Wichita
Stretching along the Arkansas River, Wichita is the largest city in the state and offers a slower pace of life without sacrificing things to do or places to be. Nicknamed the "Air Capital of the World," Wichita is home to major aerospace names like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems. Neighborhoods like the Old Town district draw people in with restored 19th-century brick warehouses filled with coffee shops, bars, and the Museum of World Treasures. Over in Riverside, you'll find Botanica Wichita, the Wichita Art Museum, and easy access to Riverside Park. Wichita State University is on the northeast side of the city and adds academic energy to the town, while the Downtown corridor keeps things lively year-round near INTRUST Bank Arena and the Arkansas River path. The annual Wichita River Festival draws thousands to celebrate along the water with live music and activities that get the whole community involved. Travel is easy thanks to major routes like Kellogg, I-135, and K-96, so wherever you are in the city, commuting to work or exploring a new neighborhood is within reach. The rental landscape here ranges from Downtown high-rises and converted loft-style apartments in Old Town to more spacious apartment communities on the east and west sides of the city. Townhomes and single-family rentals offer breathing room for those who want it, while studio and one-bedroom options in walkable districts get you closer to the action. Wichita's rental market is affordable compared to many other metro areas, which means you can often get more square footage without compromising on location or amenities.
Saint Louis
Sitting at the edge of the Mississippi River and standing tall with the Gateway Arch is St. Louis. Founded in 1764, this Midwestern hub has grown into a metro with over 2.8 million people. When it comes to finding a place to live, St. Louis has a wide range of options without the high price tag found in other comparable cities. Renters can choose from beautifully restored brick row houses or lofts converted from historic warehouses. Upscale high-rise apartment communities downtown and garden-style options tucked into residential suburbs are housing options awaiting renters in St. Louis. Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University both call the city home, contributing to a bustling atmosphere and thriving cultural scene. St. Louis also hosts the beloved Fair St. Louis, a massive Fourth of July celebration held at the Arch grounds that draws thousands of visitors and has been a city tradition for decades. Whether you're drawn to the residential streets in Tower Grove Park or the energy of Midtown's arts district, St. Louis can make any renter feel right at home.
Grand Rapids
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids rests on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Formerly known as the Furniture City, Grand Rapids is now nicknamed the River City as well as Beer City USA for its riverside locale and proximity to 40 craft breweries. Grand Rapids is also the hometown of former United States President Gerald Ford. Fans of the 38th president can learn more about his life and impact on American history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Notable as an artistic haven, Grand Rapids hosts the annual ArtPrize competition, a 19-day affair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and featuring artwork all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens exhibits an expansive variety of sculptures and gardens both indoors and outdoors. Meyer May House is revered as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. Located within an hour’s drive of Kalamazoo and Lansing, Grand Rapids is convenient to major highways and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making for simple travels and commutes.
