Having a roommate or two has its perks, like shared living expenses and responsibilities. But roomies are also a built-in social network. Even if you swore off roommates after college, moving into a room for rent can make a lot of sense when you’re settling into a new place. You’ll probably save some cash, plus you’ll make great connections in your new city.
Using Trulia’s new Room for Rent tool, we’ve found six rooms for rent in Brooklyn, NY, Orlando, FL, and beyond that cost less than a new smart TV. Who needs cable when you’ve got a new city to explore?
Room with a bonus: $495/month, 901 E. Lindsey St. #4, Norman, OK 73071
With this low monthly rent plus a $500 move-in bonus, your bank account could be pretty happy after a summer in this apartment. The previous tenant is moving due to a job relocation, and the current lease lasts until July 31. Like your new digs? You have the option to renew. Perks include your own bedroom and bathroom, use of the furnished living space and kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, and affordable parking ($10 per month for a spot in the garage). Walk to the University of Oklahoma and grab a late-night bite at The Mont (spicy fried green beans? Yes, please!). Outdoor recreation here means leisurely strolls to nearby Brandt Park or Boyd Park, or a day trip to Lake Thunderbird for campsites, miles of trails, and access to water activities.
Healthy resolutions: $539/month, Address Not Disclosed, Dayton, OH 45406
Spending more time outside is no problem when you live in this Dayton apartment. It’s within walking distance of the town’s Natural Foods Plus all-natural grocery store and the 5-mile-long Stillwater River Trail, which leads straight into downtown. The University of Dayton campus is about 5 miles away. Inside this cheery yellow townhome, amenities include built-ins, a separate dining area, and laundry facilities on-site. Your favorite furry friend can join you in this healthy lifestyle. Pets are allowed!
A touch of modern: $649/month, 1424 NW 9th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605
Your furnished bedroom in this three-bedroom Mid-Century Modern home comes with a sunny kitchen, washer and dryer, and hardwood floors, plus all utilities included. No moving truck needed; just bring your suitcase! The home is set in tranquil University Park. That gives you easy access to the goodies at Sushi Chao or the Copper Monkey — but you can just as easily enjoy a quiet night grilling out in your backyard. For this price, you’ll share a bathroom with a roommate, but you can opt to spend $699 per month for a private one.
It’s always summer in Orlando: $724/month, 12101 University Blvd. #1511, Orlando, FL 32817
The tenants in this four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment are looking to round out their quartet with an active professional or student. The unit is a stone’s throw from the University of Central Florida campus. Take a scenic run or walk through the UCF Arboretum (less than 2 miles away), then grab a bite at BurgerFi, Bar Louie, or World of Beer. The apartment’s perks include walk-in closets and in-unit washer and dryer. Utilities are included in your rent. Shape up at the building’s 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center or check out the two swimming pools, sand volleyball court, bocce court, or putting green. The building also offers a hammock garden and outdoor kitchen, plus community-organized recreational and social activities.
The best of Brooklyn: $950/month, 480 Hancock St., Brooklyn, NY 11233
Scoop up a room in this newly renovated three-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn’s up-and-coming Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Features include a virtual doorman, central air, and in-unit laundry. You’ll be near the A and C trains in the artsy, energetic neighborhood, with its historic brownstones and tree-lined streets. And with more than 400 restaurants within a mile, there’s always a new favorite eatery to discover.
Luxuries for you and Fido: $950/month, 1905 S. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55454
Think it’s near impossible to rent a room for both you and your furry best friend? Zoom in on this pet-friendly, furnished room for rent in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The property offers a fenced-in backyard and patio and is centrally sited near two dog parks, a scenic river walkway, the University of Minnesota campus, and the light-rail. The available bedroom is located on the third floor and features a skylight, ceiling fan, and a key-lock door for ultimate privacy. From here, enjoy the nightlife in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, where you’ll find everything from the old-timey Palmer’s Bar to the punk-rock Triple Rock Social Club to the rustic Nomad World Pub — all within walking distance.
