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.
Chicago
Chicago sprawls across roughly 228 square miles on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, with nearly 28 miles of lakefront where glass towers catch the morning light and commuter trains rumble through neighborhoods shaped by more than a century of reinvention. This is a city built on bold architecture and bolder ambition, where you can stand beneath the steel ribs of the “L” tracks one moment and find yourself strolling through Grant Park’s open lawns the next. Renters here choose between classic greystone walk-ups in Lakeview, converted lofts in the West Loop’s Fulton Market district, and sleek high-rises with lake views in Streeterville. Logan Square draws crowds to its Milwaukee Avenue dining scene and the elevated 606 trail, while Lincoln Park offers tree-lined streets near the free zoo. River North packs art galleries alongside bustling restaurants, and Hyde Park anchors the South Side with the Museum of Science and Industry nearby. Finding an apartment community in Chicago means tapping into one of the country’s most connected transit systems: CTA trains link both O’Hare and Midway airports to downtown, while Metra commuter rail connects the city with the wider region. After work, the options stretch endlessly: catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, browse the designer shops along Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, or grab deep-dish pizza in a city that takes its culinary reputation seriously. The lakefront comes alive each summer with beachgoers at Oak Street Beach and concertgoers filling Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture.
Reno
The casinos may be what draw visitors to Reno, but the “Biggest Little City in the World” has become an exciting, alluring locale for renters who can look past the slot machines. For one thing, the famous nickname is a bit of a misnomer these days: with a quarter-million people inside the city limits alone, the community has become one of the busier metro areas in the region. There are incredible apartments on offer, from upscale lofts to communities that offer endless amenities. Downtown Reno is certainly best known for its gambling, but there’s a multitude of attractions to experience in this neon-lit city. Delight in the shopping at the Summit in southern Reno, or experience some of the museums, performing arts venues, world-class restaurants, and diverse nightlife hotspots that offer something for every taste. The natural landscape surrounding Reno is perhaps the most appealing aspect for many. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is ideal for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skiing, plus the scenery alone is unbeatable. With Lake Tahoe just a few miles away, you may find yourself tempted to spend every weekend soaking in the fresh air and sunshine in Nevada’s rugged, unspoiled wilderness.
