Whether it’s a beach town or a city, in-demand areas often demand sky-high rents. Chances are, though, that there’s an apartment for every budget, no matter the region. To find these affordable rentals, we looked at a ranking of some of the most searched locations on Trulia and hunted down apartments with rents priced far below each area’s median rent prices. The result? Four awesome rentals that prove you can live in the location you want without breaking the bank — relatively speaking, of course.
Five Sweet Apartments with Below-Average Rents
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Resort-like perks at Vinings at Carolina Bays, 501 Hinson Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Median rent in Myrtle Beach: $1,500
Price for this 1-bedroom: $935/monthPerched on the coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach has been a favorite vacation destination for decades. You have the beach, the boardwalk, and some of the country’s best golfing right in town, so it’s no surprise that median rents hover around $1,500. But venturing a little inland (on the other side of the Intracoastal Waterway) reveals the city’s quieter side, with lush trees replacing the tourist traps and traffic. That’s where you’ll find Vinings at Carolina Bays, a brand-new apartment community that captures the laid-back Myrtle Beach vibe with its outdoor fireplace terrace and beach-entry pool — an oasis for residents when vacationers crowd the beach on weekends and holidays.
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California glamour at Malibu Canyon Apartments, 5758 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Median rent in Calabasas: $5,495
Price for this 1-bedroom: $1,745/monthBeing surrounded by protected open space and a ridiculous number of celebrities (Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, The Rock, and pretty much all the Kardashians, to name but a few) is part of what brings the median rent in Calabasas to a whopping $5,495. But the super-luxe Malibu Canyon Apartments gives you entry to the ritzy lifestyle for a fraction of the price. The four pools and spas, along with the new bi-level fitness center, give it a country club feel. Although you’ll have a gourmet kitchen in your apartment, the Calabasas Road shopping district is a quick drive down the 101 and offers a number of options for hanging out. Kick back at the locavore dining spot The Six or do brunch at Marmalade Cafe. Or just spend an afternoon at the Leonis Adobe Museum exploring your new neighborhood’s ranching history. You’ll be reminded why celebs flock to Calabasas.
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Just outside Dallas: The Kathryn, 4255 Cotton Gin Road, Frisco, TX 75034
Media rent in Frisco: $1,995
Price for this 1-bedroom: $1,030/monthSince the ’90s, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, commuters have chosen to put down roots in Frisco. In fact, it’s the fastest-growing city in the United States. Frisco offers easy proximity to Dallas with a leafy, quieter atmosphere. Here, you can spend an afternoon watching the city’s pro soccer team FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium, then have dinner across the street at one of the many restaurants lining Frisco Square — the local fave is Sake Toro Sushi. From there it’s less than 5 minutes to The Kathryn, a chic building where a spacious one-bedroom is about half the area’s median rent. Your apartment will boast a designer touches like stainless steel appliances and built-in Sonos speakers — things you definitely won’t find at this price in a bigger city.
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Philadelphia hot spot: Catharine Street Apartments, 1607 Catharine St., Philadelphia, PA 19146
Median rent in Philadelphia: $1,300
Price for this 1-bedroom: $995/monthAs one of the most affordable cities in the Northeast Corridor, Philadelphia has become a magnet for creative types who don’t want to deal with the expense of New York, NY, but still want a full range of cultural and social options. And it doesn’t get more exciting than South Street, the landmark entertainment district less than three blocks from the Catharine Street Apartments. Like everything else in Philly, this luxury building’s got a history — it was once a YWCA. Here, a one-bedroom with hardwood floors and an in-unit washer and dryer is well under the $1,300 median rent in the area, leaving you with plenty of funds for a South Street adventure. Whether you want a beer and a shot at the famed Bob and Barbara’s Lounge or have a more refined dinner at the eclectic, antique-decorated Cambridge, it’s always a good time in your neighborhood.
What do you pay for rent? Do these locations entice? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Methodology: Trulia examined all properties that had been viewed between April 2016 and April 2017 to determine some of the most frequently viewed ZIP codes. These rentals are a selection of low-rent properties within those areas.