Raleigh
The capital of North Carolina and one half of the the Raleigh-Durham metroplex, Raleigh offers access to amenities and employment opportunities not found in other parts of the state. The local economy has long been on the cutting edge, with thriving science and technology jobs — thanks to the city’s location in the Research Triangle Park — and a growing community of entrepreneurs in the city; in fact, Forbes magazine has consistently placed Raleigh high on its list of best places for businesses and careers. A thriving downtown district complete with a variety of apartments and a vibrant arts scene makes Raleigh popular with students and professionals as well as families. Located only a couple of hours from the mountains and the ocean, Raleigh is a centrally located city that has been experiencing a population boom for the past decade. Dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South," Raleigh offers more than 40 free attractions and museums to keep you steeped in culture. There are museums of art, history, and technology, plus a children’s museum for younger patrons. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is a massive multi-stage venue that hosts the North Carolina Symphony, the Carolina Ballet, and a variety of other productions throughout the year.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville covers more than 800 square miles, making it the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States — a distinction that shapes everything about daily life here. That sheer scale means neighborhoods feel distinct from one another: Riverside and Avondale offer historic architecture and an arts-forward atmosphere close to the St. Johns River, San Marco delivers a walkable, boutique-lined character near Downtown, and Southside sits near the University of North Florida and major commercial corridors. The economy runs deep, anchored by major employers like CSX Corporation, Fidelity Information Services, and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, giving the city a broad and stable employment base. Florida State College at Jacksonville adds an academic presence woven throughout the urban core. The rental landscape reflects this diversity, ranging from high-rise apartment communities along the Riverwalk to garden-style options in quieter residential pockets and coastal rentals near Atlantic Beach. Jacksonville consolidated its city and county governments back in 1968, a move that still defines how the city is structured and governed today. With over a million residents and Atlantic coastline on the eastern edge, Jacksonville carries the energy of a large metro with a genuinely open, unhurried quality of life.
Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most well-known cities in the country, recognized for its Southern charm and modern sophistication. This city is full of surprises – from towering skyscrapers to historic, brick-lined sidewalks, Atlanta has it all. Atlanta’s economy is remarkably diverse. It’s a major transportation hub and is home to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. This booming metropolis is the third most popular filming destination with several major movie studios, and is a communications hub with CNN, Cox Enterprises, the Weather Channel, and Turner Broadcasting. The city of Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the nation as well. Fortune 500 companies thrive here, with headquarters including Delta Airlines, UPS, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot. Universities that call Atlanta home include Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University, and Emory University. There’s an idyllic blend in Atlanta between eclectic college towns, bustling urban streets, serene suburban neighborhoods, iconic attractions, historic architecture, and a sense of Southern hospitality. Atlanta features an array of neighborhoods, each with their own unique character, and an assortment of apartments, condos, houses, and townhomes, ranging from affordable to upscale. After you find your perfect rental in the city, check out SkyView Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia State Capitol Building, Piedmont Park, the Georgia Aquarium, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and so much more. Atlanta’s attractions aren’t the only perk of living in the city – this metropolis is known for its bustling community events like Music Midtown and the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Top apartment features searched for in Atlanta, GA includes rentals with EV Charging stations, in-unit washers and dryers, sunrooms, and rent specials.
