If you happen to come across Dunkirk in your search for apartments, you've definitely done yourself a service; and we're not saying that just because you made it to this page either. While New York has a violent crime rate higher than the national average, Dunkirk actually enjoys a lower rate than both its mother state and nation. With benefits like this, though, you better be prepared for what awaits you while you're trying to snag one of the great home rentals in Dunkirk.
When to Start Looking
There are a surprisingly large number of homes and apartments available in Dunkirk, so it's not as if you will need to start looking for a place a year in advance as if that was even an option. In reality, putting about two months into researching specific areas and prices may be enough to prep you for picking the right spot and nailing the tenant interview. Don't worry too much about the numerous homes available. It's likely just because it seems that Dunkirk is a place for renters. Nearly 40 percent of all residents fall into this category.
When to Make the Move
Two words are all you need to remember: "Summer" and "time." The average high temperature doesn't even creep above 45 degrees between December and March. Aim for the warmer months, because regardless of how great those rental condos are, you're not going to enjoy them too much if you lose your fingers to frostbite.
What to Bring Along
This will definitely depend on where you want to stay. You'll have everything from large luxury apartments to mobile homes to choose from, and different landlords are going to want different things. Just be smart about it. Bring along references from former landlords in all cases unless they're bad, of course. If that's the case, work on your people skills. Proof of income and employment are also a must in this city.
Though it's a relatively small town compared to others in the Empire State, Dunkirk has no shortage of useful resources within its city walls. Don't get excited, there aren't really city walls. You could pretend your studio apartment is a fort though! Regardless, the point here is that every area in Dunkirk has its own little fringe benefits.
The Waterfront: The neighborhoods on the waterfront are separated by Dunkirk Harbor, and the difference shows. The western area has Point Gratiot Park and large, spaced-out homes. The eastern area also has a park Wright Park but railroad-style homes are packed into the area.
Central Dunkirk: Central Dunkirk is by far the largest area in the city and the availability of everything a person could need is a great side effect of this. With a population density of 2,800, people are really packed in here but you'll be happy to find a post office, Walgreens and Brooks Memorial Hospital in the area.
Southern Dunkirk: The homes in this area are absolutely beautiful and they're a perfect match of not-too-crowded and not-to-scattered. You're right next to the Rockefeller Arts Center and if you want to see the entirety of Lake Erie, follow Interstate 90 to your heart's content.
So we've come to the conclusion that all of the neighborhoods in Dunkirk have amazing features that make the final decision on where to live in the city difficult. If you didn't come to that conclusion, you answered incorrectly. Try again. Before you do, though, you should check out the following perks that everyone living in Dunkirk receives. After all, it's not always about which "hood" you claim. Sometimes it's about the overall experience.
Get Sick of History
We don't think you'll really get sick. Just check out the Dunkirk Lighthouse and Dunkirk Historical Museum whenever you get a chance.
Waterfront Living
How many people can say that they live on the shore of one of the Great Lakes? Well, once you're in Dunkirk, you can. How cool is that?
Culture
Come on, we could all use a little more culture. You could learn a little something at Adams Art Gallery.
Live the Fancy Life
Head on over to Shorewood Golf Club. The course won 2008 Course of the Year from the Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin.