Jacksonville
Jacksonville is gigantic. At nearly 900 square miles, it is by far the largest city in the contiguous United States, in terms of geographical area. The landscape is so vast and varied that you are almost certain to find any kind of environment that suits you. From the high-rise buildings downtown to the marina condos along the river to the suburban neighborhoods farther from the urban core, your apartment rental options in Jacksonville are nearly endless. Jacksonville is never short on leisure activities. The dining and entertainment offerings are top notch, from the bustling nightlife in downtown to the upscale shopping at Saint Johns Town Center and everything in between. Football fans will feel right at home in Jacksonville as NFL Jaguars games tend to draw big crowds no matter how the team is doing. The Jags’ home field has also served as neutral turf for the annual University of Florida-University of Georgia rivalry game each Halloween weekend for decades. The city limits contain a mind-boggling 111,000 acres of public parks and nature preserves, ensuring that you are never far from a lush green space. Located where the Saint Johns River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is one of Jacksonville’s most popular spots for outdoor recreation. Easy access to Atlantic Coast beaches can make the entire city feel like one huge beach town. Locals love heading to nearby beaches for surfing, boating, fishing, and sunbathing.
Asheville
Welcome to Asheville, where mountain scenery meets artistic spirit in the heart of Western North Carolina. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, this mountain city combines outdoor adventure with a thriving arts scene. Downtown features preserved Art Deco architecture housing galleries, restaurants, and breweries, while the historic Montford neighborhood showcases Victorian homes along tree-lined streets. The University of North Carolina at Asheville campus contributes to the city's energy, and the Biltmore Estate stands as a testament to American history. Renters can choose from modern apartments to historic bungalows, with average rents ranging from $1,263 for studios to $2,232 for four-bedroom homes, with rates down about 4.5% over the past year. The Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby hiking trails provide easy access to outdoor recreation. The River Arts District features converted industrial buildings now housing working studios and galleries, while West Asheville offers an established arts scene. South Slope has developed into a brewery district, and Biltmore Village presents shopping and dining options in a historic setting. Asheville holds the distinction of being the first Green Dining Destination in the U.S. Local traditions continue through events like the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, established in 1928. With 94,589 residents, Asheville combines small-city accessibility with cultural amenities that appeal to many renters.
Savannah
The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah is located just across the Savannah River from South Carolina. Canopies of Live Oak trees draped in Spanish moss and restored historic buildings line cobblestone streets throughout Savannah. Built over Indian burial grounds and old cemeteries, Savannah has a haunted reputation consequently leading to frequent ghost tours. Boasting a pedestrian-friendly layout, Savannah is a highly walkable city. There are plenty of things to do in Savannah, all within walking distance. Should you choose to rent in Savannah, you will have the chance to attend the world’s second largest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, see the ornate Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, shop the boutiques and national retailers along Broughton Street, marvel at the many art galleries run by Savannah College of Art and Design graduates, unwind at Forsyth Park, enjoy the Savannah Film Festival, and take a 30-minute drive to Tybee Island for easy beach access. Convenient to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport as well as Interstates 16, 516, and 95, getting around from Savannah is a breeze.
