Columbus
Nestled in the heart of Central Ohio, Columbus is the state’s capital and largest city. With access to Rickenbacker International Airport and several interstate highways, commuting and traveling is easy for Columbus residents. This bustling city houses Ohio State University, bringing a youthful energy and fierce love for college football to town. Creativity and innovation permeate Columbus, lending to a host of artistic amenities and top-notch eateries. An affordable Columbus apartment or house rental means you’ll have the opportunity to access a multitude of incredible amenities. Gallery hop in Short North Arts District, or maybe order baked goods and a coffee at Fox in the Snow Café. Take a riverside stroll at Bicentennial Park and Scioto Mile Park, or check out the latest exhibit at the Center of Science and Industry. Enjoy a play at the Ohio Theater, and learn more about wildlife at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. German Village offers unique shops and picturesque historic architecture. For your final stop, cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes for a game at Ohio Stadium. There’s something for everyone in this entertaining, affordable, and vibrant capital city.
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.
Des Moines
Des Moines combines city living with authentic Midwestern hospitality. The state capital offers varied housing choices, from downtown apartments to single-family homes in established neighborhoods. The East Village neighborhood features local boutiques and restaurants in beautifully restored historic buildings. The area around Drake University draws students and faculty, while Windsor Heights provides peaceful residential streets just minutes from downtown's climate-controlled skywalk system. The Des Moines Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and Science Center of Iowa anchor the city's arts and culture scene. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy 76 city parks and three public golf courses, including the popular Gray's Lake Park with its scenic 1.9-mile lakeside trail. The insurance industry drives the local economy, with major employers Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield maintaining significant operations downtown. Throughout the year, residents gather at signature events like the Iowa State Fair and the Downtown Farmers' Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest.
