Bristol, VA

15 Dog Friendly Apartments for Rent

Let's take a step back in time for a moment. It was the 1920's, and a flood of banjo-pickers, fiddle-killers, and guitar-wielding moonshiners came down from the mountain. It was the conception, so to speak, of country, and it the road running, all the way to Bristol. A few years later, the Carter family got their big break, and Bristol made its mark as the "Birthplace of Country Music". Walk through the city today, and you will see that not a lot has changed, at least when it comes to that good old-time mountain music and good old-time country culture.

The only difference in local lifestyle is that now we can enjoy things such as cable TV and air conditioning, as well as NASCAR and legal alcohol. It's the best of both worlds, and the prices are far too good to pass up. Rentals vary from cheap apartments and townhomes in the $300 - $700 range to nice, southern-style rental homes in the $600 - $800 range. In fact, it's darn near impossible to find anything that costs more than $900. With rental rates this low, the renter's life gets much, much easier.

You're not going to find any luxury apartments around these parts. Rents are low, but if you're one of those people accustomed to long lists of amenities, then get ready for a lifestyle change. There are no apartment communities with game rooms or movie theaters or even laundry facilities (though, most do come with washer/dryer hookups). However, you can find some amazing rentals with this less-common amenity: a down-home feeling. This is what you get with big wooden porches, nice-sized yards, and quiet, safe surroundings. Bring your own washing machine and BBQ pit and you will have all the amenities you could need.

Pet friendly rental properties are a little tricky to track down around here. Most apartments and townhomes don't allow pets, especially dogs. However, there are plenty of pet friendly rental homes around town, especially if you check out the local classifieds. Those bringing the dog along should be prepared for a little extra legwork, as well as higher move-in costs.

Families really do love this town. It's quiet, easy-going, great for education (especially music education), and there are churches on just about every street. Parents love the very-affordable afterschool programs, as well as the nearly non-existent traffic. Even better, for parents at least, the whole city seems to go to sleep at dark. Just when this peaceful lifestyle threatens the sanity of the good-times crowd, in steps the country, gospel, and bluegrass music of the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival. It's a win-win.

So, there you have it. The Bristol life is waiting, so get off your butt and start the home hunt. Best of luck!

-By Katy Comal See more

Finding an apartment in Bristol that accepts your pet may not be easy, but it’s very possible. Keep in mind, most of the time you’ll have to pay a premium for bringing your dog along in your new apartment. Some apartments require you to pay monthly pet rent, others will ask for a non-refundable pet fee or a refundable pet deposit.

While landlords and property management companies have varying pet policies, most of them limit the number of dogs you can bring to your apartment and include breed and weight restrictions.

If your pet falls under some of the restrictions outlined in the pet policy, it’s still worth asking the landlord if they can make an exception for your dog. Preparing a pet resume ahead of time could help you build the case for your furry friend. Make sure to include information on behavioral training your dog went through over the years and proof of vaccinations. If you can, include references from your former landlord and/or neighbors.