Westfield
More than 360 years of history, a lively downtown called the Gas Light District, and easy access to the Pioneer Valley's trails, rivers, and college towns -- Westfield packs a lot into a city less than 10 miles west of Springfield. It straddles the Westfield River along quiet, tree-lined residential streets where daily errands, dining, and local events are all within reach. The downtown core draws foot traffic on weekends, and the broader region connects residents to Northampton, Holyoke, and the wider Springfield metro. Renters will find a range of housing options throughout the city, from communities of apartments and townhouse to rental homes across the city. The architectural character across neighborhoods reflects the city's deep New England roots. Westfield State University brings an academic and cultural presence to the city, with events and programming that reach beyond campus. The Westfield Barnes Regional Airport and quick access to I-90 make connections to the broader region straightforward, and the community's long-running Westfield on Weekends organization, now more than 20 years strong, keeps a full calendar of free local events going year-round.
Mesa
Mesa is the most populous U.S. city that isn't a county seat, and that distinction hints at something real about the place: it plays by its own rules. Stretching 143 square miles across the Sonoran Desert, Arizona's third-largest city sits in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro, with Tempe to the west and the dramatic Superstition Mountains anchoring the eastern horizon. Mesa Community College and Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus give the city a steady academic pulse, while major employers like Boeing near Falcon Field, Banner Desert Medical Center, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport drive a broad economic base. Neighborhoods range from the established, lake-lined streets of Dobson Ranch to the newer developments of Eastmark and the Gateway district, offering something well-suited to just about every lifestyle. Downtown Mesa anchors cultural life with the Mesa Arts Center, an acclaimed performing and visual arts venue that draws visitors year-round. Renters will find a range of options across the city, from gated apartment communities with resort-style amenities to spacious townhomes and garden-style rentals that deliver elbow room without sacrificing access to the greater Valley.
Orlando
The City Beautiful earns its nickname, from its gorgeous lakes and bright, sunny skies to its pristine streets and beautiful architecture. Lake Eola Park, with its swan-shaped paddle boats and majestic fountain, provides an oasis in the city that's ideal for weekend picnics and afternoon lunch breaks. Located in the heart of Florida, the beaches of either coast (Gulf and Atlantic) are accessible in roughly an hour’s drive from Orlando. While it is known for being the home of prominent theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, Orlando is also the county seat and home to one of the largest universities in the United States, the University of Central Florida. The city contains the Orange County Convention Center, the second-largest convention center in the country, in addition to the busy Orlando International Airport. Orlando is a city of neighborhoods, offering a broad range of apartments, townhomes, and houses available for rent in an array of styles and environments, whether you’re more partial to living in the heart of the city or a quiet suburb. Getting around the Orlando area is simple with access to multiple major highways, including I-4, the 408, 417, 528, and more. After moving to Orlando, you’ll enjoy easy access to attractions like the Florida Mall, International Drive, the Orlando Science Center, Camping World Stadium (home of the MLS Orlando City) and Amway Center (home of the NBA Orlando Magic).
