The Keyes Company - John Reich

Greetings, future Sunshine State renters! A little birdie on the boardwalk told us you’re in the market for the apartment or house of your dreams in West Palm Beach. Good call! Situated alongside Miami and Fort Lauderdale in perpetually sunny South Florida, West Palm is a popular living locale. It offers tons of breathtaking views, shopping and dining venues, and (most importantly!) affordable rental options. But before you pack your SPF 3000 and your snorkeling gear and seek out your dream dwellings, I recommend you take a quick peek at these simple tips that will make your transition to WPB as pleasant as a cool ocean breeze …

Having trouble with Craigslist Palm Beach? Can't find that special apartment or house for rent on Apartment Finder or Zillow? I’m here to help!

Pick your ‘hood carefully.
Although freestanding houses dominate the Gardens, some apartments, condos, and townhouses (ranging in price from $700 or less to $2200 or more depending on size and amenities) are available as well. The downtown/CityPlace district, features numerous luxury lofts and spacious condos (usually for two grand or more), CityPlace also puts residents in the hub of WPB’s shopping, dining, and nightlife attractions (courtesy of the Clematis Street District). “The Village” is less than a ten minute drive from CityPlace, “the Village” is lined with affordable crash pads and resort-style condos. Plenty of other areas offer attractive perks as well, so be sure to comb the city thoroughly before choosing your ‘hood.

Bring your alligator-dodging shoes.
Keep in mind that alligators roam the streets freely in West Palm Beach, devouring even the most fleet-footed of residents at will most days. No, not really (or at all)! We just wanted to see if you were still with us … and now that we know you are, we can carry on …

Shop the market.
Whether you’re on the prowl for a basic studio unit with minimal bells and whistles or a mega-loft with 1500-plus square feet and an urban garden on the rooftop, there’s a place somewhere in WPB with your name on it. West Palm, like much of Florida, is a renter’s market, and nearly 15 percent of residential buildings are currently unoccupied. In other words, you can afford to be choosy and scour the land for the best possible deals. Waiting lists on apartments are rare and move-in specials pop up constantly, so don’t settle on a place unless you’re sure it’s perfect for you.

Be prepared.
Arm yourself with the basics when you’re ready to submit a leasing application. You’ll need proof of income, banking info, and a list of previous residences for starters. Many property managers charge prospective tenants a non-refundable background check fee (typically $50 or less), or have a co-signer to help you score an apartment. Obviously, when it’s time to make things official, read your lease carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions, as apartment managers in WPB have different rules.

Don’t go it alone.
Give your new place an in-depth inspection before settling in to make sure your appliances function, your water pressure and temperature is adequate, your plumbing works properly, and your walls, floors, and ceilings are blemish-free. If anything is questionable, take a picture of it and alert management immediately (before you’ve officially moved in). Also, bring a friend along to check it out, since an objective third party is likely to catch an imperfection that you were too busy gazing at your sweet new ocean view to notice.

Ask around.
Finally, I recommend you read plenty of reviews and, if possible, talk to current residents to learn more about an apartment complex or housing community before committing to it. Find out what they think of an apartment’s amenities and general upkeep and also inquire about those “X” factors that can drive renters crazy: Are the walls relatively sound-proof or do the upstairs neighbors usually sound like a herd of dinosaurs stampeding? Is management responsive to tenant requests and concerns? How much extra a month will amenities cost (especially air conditioning)? How often does that 18-foot alligator sunbathe by the tenant swimming pool?

And now it’s time to begin your apartment or house hunting escapes, so best of luck and welcome to West Palm Beach!