Finding an apartment from hundreds or thousands of miles away feels like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded. You're making one of the biggest financial commitments of your move without being able to walk through the space, check out the neighborhood, or get a feel for whether it's really the right place.
Yet every day, thousands of people successfully secure apartments in cities they've never lived in—and many have never even visited. Whether you're closing the distance with your partner, relocating for work, or starting fresh somewhere new, it's absolutely possible to find a great apartment remotely.
This guide will walk you through every step of long-distance apartment hunting, from research to signing the lease, with strategies to protect yourself from scams and ensure you're making a smart choice.
Step 1: Research Neighborhoods From Afar
Before you start looking at specific apartments, understand the city's layout and which neighborhoods align with your lifestyle and budget.
Online Research Tools
- Reddit: Search "[City Name] moving to" or browse the city's subreddit. Ask locals about neighborhoods
- City-Data.com: Detailed statistics on crime, demographics, and cost of living by neighborhood
- Walk Score: Rates neighborhoods on walkability, transit access, and bike-friendliness
- Google Maps Street View: Virtually "walk" through neighborhoods to get a feel for the area
- Local Facebook groups: Join city-specific groups to ask residents for advice
Key Factors to Research
- Commute time: How far is it from your workplace? Test drive routes during rush hour using Google Maps' traffic feature
- Safety: Check crime statistics, but take them with context—look at trends, not just numbers
- Amenities: Proximity to groceries, gyms, restaurants, parks
- Parking availability: If you have a car, is street parking available? Are permits required?
- Public transportation: Access to buses, trains, or subways
- Noise levels: Is it near airports, highways, bars, or universities?
Talk to Locals
Ask your partner (if they're already in the city), future coworkers, or post in local forums:
- "What neighborhoods would you recommend for a young professional on a $X budget?"
- "Which areas should I avoid?"
- "What's the best way to get around without a car?"
- "Which neighborhoods are up-and-coming vs. already expensive?"
Step 2: Set Your Budget and Requirements
Calculate What You Can Afford
The standard rule: Don't spend more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent (including utilities).
Budget considerations:
- Monthly rent
- Utilities (water, electric, gas, internet)
- Renter's insurance ($15-30/month)
- Parking fees (if applicable)
- Pet rent/deposit (if applicable)
Upfront costs to save for:
- First month's rent
- Last month's rent (some states)
- Security deposit (typically one month's rent)
- Application fees ($30-75 per application)
- Moving costs
Create Your Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have List
Must-Haves (Non-negotiable):
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Maximum rent
- In-unit washer/dryer or laundry in building
- Pet-friendly (if applicable)
- Parking (if you have a car)
Nice-to-Haves (Flexible):
- Hardwood floors vs. carpet
- Balcony or outdoor space
- Gym or pool
- Updated kitchen/bathroom
- Central air conditioning
Step 3: Use the Best Apartment Search Platforms
National Listing Sites
- Zillow Rentals: Comprehensive listings with detailed filters
- Apartments.com: Large database with virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs
- Rent.com: Offers cash-back rewards for leases signed through their platform
- Trulia: Good neighborhood insights and heat maps
- Zumper: Clean interface with good filtering options
Local Resources
- Craigslist: Still has listings not found elsewhere, but beware of scams
- Facebook Marketplace: Local rental listings and housing groups
- City-specific sites: Many cities have local rental platforms (e.g., StreetEasy for NYC)
- University housing boards: Even if you're not a student, these often have good listings
Direct From Property Management Companies
Once you identify a few apartment complexes you like, go directly to their websites. They sometimes offer specials not advertised on third-party sites.
Step 4: Conduct Thorough Virtual Evaluations
Request Detailed Information
When you find a promising listing, ask the landlord or property manager for:
- Virtual or video tour: Request a live video tour via FaceTime or Zoom where you can ask questions in real-time
- Additional photos: Ask for photos of specific areas like closets, kitchen appliances, bathroom, views from windows
- Floor plan: Measurements help you plan furniture placement
- Utility costs: Ask for average monthly utility bills
- Lease terms: Get a copy of the lease to review before committing
What to Look for During Virtual Tours
- Natural light: How many windows? What direction do they face?
- Storage space: Check closet size, kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage
- Appliances: Are they modern and in good condition?
- Walls and ceilings: Any signs of water damage, mold, or poor maintenance?
- Flooring condition: Carpet stains? Damaged hardwood?
- Noise: Ask them to be quiet for a moment—can you hear neighbors, street noise, or traffic?
Questions to Ask During the Tour
- What's included in rent? (water, trash, parking, utilities)
- What's the average utility cost per month?
- Is there a maintenance team on-site?
- How quickly do they respond to maintenance requests?
- What's the guest parking situation?
- Are there any upcoming rent increases or building renovations?
- What's the notice period for moving out?
- Have there been any recent pest issues?
- What's the turnover rate in the building?
Step 5: Investigate the Property and Landlord
Read Reviews
- Google Reviews: Search the property name or address
- Yelp: Look for apartment complex reviews
- ApartmentRatings.com: Tenant reviews of properties
- Better Business Bureau: Check complaints against property management companies
Red flags in reviews:
- Repeated complaints about maintenance issues
- Problems getting security deposits back
- Pest infestations
- Safety concerns
- Hidden fees
Verify the Landlord/Property
- Look up the property on your county's property records to verify ownership
- Search the landlord's name online
- If it's a property management company, check their business license
- Be wary if the "landlord" claims to be out of the country
Step 6: Spot and Avoid Rental Scams
Rental scams target long-distance renters. Protect yourself by recognizing these red flags:
Common Scam Warning Signs
- Price too good to be true: Rent significantly below market rate for the area
- Landlord can't meet in person or do video tour: Claims to be overseas, sick, or traveling
- Requests payment before viewing: Asks for deposit or first month's rent to "hold" the unit
- Wants wire transfer or gift cards: Legitimate landlords accept checks, credit cards, or payment apps
- Pressure to act immediately: Claims multiple people are interested and you must decide now
- Poor grammar and spelling: Professional property managers use proper English
- Copied listing photos: Reverse image search photos—scammers steal photos from real listings
How to Protect Yourself
- Never send money before seeing the property (virtually or in person)
- Use a credit card for application fees (easier to dispute fraudulent charges)
- Verify the landlord's identity through public records
- Ask your partner or a friend in the city to visit the property in person
- Get everything in writing
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away
Step 7: The Application Process
Documents You'll Need
Have these ready to speed up applications:
- Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, offer letter, or bank statements)
- Employment verification (employer contact info)
- Rental history (previous landlord contact information)
- References (personal or professional)
- Credit report (some landlords require you to provide this)
Income Requirements
Most landlords require that your gross income be 2.5-3 times the monthly rent. If you don't meet this:
- Consider getting a co-signer (parent or family member)
- Offer to pay additional months upfront
- Provide proof of substantial savings
- If moving for a new job, provide your offer letter
Credit Check Preparation
- Pull your credit report before applying to check for errors
- Most landlords want a credit score of 620+
- If your credit is poor, be prepared to explain and offer solutions (larger deposit, co-signer)
Step 8: Reviewing and Signing the Lease
Critical Lease Terms to Review
- Lease length: 12 months? Month-to-month? Renewal terms?
- Monthly rent: Verify the amount and due date
- Security deposit: Amount and conditions for getting it back
- Utilities included: What's included vs. what you pay separately
- Pet policy: Fees, deposits, breed restrictions, weight limits
- Maintenance responsibilities: Who handles what repairs?
- Entry policy: How much notice must the landlord give before entering?
- Subletting policy: Can you sublet if you need to move early?
- Renewal/rent increase terms: How much notice for rent increases?
- Early termination clause: What's the penalty for breaking the lease?
Red Flags in Leases
- Landlord can enter without notice
- Excessive fees for normal wear and tear
- Unreasonable rules or restrictions
- Automatic rent increases without notice
- Non-refundable deposits (illegal in some states)
Before Signing
- Read every word of the lease carefully
- Ask questions about anything unclear
- Request changes to unfavorable terms (they might negotiate)
- Consider having a lawyer review if it's a complex lease
- Never sign a blank or incomplete lease
Step 9: Alternative Option—Temporary Housing First
If you're uncomfortable committing to a year-long lease sight unseen, consider temporary housing:
Short-Term Rental Options
- Airbnb: Book 1-2 months while you apartment hunt in person
- Furnished Finder: Specializes in short-term furnished rentals
- Corporate housing: Fully furnished apartments for 1-6 month stays
- Extended stay hotels: More affordable than traditional hotels for long stays
- Sublets: Take over someone's lease for a few months
Pros of temporary housing:
- Explore neighborhoods in person before committing
- View apartments in person
- Get a feel for the city
- Reduce risk of choosing wrong location
Cons:
- More expensive than signing a lease
- Two moves instead of one
- May be harder to find with pets
- Uncertainty of not having permanent housing lined up
Learn more: Temporary housing options while apartment hunting
Step 10: Move-In Day Preparation
Document Everything
On move-in day (or have your partner do this if you haven't arrived yet):
- Take photos and videos of every room, documenting existing damage
- Test all appliances, outlets, lights, faucets
- Check for pests
- Document any issues on the move-in checklist
- Send documented issues to landlord in writing immediately
First Week Checklist
- Set up utilities in your name
- Get renter's insurance (often required by lease)
- Change locks if allowed and necessary
- Locate emergency shutoffs (water, gas, electric)
- Introduce yourself to neighbors
- Find nearest grocery stores, pharmacy, hospital
City-Specific Considerations
High-Competition Cities (NYC, SF, LA, Seattle, Boston)
- Be prepared to apply immediately—apartments go fast
- Have all documents ready to submit within hours
- Consider using a broker (common in NYC)
- Be ready to offer above asking or longer lease terms
Lower-Cost Cities
- You'll have more negotiating power
- Take your time to find the right place
- Ask for move-in specials or concessions
Final Tips for Long-Distance Apartment Hunting
- Start early: Begin searching 2-3 months before your move date
- Be flexible: Your dream apartment might not be available—have backup options
- Enlist help: Ask your partner, friends in the city, or hire a locator service
- Trust but verify: Don't take listings at face value—do your homework
- Keep records: Save all emails, texts, and documents related to your apartment search
- Plan a visit if possible: Even a quick weekend trip to view apartments in person can prevent costly mistakes
Final Thoughts
Finding an apartment in a new city before you move requires extra diligence, but it's absolutely doable. By thoroughly researching neighborhoods, leveraging virtual tools, and staying vigilant against scams, you can secure a great apartment remotely.
Remember: the perfect apartment doesn't exist. Focus on finding a place that meets your must-haves, is in a safe area you can afford, and will serve as a comfortable home base as you settle into your new city. You can always move again after your first year if you want to upgrade.
The most important thing is that you're taking this exciting step toward your new life. Trust the process, do your research, and soon you'll have the keys to your new home.
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