Moving to the USA is an exciting journey filled with new experiences, but you’re unlikely to jump straight into buying a home.
It’s a good idea to find accommodation when you first move that gives you an insight into your preferred neighbourhood or city, before you commit to a long-term stay by investing in property. Understanding the types of accommodation available can make the process much easier.
Research and Planning Your Move to the USA
Before you do anything else, you need to take the time to research and plan where you’ll be living when you move to the USA.
Understand the Housing Market
The housing market in the USA varies depending on the city and even specific neighbourhoods. For example, the cost of buying property in Florida will vary hugely depending on where you’re looking. Major cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles have a highly competitive housing market, which means that it can be challenging and expensive to find a place, especially on short notice. On the other hand, smaller cities and suburban areas often offer more affordable options.
Cost of Living
Cost of living is a significant factor when looking for accommodation in the USA, as expenses can vary dramatically depending on your location. In cities like New York or San Francisco, rent prices and daily expenses tend to be higher than in smaller cities or rural areas. It’s a good idea to create a realistic budget that accounts for more than just rent. Factor in utilities, internet and even parking fees, as well as grocery and transportation costs. When planning your move to the USA, consider whether roommates or shared housing could help you to afford a better location or lower your monthly expenses. If you’re working or studying, consider finding accommodation close to work or school to cut down on commuting costs.
Location
Finding the right neighbourhood is key to making your move successful. Each city in the USA has neighbourhoods with unique characteristics, varying from busy city centres to quieter residential areas. Consider factors like safety, proximity to public transportation and commuting distance to work or school. It’s always helpful to spend a few days in your new city to get a feel for different neighbourhoods, to narrow down the areas that feel like the best fit for you.
Types of Accommodation
Housing in the USA varies hugely, ranging from traditional apartment rentals and large homes, to shared living arrangements,and more flexible options. Apartments are a popular choice for expats, and they’re available in various sizes and types. These can be found in apartment buildings with shared amenities or as standalone units. If you’re moving with a family or if you prefer more space, renting a house is another option. Houses usually come with additional outdoor areas, garages, and often more privacy.
In cities with high rental costs, some people opt to share apartments or houses with roommates. This can be an affordable and social option, especially for those looking to ease into the local culture. If you’re moving on your own or if you’re on a tight budget, studios and efficiency apartments are smaller, often consisting of a single room with kitchen and bathroom areas, making them compact and economical.
Rental Properties
When you first move to the USA, you might decide to rent a property, to give you a feel for the area before you commit to buying. Rental properties are widely available throughout the USA, with leases that typically run for a year, though month-to-month leases can be found too. Most rental properties require an application, proof of income, references and sometimes a credit check. Most rentals require a security deposit, along with the first month’s rent upfront. A lot of apartment complexes in the USA offer amenities like gyms, pools, laundry rooms and parking. Make sure to consider these extras, as they could mean that you get a lot more out of your accommodation.
Short-Term Accommodation
If you need accommodation straight away, or are still exploring neighbourhoods, short term rentals are a great way to get settled without a long-term commitment. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO allow you to rent furnished apartments or homes by the day, week or month. This can be ideal for a temporary stay while you search for a more permanent option.
Extended-stay hotels are also a convenient choice, especially if you’re looking for flexibility and services like housekeeping. Many offer discounted rates for stays longer than a week, and rooms in the USA tend to be equipped with kitchenettes. Plus, some renters sublet their apartments for a few months while they’re away, and these short-term leases are often available fully furnished, offering a comfortable and temporary solution whilst you search for something more permanent.
Legal and Financial Aspects
Renting in the USA comes with legal and financial obligations that vary depending on your state and even your city. Most landlords require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, which is refundable at the end of your lease, as long as the property is in good condition. Some places may also have application fees or background check costs. A lot of landlords check your credit score, which can be challenging if you’re new to the country. Some landlords may accept proof of international credit or alternative references, like employment or financial statements.
Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a binding contract between you and your landlord, detailing the terms of your stay. Reviewing the lease carefully before signing is important, as this document outlines your responsibilities and what you can expect from the landlord. Make sure you understand the terms for renewing or ending the lease early, as some leases have strict rules and penalties for early termination.
The lease should specify who is responsible for repairs. In most cases, landlords handle major repairs, while tenants take care of minor maintenance. Clarify the process for reporting issues and expected response times before signing anything. It’s also important to remember that not all rentals include utilities like electricity, gas or water in the rent. Your lease should state what’s covered, so there are no misunderstandings. If amenities are advertised, such as parking or gym access, confirm they are included in the agreement.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
As a tenant in the USA, you have specific rights and responsibilities that are protected by law, although these can differ by state. For example, landlords are required to maintain a safe and habitable property, ensuring things like heat, running water and working locks. If there are issues that affect your living conditions, report them to your landlord promptly. Landlords typically must provide notice before entering your property, usually at least 24 hours in advance. Check your lease to understand the specifics, as requirements can vary. As a tenant, paying rent on time is essential and is usually due on the first day of each month. If financial difficulties arise, it’s best to communicate with your landlord early to discuss possible solutions.
Budgeting
Creating a realistic budget is one of the most important steps when finding accommodation in the USA, more so than moving to the USA at the best time or finding the perfect place to live. Rental costs can vary widely depending on the city, so budgeting ensures that you’re prepared for not just rent but other living expenses as well.
Start by determining a comfortable budget for rent, which is typically around 30% of your monthly income. You’ll also need to account for the security deposit, which is often refundable, as well as any application or administration fees. Utilities like electricity, gas, and water are often paid separately from rent. Research the typical costs in your area to get an idea of how much you’ll need to set aside each month.
Practical Considerations
When moving to the USA and searching for a place to live, practical factors like location, budget and commute times are an important part of narrowing down your options. Consider what you need for day-to-day comfort and convenience, such as access to public transportation, proximity to work or school, and neighbourhood amenities like supermarkets, parks and gyms.
Inspection
A thorough inspection of the property is essential before committing to a lease. During the viewing, check for signs of wear and tear, including plumbing and electrical issues, window and door security, and heating and cooling systems. Make sure to test appliances, look for any potential safety hazards and verify that smoke detectors are functioning properly. Take note of any areas needing repairs and confirm with the landlord that these will be addressed before moving in.
Condition of Property
Understanding the general condition of the property gives you a clearer idea of its livability and value. While minor imperfections are common in rental properties, any larger issues – such as mould, water damage or structural concerns – could indicate long-term problems. Assess whether the property’s condition justifies its rental cost and ask the landlord about their maintenance procedures. In older properties, consider the potential for higher energy costs due to less efficient heating or insulation.
Furnishing
When viewing properties, it’s important to clarify the level of furnishing provided. Rentals in the USA may be fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished, depending on the landlord. Fully furnished properties often come with essentials like beds, tables, chairs and kitchen appliances, while partially furnished units may include only select items. Unfurnished properties provide a blank slate, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of buying furniture if you plan to stay long-term. If you’re new to the area or only staying temporarily, a furnished rental might be more convenient, saving you the hassle of purchasing and transporting furniture.
Support and Resources
Finding accommodation in the USA as an expat can be challenging, but there are plenty of resources and support systems available to help ease the process.
Estate Agents
Working with an estate agent can be a huge help, especially in high demand areas of the USA. Estate agents often have insights into neighbourhoods, local property values and access to listings that may not appear on general property sites. They can streamline the process by helping you find properties that meet your criteria, setting up viewings, and assisting with the application process.
Online Resources
There are a lot of resources online to make finding accommodation easier, including popular rental sites like Zillow, Apartments.com and Craigslist. Websites and apps often allow you to filter results by price, location and amenities, giving you a clear picture of what’s available within your budget. Expat forums, Facebook groups and social media pages dedicated to local rental listings are also great resources for discovering lesser-known listings and getting insider advice.
Legal Advice
Understanding local rental laws is key to ensuring you’re fully protected in a new rental agreement. Lease terms, tenant rights and eviction policies vary widely across states, and legal advice can clarify any unfamiliar terms before you sign. Consulting a legal professional can help you to understand your lease obligations and prevent issues down the line.
Start Your Journey to the USA Today
Making the move to the USA is exciting, but thorough planning is essential to make sure everything goes smoothly. A key part of this planning is deciding how to safely transport your belongings abroad, and a trusted removals service can be invaluable in this process.
At United International Removals, we handle the logistics required for international shipping, ensuring that your possessions arrive safely and on time. Get in touch to find out more.