In 1970, Esquire magazine dubbed Martin as one of the happiest towns in the United States. That label stuck with the town as it happily holds the nickname of "Happy Town." In addition to happy, helpful is another label befitting a town that served as a refuge for flood victims and a training place for army and navy cadets in the early years.

Martin, Tennessee, is a little big city with just over 11,400 residents (2010 U.S. Census data) in a 12.67 square mile area. This town's mainstay is the University of Tennessee at Martin, which enrolls thousands of students. Residents can seek higher education without leaving their hometown. Outside of educational opportunities, Martin also offers plenty of recreation programs for all ages. The city has acres of land dedicated to parks, hiking trails, hunting and fishing, swimming and sports complexes for soccer, baseball and many other activities. For the culturally inclined, Martin also has an Arts Commission that promotes arts, crafts and music appreciation. How's that for well-rounded amenities?

Moving to Martin

Martin is a college town, so you'll have quite a bit of the housing market dedicated to temporary, seasonal and long-term residents alike. From historic districts to more rural settings, the housing market caters to homeowners and renters. But prior to launching your apartment search, you will need to get a handle on the student rental market and decide if you want to live near a college campus with tons of student activity or elsewhere in town away from the academic world.

Housing Options

With Martin, you get choices as the town offers a mix of single family homes and apartment buildings. In fact, roughly 58% of housing is made up of single family homes. The balance includes small apartment buildings, high rises and attached homes. The good news is renters make up a good portion of the available residents, so the quantity is there and yours for the choosing.

Renters, Beware

Word to the wise, if you place to rent in Martin, be aware that the average year built for homes is 1978. In many cases, older rental units are just fine. However, there may be some problems common to the age of the unit. With that in mind, it's recommended that you inspect your older but charming pad for any sort of issue. Even if you bypass rental homes for apartment living, pre-lease inspections are usually a good idea and are highly recommended. And, if you are looking for rentals that include the cost of utilities, expect a better shot at this with home versus apartment rentals. Some apartment complexes in Martin may offer rents that include all bills paid, especially since part of the market consist of transient college folks. It's not a given, but it is worth inquiring about.

Shopping Season

Timing is generally on your side when searching for your rental home in Martin. Most realtors, property owners and landlords will work with you pretty much daily, except for weekends and holidays. But keep in mind that you might be competing with student renters. You might have better luck looking for rentals during school breaks, when more units are up for grabs. Normally, two to three weeks to complete your apartment hunt in the Martin market should suffice, but it won't hurt to apartment shop early to increase chances of getting what you want before the college crowd gets to town.

Renting 101

Before jumping into housing for rent, be prepared to deal with basic rental rules. You need to have at the ready, at least one month's rent, a security deposit, proof you can pay the rent and a summary of your rental history. Additionally, when you find your dream apartment or rental home, be prepared for the usual background and credit check. Not every property owner or landlord will make these checks, but it's best to be ahead of the game and be prepared, just in case.

Martin Neighborhoods

The town covers 12.67 square miles. Even so, where you choose to live really does matters. Living in town means close proximity to the locals. Or you can choose to live close to wild life of a different kind by seeking out rural neighborhoods. You can even try snagging a place in historic areas close to downtown Martin. The choice is yours.

Glenwood: This neighborhood is only minutes away from Martin's city center. Beautifully situated among stately trees, the community is conveniently located off University Street, a main thoroughfare. Single family homes make up the majority of real estate here, but you'll be in close proximity to shopping, medical care and the campus.

Center City: This neighborhood is in demand and has single family homes as well as small apartment buildings with places to rent. You can find studio apartments for rent, in addition to one or two bedroom units. Supply is limited, but worth the hunt if you want to experience living in the heart of the city.

Poplar Street: A small residential area, just off Main Street and within walking distance to historic downtown. This area offers an eclectic mix of home styles. But don't expect many, if any, homes for sale or rent in this neighborhood.

Ralston Road / Old Dresden Martin Road: This suburban neighborhood provides your choice of single family homes and small apartments. Finding house rentals and apartments to rent are very likely here.

Living in Martin

Living well in Martin means embracing the fact that the city is a college town. If you're okay with that, then you'll be just fine. The upside is that the campuses typically up the walkability score for nearby communities. If you live near campus or downtown, the city is very walkable to shops and eateries. That's a good thing because there is no public transportation in Martin. To venture out of the area, a car is absolutely necessary. Without a car, you might miss out on some of the best sights around.

First, you have to take a trip to Reelfoot Lake, just 40 miles west of Martin. If you go there in the winter, you might be able to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle. This lake is also a hunting and fishing paradise with mallard ducks and plenty of bass, crappie and bream fish to catch.

Next, just 49 miles east is Kentucky Lake and more opportunities for outdoor activities. While the town is not big on nightlife, you can still find a bar or two to unwind after a full day of outings. But you'll need to consult the locals for the inside scoop on that.

Apartments for Rent in Martin, TN

Apartments for Rent in Martin, TN

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How much is rent in Martin, TN?

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Average rent in Martin, Tennessee

Average rent in Martin, Tennessee

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is rent in Martin, TN?

How much is rent in Martin, TN?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Martin, TN?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Martin, TN?

How much should I pay for rent in Martin, TN?

How much should I pay for rent in Martin, TN?

How can I find off-campus housing in Martin, TN?

How can I find off-campus housing in Martin, TN?

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