby. Expect to find turkey, small game, and deer in the area - hunting is a popular pastime here. Every year, thousands of visitors descend on the city for races at Rockingham Dragway and Rockingham Speedway, but you'll also find the finest golf facilities in the world here at nearby Pinehurst. Get ready to tee off!
If you're looking for rental homes in Rockingham then you're in luck! The city's income may be lower than the average in other areas of North Carolina, but property prices here are also lower, so whether you're looking for a 2 bedroom apartment for rent or a detached 3 bedroom house for rent, you'll find it here. The cost of living here is around 13% lower than the U.S. average.
You should allow between four and six weeks to find a property, and maybe even longer during the busy summer months. Set up a few appointments to view properties that could be right for you, and think about what your must-haves are. You may find you have to compromise rather than finding the perfect place, so it's important to be aware of the difference between what you actually need and what you want. Here are a few other things worth considering when hunting for rental homes in Rockingham.
City or Country Dweller?
It's well worth taking the time to think about what type of property you need. For example, do you want to be in the center of the city, close to the shops and attractions, or rent a house on the outskirts with a large yard for your family dog? Are you envisioning a ranch-style property with land or a 2 bedroom apartment for rent at the heart of the action? Remember you are more likely to find property with a swimming pool or yard if you're looking at 3 bedroom houses rather than one bedroom apartments for rent -- most apartment complexes have little or no outdoor space, particularly in the city center.
What You'll Need
Make sure you do your research if you're planning on moving to Rockingham, as the availability of property can vary depending on the area and time of year. Generally speaking, the best times to hunt are the start and end of the year, although spring is also a busy period to search for apartments. You don't want to end up settling for an apartment or house you won't be happy in, so make sure you put in the effort to find somewhere you'll feel at home. You'll need the usual documentation for renting a property here: bank statements, pay stubs, your credit report, a copy of your ID, references etc. Your landlord may request additional info and you should always remember to check with them whether they are happy to allow pets at the property, as this could be an issue if you suddenly show up on moving day with your pet Doberman!
There's a lot going on in Rockingham, whether you're in the city center or one of the other neighborhoods. Here's a bit more information about Rockingham's neighborhoods .
City Center: In this area you'll find plenty of studio apartments and two bedroom apartments for rent, as well as larger single family homes. Vacancy rates here are fairly high so it's usually quite easy to find a rental. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions within walking distance, so if you don't own a car, the city center is a great place to live.
East Side Park/ Knob Hill: This quiet neighborhood is considered the trendy, hip part of town and you'll find many more modern homes from the 1940s to the 1990s here. Having said that, this is a slightly more expensive district than the city center and the area has more 3 to 4 bedroom houses for rent rather than studio apartments.
Glenwood/Maplewood: One of the city's most affordable areas with plenty of rental properties, this trendy district is filled with newer apartment complexes dating back to the 1970s. The best place to hunt for studio, one and two bedroom apartments for rent.
Whether you're into the great outdoors or adrenaline fueled drag racing, there's something for everyone in Rockingham. This is definitely the place to be if you're looking for walking trails, lakes for fishing and canoeing or perfect picnic spots; Hinton Lake is a popular hotspot with local families and groups of friends, or head for Hitchcock Creek for boating and fishing during the summer months.
For an exciting weekend, drag racing takes place every Friday and Saturday at Rockingham Dragway, while regular shows at Richmond Community Theater are fun for the whole family. On the first Thursday of each month, jam to your heart's content at Thursday Plaza Jam concerts on Cole Plaza, next to City Hall. Whatever you're into, you'll find it here in Rockingham, North Carolina.
