Cambridge is a micropolitan area, meaning that it's a verified city with small-town status. So, if you're renting an apartment or trying to find rental homes in Cambridge, keep that in mind. Getting a lay of the land in Cambridge requires focusing on landmarks that are not merely directional -- in Cambridge, layouts are based more on where schools or jobs are stationed.
Get familiar with the seasons of Cambridge, which are beautiful. This also means there are no real peak times of year to look for apartments, which makes moving in that much easier! Typical documents like employment verification, rental history, and credit and reference checks will be required, as will a deposit and first and last months' rent, in most cases.
On that note, a large quantity of available apartments and houses for rent are located in the central portion of Cambridge, north of Route 40. You'll find places to eat, a couple of museums, and City Park, Cambridge's recreational center for city functions and gatherings. However, you'll also find dwelling space within walking distance of these places. So, whether you're interested in a small, studio apartment for rent or even a three-bedroom house, either can be found here.
North Cambridge: North of the central section, you'll find a cluster of Cambridge City schools: North Elementary, Cambridge Middle School, and Cambridge High School. Most of the residences in this section are single-family homes and commercial buildings.
South Cambridge: Along the Southgate Parkway, one-level, three-bedroom houses for rent spread out along the hilly landscape. However, as you head toward the southern part of Cambridge (as well as east and west), you'll notice that residences become more spread out. If you appreciate wide, open spaces, this area will suit your living tastes. If you prefer neighbors that are within striding distance -- not driving distance -- sticking to central Cambridge may be best.
There are some fantastic state parks within close proximity, such as Salt Fork. You can actually book a cabin here and make a glorious weekend out of it! It's not uncommon for people living elsewhere in Ohio to vacation in the parks. If you're lucky enough to live near this beautiful wilderness, beat the touristy traffic and reserve yourself a space during off-peak times. Take advantage of the gorgeous Ohio weather and outdoor fun in this one-of-a-kind city.