Saint Cloud
Located in central Minnesota, Saint Cloud combines city living with natural beauty along the Mississippi River. Known as "The Granite City," this community features diverse housing options, from downtown apartments averaging $878 for a one-bedroom to residential neighborhoods like Centennial and Lake George. The city's rental market shows steady growth, with rates increasing about 2.3% annually. The city maintains 95 parks across 1,400 acres, including Whitney Memorial Park and Munsinger Gardens, recognized among America's top public gardens. The presence of St. Cloud State University, Minnesota's third-largest university, contributes to the area's educational landscape. Downtown Saint Cloud preserves its heritage while embracing growth, highlighted by the restored Paramount Theatre from 1921. The Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities, particularly around the Beaver Islands, a natural formation ideal for kayaking and canoeing. The city leads in environmental initiatives, operating primarily on renewable energy and featuring an advanced wastewater facility that transforms local food waste into fuel. Located 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Saint Cloud combines outdoor recreation, educational resources, and established neighborhoods, creating an appealing option for renters in central Minnesota.
East Point
Situated just inside the perimeter on the southwest corner of Atlanta, East Point is a small city ideally positioned for commuters. Virtually anywhere else in the Atlanta area is easily accessible by car or MARTA service, both bus and rail. The area along Main Street near the MARTA station is a bustling hub of restaurants, nightlife, and arts venues. East Point is also home to the Dick Lane Velodrome, a unique bicycling racetrack offering classes for all ages in addition to competitions. Rent is fairly inexpensive, with many houses and apartments available for under $700 per month.
Atlanta
Atlanta sits among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, giving it a topography unlike most major Southern cities, with rolling hills, tree-lined streets, and some of the densest urban tree coverage in the country. The Georgia capital has a metro population of more than 6.4 million people, yet its neighborhoods manage to feel surprisingly close-knit. Buckhead draws shoppers and diners, Midtown anchors the arts scene, and Old Fourth Ward has become one of the most talked-about areas in the city for food and outdoor space. The city hosts a number of annual events and festivals, including the Atlanta Dogwood Festival held each spring at Piedmont Park. Renters in Atlanta will find a solid mix of housing styles, from high-rise apartment communities in Midtown and Downtown to lofts in converted historic buildings, townhomes in quieter neighborhoods, and mid-rise communities spread across the broader metro. Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Clark Atlanta University all call the city home, which adds to the steady pulse of activity throughout the year.
