Some Obvious (and Not-So-Obvious) Advice

Some Obvious (and Not-So-Obvious) Advice

A few things you should know before settling into the Augusta abode of your choosing …

Be prepared! When filling out a renter’s application, you’ll need the basics (you might be surprised how many people forget them!). You’ll need 2 forms of I.D. proof of income (have both your most recent paycheck stub and your final stub from the previous year), and (most importantly) a respectable credit/rental history.

Explore the alternatives… We won’t bore you with too much data, but check this out: Roughly 60 percent of Augusta’s living quarters are single-family detached homes, but only 48 percent of these buildings are occupied by owners. In other words, if you’re not sure apartment life is your cup of tea, why not look into leasing a stately Southern mansion or a quaint little Bungalow instead? Plenty are available.

Popular Localities for Augusta Leasers

Popular Localities for Augusta Leasers

With a mixture of old world Southern charm and modern convenience, Augusta offers a variety of neighborhoods that might be ideal for you. Some of the more noteworthy ‘hoods include:

Broad St (Artist’s Row) … Augusta’s financial and cultural epicenter is the bustling downtown district. Home of Artist’s Row on Broad Street (a stretch of art galleries, bistros, cafes, and hangouts), downtown is also where Augusta’s best shops, restaurants, and night life hotspots are located. Apartments are readily available, as are newly renovated, spacious lofts above the shops and boutiques on Artist’s Row. Expect to spend between $600 and $800 for most Broad St. rentals.

Summerville: The Summerville neighborhood in Midtown consists mostly of antebellum mansions and historical sites, though some revitalized apartments are available as well. Prices range in Summerville for as little as the mid-$400-range for a one bedroom up to $1300 or more for a 2 or 3 bedroom unit. Many detached single-family homes are also available for rent.

Olde Town: Perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck rentals are available in Olde Town, located just minutes east of the hustle and bustle of downtown. Featuring a mix of turn-of-the-century (yes, 19th) homes that have been refurbished and modernized and transformed into 1 to 3-bedroom apartments and suites, Olde Town is both conveniently located and remarkably cheap. Most rentals include washer/dryer, fenced yard, and hardwood floors. 1 BR rentals can be scored for as little as $500, with many 2 and 3 BR units going for as cheap as $600.

The ‘Burbs: If the urban life doesn’t suit your tastes, you’ll find a variety of suburban dwellings to choose from as well. Popular areas include North Augusta (on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River), and Country Club Hills (whose average rental prices of $385 make it an ideal ‘burb).

A Few Final Birdies and Bogeys