Rome, NY: “Home of the New York State Cheese Museum.”
Ahhh, New York, home of towering skyscrapers, sophisticated urbanites, concrete jungles, and…sky-high real estate prices! Lucky for you, apartments in Rome, despite being in New York, are not as costly as other cities in that part of the country. Located in Oneida County, in the state of New York, Rome is home to more than 33,980 people, and the 31st largest community in the state. The median temperature in Rome during the summer months is 68°F, with a bone-chilling low of 22°F during winter. The really cool thing about the rental properties in Rome is the fact that they are well below the New York median, and surprisingly, below the national average, as well. The cost of living index for Rome is also quite low – 26 percent less than the New York average, and 8 percent less than the national average. For a state with cities that average up to three times the national average, this is no mean feat. But this makes it easier on your checking account as you plan your move to Rome.
Finding an Apartment in Rome
The good news for those searching for rental housing in Rome keeps getting better because the percentage of owner-occupied residential property versus renter-occupied is not too lopsided, more like a ratio of 60:40. The scale in some communities are much skewered in favor of owner-occupied residential property, as much as a 93:7 ratio in some instances. Even better, the rental vacancy level for Rome is a whopping 15 percent, and this is great news for renters because some communities have a virtually nonexistent 1 percent rental vacancy level. With these statistics, you should have no difficulty finding a place to call your own in Rome.
One of the benefits of having such a large percentage of available rental property is that you will have a lot choices. But this does not necessarily make it easier for you to find the best place. Have you ever stood in front of a full closet wondering what on earth to wear? You can also get the same feeling when trying to choose an apartment in Rome, and a realtor can help you narrow down your choices. If your budget is a bit stretched, don’t worry, you can still find a place on your own. One method you can use to increase your chances of finding a good rental home is to make a list of your top priorities in an apartment, and to use this list to crosscheck the amenities you find in the apartments you manage to unearth. Your realtor will also find this list useful, if you are using one.
Most landlords in Rome will conduct a credit check, require a security deposit, the first month’s rent, and proof of income. You will also need to fill out a rental application. Make sure you inspect the apartment before you make the final decision. Check if utilities like gas and electricity are included in the package (some apartments include either the gas or electricity in the rental package), and look for signs of leaks, damages, and other negative factors.
Rome Neighborhoods
Ridge Mills: Ridge Mills boasts rents that are high for the area, but very low compared to NYC rents in general. You will find rental housing in the form of apartment complexes, small studio apartments, high-rise apartments, and single-family homes.
Colonial Park: Low rents will keep your bank account bulging, without sacrificing quality of apartment or single-family home.
Westmoreland: As in the rest of Rome, rents here are approachable, though you'll see more variety in the area, with available rental property in the form of mobile homes, as well as single-family homes.
Liberty Gardens: Liberty Gardens is a very affordable part of town, with available rental housing in the form of apartment complexes, small studio apartments, single-family homes, and high-rise apartments.
Living In Rome, NY
Generally, most of the neighborhoods in Rome are lower to middle income, but the city has good amenities, including libraries, entertainment, shopping, and food and drink places. An interesting titbit about Rome is that the first cheese factory in the country was established here, back in the mid-1800s. In fact, there is a cheese museum where visitors can learn all about the delicious dairy product. Other places of interest include the various parks, zoos, and the Fort Stanwix National Monument. Most of the residents of Rome have their own private vehicle, but a significant number of the residents still make use of public transportation to get to their destinations.