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8 sneaky ways to snag a great rental
Here's how to find the gem of an apartment that's waiting just for you.
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10 ways to score dirt-cheap rent
Caught in your own economic crunch? Here's how to land a place to live.
What can you rent for $500 a month?
If you have a modest budget, here’s what you can get in 15 cities.
Rental safety: 12 things to check
Cheap apartments are in demand, but make sure whatever you rent is safe.
How to find a great roommate
Here are some of the better screening tactics to head off trouble.
What can you rent for $1,000?
With vacancies up across the country, it’s a good time to be a renter.

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cragig

Thursday, April 23, 2009 12:40:47 AM

One million dollar, new two bed two bath high rise condo, on strip, fantastic view, valet parking, concierge, 24 hour security, $2000 a month rent + $150 a month utilities. storage locker, non furnished, Las Vegas NV. Super deal. I like it.

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Jeff Boyd

Thursday, April 23, 2009 6:08:42 AM

A 900 Square foot apartment, Panoramic view of English Bay in Beautiful downtown Vancouver, Canada. Rent $1600 USD, included in the rent, heat, water, garbage with two underground parking stalls. Across from the beach, next to Stanley park, 30 minutes from Cypress, Grouse and Seymour mountain for local skiing. 90 minutes from Whistler Mountain to be close to watch the 2010 winter Olympics.

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1SoCalNative

Thursday, April 23, 2009 6:26:21 AM

Very nice 4 BR 2 BA single family home in proximity of nice golf club=$2000/mo.

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Career Student

Thursday, April 23, 2009 9:37:18 AM

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MagMile60611

Thursday, April 23, 2009 10:24:22 AM

This should be revised to correctly state that the Chicago property is in close proximity to Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

Cheers!

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emeraldblue

Thursday, April 23, 2009 10:32:32 AM

Newer beautiful 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath home with hardwood floors, two car garage, stainless & granite in kitchen, 2400 sf. of living space. All this just 3 blocks from the big lake and 20 minutes from downtown Seattle.

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hiyoung

Monday, May 04, 2009 9:18:45 AM

My family is moving to Seattle this summer. Any recommendation for nice area to live? I can pay around $2000/mo. Hopefully 2 to 3 bed newer apartment, close to UW and good highschool district.

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Boston Renting

Monday, May 04, 2009 12:04:54 PM

I am not sure what if we're talking about the same Boston South End, but that information DOES NOT seem accurrate. It is one of the trendiest areas to live in Boston and is not cheap to live there. One would be hard pressed to find an apartment that is close to Back Bay, with heat and hot water for only $2,000 for anything with more than 1 bedroom. South End is actually a large area and it would take a while to get to the Back Bay if you are not in upper South End.

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Court B.

Monday, May 04, 2009 12:29:48 PM

Hiyoung- I'm not too sure of how old/young your family is or what amenities would mean most to you and yours, but you may want to look in the city of Kirkland, and for $2000, downtown Kirkland would be a great bet for you! I have seen many, MANY townhomes and condos for rent there, plus, up from the actual dwntwn Kirkland area are housing communities, that are NICE and family friendly. This will put you very close to UW (right across the bridge, 10-15 min. give or take), without having to actually live next to the University (no offense to any who live there, but that area is declining). Highschool-aged kid(s) will attend Lake Washington school dist.-- one of the absolute best in Wa.! Take a look at Redmond/Kirkland/Bellevue area--the Eastside (which this trifecta denotes) is best for the price and area, good for families, low crime, good schools, parks and other amenities. Good luck!

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Chuck is the Best

#10

Monday, May 04, 2009 12:49:01 PM

3 bedroom apartment, downtown Charlotte, NC utilities included, roughly 1800 sq. feet.....
$1300 a month. BEAT THAT!!!

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Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

By Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate

Prices of upscale rental properties are dropping – in some cities dramatically. “Better full at $1,500 than vacant at $2,000,” as one property manager said recently, explaining why he’d dropped the price on a vacant home. He theorized that renters fleeing the expensive end of the market are driving up demand for cheaper rentals. But Victor Calanog, director of research at Reis Inc., the New York real estate data analysis firm, says prices are dropping at both ends and in the middle of market. The median rent for an apartment was $805 a month at the end of first quarter 2009. One reason is that more people are bunching up with family and friends. Normally, in the spring, Calanog says, "fresh college graduates or high school graduates are looking for a job and would be renting a new place." Today, they're more likely to stay with mom and dad or share a place with two or three roommates.

On the following slides, see what $2,000 will land you in 15 American cities.

NOTE: All descriptive information is courtesy of listing agents and/or property managers.

Tell us: How much apartment or house can you rent for $2,000 in your city?

Slide show: What can you get for $500 a month?
Slide show: What can you get for $1,000 a month?

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Albuquerque, N.M.

Three-bedroom, two-bath house
2,400 square feet
Rent: $2,000

Renters can find deals currently, especially on higher-end rentals. This luxury green-construction custom home is for sale for $649,000 but, says the owner, "I can't sell it in this market. I need to rent it." Renting makes sense: With a 20% down payment and a 30-year mortgage, even at recent low rates of about 4.75%, the mortgage payment would be about $2,700 a month -- $700 a month more than the cost to rent. The Southwest-style custom residence is on 1.5 acres in the exclusive Sundance Mesa subdivision in the village of Placitas, N.M., near Interstate 25, 14 miles north of Albuquerque and 40 miles south of Santa Fe. It was built in 2003 of energy-efficient Rastra (insulating concrete forms made with 85% recycled Styrofoam), which cools the building without air conditioning. The home has radiant-floor heat over ceramic tile, exposed adobe walls, vigas (log beams and rafters), tongue-and-groove ceilings, knotty alder cabinets, an adobe fireplace and a gourmet kitchen. The garage will hold a recreational vehicle. Other amenities include an alarm system, a jetted tub, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer and walk-in closets. It is offered through a continuously running Craigslist ad titled "Upscale Community Executive Living (Sundance Mesa-Placitas)."

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Atlanta

Three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath townhouse
2,800 square feet
Rent: $2,000

This three-story attached townhouse in Cobb County East, just outside Atlanta, is five years old. It's in a desirable neighborhood with good public schools and easy access to freeways and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, says listing agent Janet Blanton. The upgraded kitchen has a breakfast bar and eating area. Appliances include a dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave and washer and dryer. The unit also has a formal dining room, family room, library/office and recreation room, walk-in closets, a ground-level terrace and a second-story deck. Rent includes two garage spaces.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Boston

One-bedroom, one-bath townhouse
Approximately 700 square feet
Rent: $2,000

In Boston's South End, $2,000 rents a recently renovated townhouse in this Victorian-era brick building with four floors and one home per floor. The townhouse has a new kitchen and bath, a decorative fireplace and a washer and dryer in the unit. It's near historic Back Bay, a neighborhood of restored old homes, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Parking is on-street with a resident sticker from the city required. Heat, hot water and kitchen appliances are all included in the rent. (Photo courtesy Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty)

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Chicago

Two-bedroom, two-bath apartment
1,100 square feet
Rent: $1,995

This Gold Coast apartment is in a 33-floor high-rise. It has floor-to-ceiling bay windows that overlook Lake Michigan, big bedrooms, two full baths and an updated kitchen with dishwasher. Rent includes heat and air conditioning. The building has a 24-hour doorman, outdoor swimming pool and fitness facility. The neighborhood is within walking distance of downtown, the Oak Street beach and Chicago's Miracle Mile.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Dallas

Two-bedroom, two-bath condominium
1,253 square feet
Rent: $1,450 to $2,538

In Uptown Dallas, this development is at the intersection of Turtle Creek and Katy Trail. These two-bedroom units have high ceilings, walk-in closets, oak laminate flooring, a double-sink vanity, a study off of the master bedroom and a separate utility room. Rent includes access to a community fitness center and swimming pool with waterfall and towel service. The building has four floors with elevators. The community is near Katy Trail, the Uptown cafes and boutiques.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Denver

One-bedroom, one-bath apartment
520 square feet
Rent: $1,875

At the Metropolis apartments in downtown Denver, this furnished unit includes utilities, basic cable, wireless Internet, reserved parking and the use of a bicycle. Also included is use of the building's business center, which has a PC, a Macintosh, a printer and wireless Internet, and use of the fitness room, which has new, commercial-grade equipment. The 12-floor, 71-unit building in Denver's Congress Park neighborhood was recently renovated. The apartment has new stainless-steel appliances, designer cabinetry and lighting, Silestone countertops and slate-tile and hardwood floors. Many units have views of downtown and mountains. Walls in hallways and common areas feature murals by Denver artist Sam Sutton. Congress and City parks are within a short walk, as are neighborhood restaurants and cafes. The Cherry Creek North mall is a five-minute drive.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Detroit

Two-bedroom, two-bath loft condominium
2,070 square feet
Rent: $2,000

This loft is a corner unit with exposed brick walls, 17-foot ceilings, maple floors throughout and tall windows overlooking the Detroit River, Belle Isle and the city. The living room has a fireplace and a spiral staircase which leads to a private rooftop terrace overlooking the river. The custom gourmet kitchen has stainless-steel appliances and granite counters. The unit also has a built-in sound system, a slate entry and a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. The three-story former factory, which was built in 1906, has 84 condominiums. Rent includes one assigned parking space in a secure attached garage. The building is a few steps away from a health club and River Walk, Detroit's revitalized riverfront district.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Kansas City, Mo.

Three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment
1,890 square feet
Rent: $1,800 to $2,400

The development, in the South Moreland neighborhood, has cobblestone courtyards, ornamental gardens, views and fountains. Its four floors and 103 units overlook the upscale Country Club Plaza business district, with shops, restaurants, hotels, galleries and entertainment. The complex has a clubhouse, spa, on-site laundry, storage, fitness center and sun decks, pools, elevator and business center. Units have air conditioning, high-speed Internet access and washer-dryers.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Los Angeles

Two-bedroom, one-and-three-quarter-bath apartment
1,050-square feet
Rent: $1,995

This is a good price for a prime Los Angeles location, the trendy beach city of Santa Monica (also known as "The People's Republic of Santa Monica," for the town's liberal politics). Santa Monica is inside L.A. proper, about 18 miles from downtown. All 10 units in the building are recently refurbished and repainted. The building has a laundry room and new plumbing. The apartment has radiant-floor heat, a private balcony and ample closets. Its galley kitchen includes a dishwasher, electric stove, granite countertops and new floors. Bathroom floors also are new, and the living areas have new Berber carpet. The landlord pays the water bills. The rental agency says the apartment is a three-minute walk from the beach and a short walk to the Santa Monica Pier, the 3rd Street Promenade with upscale shops and restaurants, the Saturday market and the tree-lined Montana Avenue shopping area.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Louisville, Ky.

Four-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment
2,000 to 2,200 square feet
Rent: $1,600 to $1,800

This high-rise complex – 246 units on 29 floors – is near downtown Louisville's shopping, restaurants and clubs. The building has a fitness center, enclosed heated garage, 24/7 security and emergency maintenance. Apartments have wall air-conditioning units and carpeted floors, and rent includes heat, gas, water and trash pickup. Parking costs extra.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Miami

Two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath apartment
1,130 to 1,363 square feet
Rent: $2,000 to $2,400

This 34-floor, 500-unit high-rise apartment complex in midtown Miami has an infinity pool, sauna and steam rooms, mineral pools, outdoor lounge, changing rooms, on-site laundry, door attendant, fitness center, concierge, sun decks and elevators. The units are air conditioned and have dishwashers, washers and dryers. Parking is not included. The building is near downtown and the Design and Arts districts, near highway access, shops, restaurants, office buildings, cafes and boutiques. A promotion includes a month's free rent with a lease.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

New York

One-bedroom, one-bath junior apartment
250-300 square feet
Rent: $2,000

The listing agent says this tiny place is in a safe, clean, well-maintained five-floor building with 20 units in the heart of Manhattan's Greenwich Village – a prime location. It's called a one-bedroom "junior," meaning that it's really small. The bedroom – just the size of a bed – is a loft over the kitchen/living area. The apartment is cable-ready and has high ceilings, exposed brick, an eat-in kitchen and front entrance intercom. Heat and water are included in the rent. A $2,000 broker's fee is required.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Seattle

One-bedroom, one-bath condominium
1,000 square feet
Rent: $2,000

The condo is a sixth-floor, "built-green" unit in a stylish Fifth Avenue high-rise with 125 units in the heart of downtown Seattle. The home has 10.5-foot ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, Berber carpets and granite counters. Other amenities include high-end stainless-steel appliances, garage parking, a storage unit, 24/7 concierge, a club room, gym and garden terrace. In Seattle, rents are falling, but so far only by about 1% to 3%, and vacancies are rising due to area job losses, says listing agent Diane Castanes of Phillips Real Estate Services.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

San Francisco

One-bedroom, one-bath apartment
Approximately 700 square feet
Rent: $1,825 (recently reduced from $1,995)

The building, constructed around the turn of the 20^th century, wraps around a Mediterranean courtyard garden. Renovations were just finished and this apartment is like new. The original maple floor has been restored and there are new appliances, bathroom tile, kitchen counters, cabinets and kitchen sink. The apartment has high ceilings and crown molding, and new plumbing, lighting, wiring and circuit breakers. The bathroom has a big, old claw-foot tub. The busy urban neighborhood, just north of Market Street near the Civic Center, is called Hayes Valley and is right in the center of San Francisco.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

St. Louis

Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment
1,134 square feet
Rent: $1,995

Residents of this three-floor, 74-unit apartment building enjoy furnished apartments, air conditioning, on-site laundry, parking, fitness center, sun decks, dishwashers and washers and dryers. The building, in the Clayton/Richmond Heights neighborhood, is about 9.5 miles, or 20 minutes, from downtown St. Louis. Shops, services and cafes are on the street. Parking in an access-controlled garage is included in the rent.

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FIND YOUR DREAM HOME OR APARTMENT

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Albuquerque, N.M.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Atlanta

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Boston

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Chicago

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Dallas

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Denver

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Detroit

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Kansas City, Mo.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Los Angeles

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Louisville, Ky.

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Miami

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

New York

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

Seattle

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

San Francisco

Renters: What can you get for $2,000 a month?

St. Louis

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