Whatever you want in College Place, Washington, you'd better get it before Saturday morning! Most downtown businesses are closed on Saturday in the city, into Sunday morning.
College Place is right next to the city of Walla Walla, Washington and is fairly small in size (covering less than three square miles). However, the town is fairly densely populated, counting out at 8,765 total, which equates to 3,300 people per square mile. If you were to look for College Place (and Walla Walla) on a map, you'd start by locating Portland and look east, then locate Spokane and look southwest. Finding rental housing in College Place should be fairly easy to do, as long as you don't try to do it on Saturday!
Moving to College Place
You'll find quite a few people living in College Place who are attending college, which means that the rental opportunities should be both plentiful and affordable. The great thing about this for renters is that there will be a considerable number of amenities available within walking distance of apartments. Also, for those who want a complete experience within walking distance, you'll be able to find both entertainment and eateries to your heart's content in College Place. The town's merchants make sure that residents have what they need in order to live there.
Knowing all of this, it shouldn't surprise you that there are lots of people that don't use their cars in order to commute very far. The average commute for those that do drive is about 15 minutes. All of this is great news for folks looking for an apartment to rent. The town and its businesses understand the needs of those living there and make it easy for those living in rental housing.
Things to Look for in the Rental Market
With so many renters in the area, you'll probably be dealing with either management companies or experienced owners. They are likely to tell you the entire story about what your experience will be like up front, no guessing necessary. As a result, you will want to make sure that you understand the lease carefully. Specifically, make sure you understand what you're going to be financially responsible for.
This means that when you narrow down your choices, you'll be paying an application fee to rent an apartment in College Place. This is typically charged to serious applicants so that the business can obtain a credit report. Make sure that if you have some kind of significant negative financial history event that you're able to explain it in full detail. Be both honest and forthright about what's there, even if it means that they decide against you. Typically, those making the decision have some leeway over who they will and won't accept. Ultimately, rental housing is their business and they're probably going to find a way to do business with you.
Things to Be Ready For
Those looking for condo rentals and duplexes for rent are more likely to be working with individuals making their first or second home available. This is where you'll find the most flexibility when it comes to who will ultimately rent to you. Homes rent slower than apartments typically, but owners are much more likely to want to see you in their place.
This means that the best time to ask for something in the rental agreement will be up front. Once you've been there for some time, it will be more difficult to add and change things. If there is something that you want, perhaps with the utilities or with the trash, make sure to state it up font.
College Place Neighborhoods
To be exact, the town is spread out on only 2.66 square miles. Renters won't find themselves without people to interact with and talk to (if that's their desire); but most importantly, each neighborhood has interesting and affordable rental opportunities.
North East College Place: In this area, you'll find most of the apartment rental opportunities, including the South Wilbur Apartments, Village Apartments and Lion's Gate Apartment Homes. You will find your one- to three-bedroom opportunities here. Kiwanis Park will give you the opportunity to get outside.
Central College Place: You'll find the Brentwood Apartments, Moritz Apartments, and JH Properties, all providing two-bedroom apartments.
South College Place: Here you'll find the Walla Walla Farm Labor homes.
West College Place: In this area, you'll find a number of rental home opportunities, as well as your best chances to negotiate on pricing. You also have apartment complexes, the Ferns, Park Plaza, and Stonecreek Apartments. Rogers Bakery and Cafe is also nearby.
Living in College Park
In addition to the University, College Park is a college town brimming with restaurants and family activities. For those looking for outdoor parks, College Park offers Kiwanis Park to the west and Lions Park to the south. Looking for a little history? Spend a day at the Walla Walla Museum, which is in East College Park.