Detroit rental properties: Find the perfect place to live!

Detroit has many historic and beautiful neighborhoods with rental properties. Finding the perfect place to live can be challenging, especially with all the rental options and choices of neighborhoods. Before you sign a lease, here are some important things to consider.

Advantages and disadvantages of rental properties:
There are many different types of long-term rental properties. They include apartments, houses, duplexes and townhouses. There are also options of lofts, mobile homes or only renting a room. Knowing which to target will depend on your needs and goals.

Apartments generally have the advantage of being affordable and are typically paid monthly. Utilities are often paid and you do not have to perform maintenance such as repairing a leaky faucet or mowing the lawn. Many Detroit apartments have a swimming pool, laundry service, tennis court or community center. Appliances like a refrigerator and stove are already in the apartment for use. Often a washer and dryer are included.

Disadvantages of apartment rentals are that your neighbors are close by. Sometimes noise can be heard through the walls and ceiling. Traffic in the parking lot or people going up and down the stairs can also make for a not so quiet environment. Many apartments allow pets but they may charge a non-refundable pet deposit.

The advantage of renting a Detroit home is that it is cheaper than buying. The landlord is typically responsible for repairs. A disadvantage is that you cannot personalize the home without the landlord's permission. This includes painting walls or changing things in the yard.

Detroit has many lofts to rent. A loft is an upper story of a building, like a warehouse, that has been converted into living quarters. Lofts have an open layout with few walls.

A condominium (condo) is similar to an apartment complex. A townhouse has two or three levels of living space with a separate identical apartment attached to the building. Townhouses are popular because they usually have a backyard and basement.

Detroit neighborhoods:
Like any city, Detroit has both good and bad neighborhoods. People also have different lifestyles, some like the convenience of downtown while others like the open spaces of the suburbs. Here are a few suggestions.

Downtown Detroit has a lot to offer. Among its high-rises are lofts, apartments and rentals. It is walkable and has the usual dry-cleaners, florists, pharmacies and shops. The Renaissance Center is a group of skyscrapers owned by GM. The city sits along the Detroit River with Canada on the other side.

Midtown has historic districts, Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. The Cultural Center Historic District includes the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Library. The Villages encompasses downtown and midtown.

Rivertown is right on the river and has excellent views. Restaurants, clubs and bars are right outside your door. There is no problem getting around. This area appeals most to younger people looking to fill their social calendars. It is also well suited to the professional, students and retirees.

Take the time to drive through the neighborhoods and walk the downtown of Detroit. You will get a feel for the place you want to live. The Motor City will not let you down.