Houston is one of the more unique cities in Texas and the country. While Texas has seen a huge population increase over the last decade most of the state has been unable to build enough housing to keep pace with the population boom. Houston has managed to build enough housing capable of handling the influx of over 200,000 residents over the last decade. 

This means landlords in Houston are competing for tenants unlike most cities throughout the country. This dynamic has made it one of the more affordable cities and a popular destination for those who have been priced out of cities like Austin or states like California and New York. While over the last decade housing has kept pace with population growth, it has shown signs of struggling recently.  

River Oaks

While River Oaks is best known for its large estates and mansions, there has been an influx of new and more affordable housing for those looking to take advantage of the great neighborhood. River Oaks is home to the famous landmark River Oaks Theatre and has a wide variety of shopping and entertainment throughout the neighborhood. On top of all of that, it has some of the best and most well-known restaurants in all of Houston. 

Memorial

Memorial is a unique neighborhood because it has a mix of both a suburban and an urban feel. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a wide variety of homes from multifamily units and lots to single-family homes. As far as entertainment goes, there’s a local country club and golf course. There are local shopping centers like Memorial City Mall and the Galleria that provide walkable shopping for locals. There’s also a popular nightlife that’s paired with cafes and restaurants for those who enjoy going out during their time off. 

Museum District

The Museum is best known for its namesake. It’s home to 19 museums and it’s the art and culture center of Houston. It has 445 acres of open public space at Hermann Park which houses an outdoor theater, a golf course, running trains, and plenty of open green space for gatherings and exercise. It’s also a walkable neighborhood for those who like to get out in the open and enjoy the community. 

The Heights

The Heights is a historical district of Houston. It’s known for its beautiful and historic architecture as the community is filled with craftsman, Queen Anne, folk national, and folk victorian style homes. While these older homes fill the neighborhood, there has been an influx of multifamily homes like duplexes and commercial space making it a very walkable area. Within the Heights are plenty of restaurants, antique shops, museums, and local art festivals. While everything a person could need is within the community, it has the added benefit of being just outside of downtown Houston. 

Midtown

Midtown is the neighborhood that is most popular for young professionals. It’s a high-density, walkable community with plenty of affordable options when it comes to housing. It’s a popular place to live for those who enjoy the nightlife and spending time at local bars and restaurants. It’s not just for young professionals though. The local schools are well respected and families and it’s close to downtown and the Texas Medical Center. 

As Houston continues to grow and competition for tenants increases, many landlords rely on property management services to keep their rentals optimized, filled, and profitable.

The limitations to modifying a rental home can be frustrating. Beyond basic furniture and wall decor, there aren’t many options. Redfin highlighted 12 renter friendly upgrades which is a great starting point when it comes to decorating your rental. One of those recommendations is the peel-and-stick decor. Here are some more in-depth ways to use peel-and-stick products for temporary improvements: 

Countertops

Some kitchen or bathroom countertops in rentals can be outdated, unsightly, or just not match your personal preference. One way to improve the look of your home is to use a peel-and-stick finish. Depending on how old your rental is, there’s a decent chance your countertop may already have some sort of peel-and-stick laminate on it already. 

These peel-and-stick finishes come in a wide variety of styles. They can look like wood finishes, marble, granite, and pretty much any other material imaginable. When selecting a style, you’ll want to make sure the product you purchase is waterproof and meant for kitchen or bathroom countertops. 

Windows

Windows are another useful place to use peel-and-stick. There are many styles designed specifically for windows. These can be used for a variety of reasons. They can be used to create privacy. If you have windows letting in too much sunlight, they can help block some of the light. They can also be used just to change the appearance and add a little flair to your home.

Walls

When it comes to your interior walls, there is a wide variety of peel-and-stick products to be used. There are basic wallpapers that unlike traditional wallpaper can be easily removed. There are also other designs that can create texture and the appearance of other materials like brick, reclaimed wood, and tile. Using the right combinations of these products can help transform an outdated home into a modern, urban loft, a beach cottage, or a farmhouse. The potential is limited only by your imagination. 

Floors

Floors can be a little more tricky. If your rental unit is mostly covered in carpet, you’re basically stuck with the carpet. While there’s nothing that can be done with the carpet, you can still use some peel-and-stick products in the bathroom and the kitchen. You’ll want to make sure the product you’re purchasing is waterproof and designed specifically for bathrooms and kitchens. 

There are a number of materials these products can imitate from marble to various wood finishes and different stone tiles. Placing these over linoleum floors may take a little extra work prior to laying them down so make sure you follow all of the instructions in regards to the floor type they are being placed on. 

Backsplash

One quick and easy way to improve your kitchen and bathroom is to use peel-and-stick backsplashes. These small areas can help give your rental an updated look. A popular look is the subway tiles behind the sink and they can come in a number of peel-and-stick tiles. Look around online and find which style is the best match for your kitchen.

Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. While Austin and Dallas tend to get most of the national attention, San Antonio shouldn’t be ignored. It has grown rapidly along with the rest of the state and is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. 

In 2010, the city had a population of just over 1.3 million residents. Since then it ballooned up to just over 1.5 million residents and it continues to grow at a steady pace. As housing construction hasn’t been able to keep up with the pace of population growth, the competition for housing has become fierce. Personal needs and preferences will help determine what neighborhood is best for you when it comes to living in San Antonio, but here are some of the best options to choose from: 

Terrel Hills

Terrel Hills is one of the more popular neighborhoods for young families in San Antonio. Around one-third of the residents are families while the rest are young professionals and retirees. While the neighborhood is popular with families, it does boast a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants. 

The location is convenient with easy access to downtown San Antonio and the airport. It’s also a walkable community with a number of parks, shops, and restaurants. The high-quality schools in the area is another reason it has become extremely attractive for families. 

Olmos Park

Almost Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio. For that reason, it has made it a popular place to live for families as well as young professionals. It has high-quality schools, and great public spaces to gather like Olmost Park, Crockett Park, HemisFair Park, and Manhcke Park. 

While there are plenty of expensive homes and extremely wealthy residents, the neighborhood still has a large number of affordable options, especially for renters. The area has great walkability with cafes and restaurants. It’s also a more quiet area and doesn’t have much nightlife for those who enjoy a more relaxed environment. 

Alamo Heights

Located just ten minutes from downtown San Antonio, Alamo Heights is one of the safest and most desirable places to live in the city. Beyond the appeal of its location, Alamo Heights provides its residents with a number of family-friendly activities. It’s home to the botanical gardens, the local zoo, as well s a number of public spaces and parks to gather with friends and family. 

There are good schools in the neighborhood and while the area doesn’t have much when it comes to bars and nightlife, it does have many family-friendly restaurants and cafes to enjoy. 

Lavaca

Lavaca is a neighborhood with no shortage of options when it comes to entertainment. This is one of the reasons it has become attractive to young professionals. The neighborhood has a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. There’s the Alamodome which hosts conventions, concerts, and sporting events. Other options for live events include Illusions Theater and  Jokester 22 Pub ‘N’ Grub for stand-up comedy. 

The median age of the neighborhood is 34 and there is plenty of entertainment year-round for young professionals. The neighborhood hosts a weekly happy hour as well as a block party every October. It’s a walkable neighborhood with plenty of shopping to go along with the culinary experience of the area. 

Tobin Hill

One of the most walkable and active communities in San Antonio is Tobin Hill. It’s a popular destination and place to live for young professionals who want to enjoy the local nightlife. It’s a revamped neighborhood that is becoming increasingly popular with young professionals. Most of the residents in the neighborhood are renters as opposed to homeowners which means there are more options for those looking to rent. 

A popular bar and restaurant hub in the historic Pearl is packed with galleries, bars, and restaurants and hosts a weekly farmer’s market. There’s also Brackenridge Park for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Tobin Hill is also conveniently located close to San Antonio College as well as the downtown Riverwalk for those who like to easily explore other parts of the city.

Over the last 10 years, Texas has seen its population grow faster than most states in the county. This has happened across the board and while Austin gets most of the attention because of the tech startups and young professionals, Dallas has continued to grow as well. 

In 2010 the population was just under 1.2 million residents and has since increased to 1.33 million. This has put a lot of pressure on the housing supply which hasn’t been able to keep pace with the population growth and housing prices and rents have continued to rise.

A lot can go into where someone would choose to live in Dallas. Some of those factors are affordability, location, walkability, and so on. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Dallas to choose from: 

University Park

Despite University Park being next to Southern Methodist University, it’s not just a college town. The appeal of the neighborhood is the small neighborhood feel with single-family homes and yards combined with its proximity to Downtown Dallas and all its amenities 

Rent and home prices in the area are on the high end. This has to do with the location and the quality of the public schools in the area. It’s a popular area for families and young professionals who want quiet streets but still want to be close to all the action of the big city. 

Uptown

When it comes to a high-density, walkable neighborhood, Uptown is one of the better neighborhoods in Dallas. When the weather is nice, it’s an area where residents can walk to their favorite coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, and if the humidity is a little too much, you can hop on a streetcar to reach your destination. 

There are high-end boutiques, plenty of parks, and outdoor public spaces along with bike and walking paths and trails throughout the community for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. Housing is scarce in the neighborhood and competition is high which has caused rent in the area to increase rapidly. 

Bishop Art District

Just 10 minutes south of Downtown Dallas, the Bishop Art District is the largest art district in the country and has become one of the entertainment destinations in Dallas. It’s a walkable community with colorful alleyways which are covered in murals, art galleries, independently owned shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. 

This is an ideal neighborhood for those who enjoy spending time away from home and have active social lives. There’s always a unique event or show to experience. There are also plenty of bars in the area for those who want to stay out late and enjoy the after-hours. 

Deep Ellum

Similar to Bishop Art District, Deep Ellum has a deep and thriving nightlife. The area was once known for live music and hosting some of the most famous blues musicians and still has a popular live music scene to this day. 

It’s an urban, high-density neighborhood that is extremely walkable. There is easy access to a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and nightclubs. It’s a great place for those who enjoy a vibrant culture of food, drinks, and live music. 

White Rock

White Rock is a popular neighborhood for those who enjoy the outdoors and a more quiet neighborhood. There are large parks on the lake which allow the residents to spend time with friends and family when the weather is nice. There are also walking and bike paths for those who want to exercise and live a more active lifestyle. 

The area is in high demand and homes along the lake are very expensive. Because of the location and the quality of the schools, the high demand is causing the rent to increase year over year. Many landlords turn to property management services to keep up with market trends and ensure their rentals stay competitive.

Austin has long been a popular destination for those looking for a new city to live in. This goes for those who are moving in from other parts of Texas, as well as those who are moving from out of state. Over the last year, the average rent in Austin has increased by a 35% far above the national average rent increase of 15.2%. One reason for the increase is the rapid population growth within the Austin Area. In the last year, the population of the Austina area increased by 53 thousand and the housing supply has failed to keep pace. 

The demand for housing has always been steady in Austin because of the local universities combined with great employment opportunities and abundant nightlife, arts, and entertainment throughout the city. The local entertainment from food and drinks to live music is one of the features that has brought both residents and tourists to Austin for years. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Austin: 

Clarksville

Clarksville is a famous historical neighborhood and desirable neighborhood in Austin. It’s a short drive east to downtown Austin for those who want to go out downtown or need to commute. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to go along with the vibrant nightlife and entertainment. It’s a walkable community, home to the original Whole Foods and the famous Galaxy Cafe. The central location allows for residents to enjoy the urban center of downtown while living in a less densely populated but walkable neighborhood.

Allendale

For those looking for a more suburban feel with a lot of single-family homes, Allendale is the neighborhood for you. There are plenty of neighborhood parks and wide streets like any other suburb even though it is still inside Austin. Like other more densely populated neighborhoods, it is a walkable community with some multifamily homes for those who don’t need all the yard space. Allendale is centrally located and only about a 10 to 15-minute drive to any other part of the city. 

Hyde Park 

Hyde Park is another centrally located and desirable neighborhood to linge in. It’s near the UT campus which makes it a popular place to live for some college students. It’s also between two major highways giving local residents easy access to the rest of the city. While there are plenty of single-family homes in the area, there are also areas with mixed-use buildings with both residential and commercial spaces. These areas make for a walkable community where housing, shops, restaurants, and bars are all within the same area. 

East Austin

East Austin is one of the all-time great food and drink destinations in the county, not just the city. It’s home to Franklin’s BBQ, one of the most famous BBQ restaurants in the world and a popular tourist destination. There are many more options beyond Franklin’s when it comes to restaurants and bars. It’s also a walkable neighborhood like most areas in Austin which helps when you need to walk off all the food and drinks. 

78704

78704 is an interesting neighborhood because it has been rapidly growing in popularity over the last few years. The neighborhood provides a variety of both multifamily and single-family homes giving options to fit your housing needs. It’s close to downtown and walkable. The shopping and entertainment areas have a vibrant mixture of restaurants, bars, live music, and art. Some of the murals painted throughout the neighborhood are common sites on social media.

As Austin continues to grow and demand for housing rises, many landlords turn to property management services to stay competitive in a fast-moving rental market.

Seattle is one of the fastest-growing major cities in the united states which means many of the neighborhoods are growing and evolving. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the best community for you. Here are some of the best and most unique neighborhoods to consider when moving to Seattle or even if you’re just considering moving to a different neighborhood within the city: 

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a neighborhood that has grown with the extension of the light rail, making it easy for local residents to move throughout the city. It has reliable transit and provides a walkable lifestyle for the residents. There’s a mix of single-family and multifamily homes giving plenty of options when it comes to the type of home you’re looking for. 

For leisure and entertainment, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops as well as Jefferson Park which is the 6th largest park in the city. Within the park is also the food forest which is a large urban garden that provides food to those who need it locally.  

Ravenna

Ravenna is a quaint single-family home enclave within the city of Seattle. It has easy access to the I-5 freeway and borders the University of Washington neighborhood giving it a college-town vibe. The city originally grew around the university to provide housing to those who work at and attended the university. Most of the homes in the neighborhood are charming Craftsman and Tudor homes.  

Throughout Ravenna, there are little pockets of commercial space with plenty of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The neighborhood has good walkability with plenty of bike paths and bike lanes making it easy to access all the shops and restaurants without the need for a car. 

Columbia City

Columbia City is a walkable neighborhood with access to the light rail and other reliable transit. The neighborhood is more affordable than the neighborhoods on the north end of the city making it a desirable place to live. Genessee Park is a large green space for the local residents that provides plenty of walking paths and places to hang out with friends and family. As with most neighborhoods in Seattle, there are plenty of options when it comes to restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. There’s also a local farmer’s market every Wednesday afternoon for the local residents to enjoy. 

Ballard

Ballard is a coastal neighborhood with maritime and seafaring history. There’s a National Nordic Museum that highlights this history. The main attraction for locals is the Golden Gardens park with beaches and wetlands for locals to walk around and gather with friends and family. There’s also the Ballard Locks which has parks where residents can hang out and watch the boats navigate the channel. 

The neighborhood is full of boutique shops and restaurants, especially on Ballard Ave which is a great place to walk around and experience what Ballard has to offer. On Sundays, there is also a farmer’s market. For those who like beer, Ballard has a wide variety of famous and award-winning microbreweries. 

Georgetown

Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in Seattle. You can see it in the architecture and the design throughout the area. While there have been some new and modern development, it still has an old-town feel to it. There are plenty of art and murals throughout the community and old-school record shops. There’s even a major vintage arts and crafts mall for those who are shopping for antiques. 

The neighborhood is still zoned for light industrial so there is some manufacturing throughout the community and it is even where the local design center is. There’s plenty of art, charm, and character throughout the community along with the local restaurants, coffee shops, and microbreweries. It is truly a unique community for those who want to live in and experience a different part of town.

Even if you’re renting a home for just a year, decorating the rental in order to make it feel like home is an important step. This sets the tone for how you intend to take care of that property while injecting your own personality and tastes into it. Just because you don’t own the property, doesn’t mean you can’t spend some time and effort making it feel like your own. Here are some tips for decorating your rental home:

Communicate with your landlord

While it isn’t likely that all of your requests will get approved by your landlord especially the more expensive it gets, it is still worth the effort to see if your request is something your landlord is willing to do. This could be as simple as getting a new and more energy-efficient refrigerator or just painting the walls. There’s a good chance some of these issues are long overdue and the landlord was intending on doing them in the near future anyway. 

Use command strips

When it comes to hanging pictures and objects on the wall, you may not want to drill any holes in the wall and create damage to the walls if you intend on only living there for a year or two. Your lease also may not allow for any holes to be drilled in the wall. Command strips are an effective way to hang pictures and paintings on the wall and when you move out, you can simply just peel them away without leaving any kind of damage to the wall. 

Use removable flooring and wallpaper

If you don’t want to paint the walls and just want a quick fix, one option is to use wall decals that can be easily removed when moving out. They can also be changed regularly if you want to alter the look throughout your time in the unit. If you have an old linoleum floor that is unpleasant to look at, you can also use decals or peel and stick vinyl panels for the floors to make them more appealing and match your own style. 

Replace handles

One issue that plagues rental units is door handles, hinges, cabinet handles, and other fixtures can be either very basic or old and outdated. One simple and inexpensive fix is to just replace these with better-looking options that match your home decor. This is also very easy to do on your own and won’t’ require hiring anyone to do it for you. 

Use area rugs

If the carpet is old and outdated, the best way to cover them up is to use large area rugs to cover as much as the floor as possible. This will also help maintain the carpet under the rug and the look can be easily altered by a new rug if you decide to change it up. Even if you go the area rug route, be sure to do an annual deep cleaning of both the rug and the carpet to maintain a clean look.

When renting a home, a tenant is generally at the will of the landlord when it comes to customization. Because of this, many features of the home can be outdated, worn, or just visually unappealing. You can ask your landlord to make upgrades, but there are no guarantees it will be done.

One simple upgrade that can get done on your own is to replace light switches. This is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home a more modern and custom feel. Before replacing the light switch and plate, notify your landlord to inform what you intend to replace. Here’s how to replace a light switch: 

Step 1: Pick a light switch

There are a number of colors, styles, functions, and technologies to choose from. Make sure the switch and switch plate are going to match the color scheme/paint in your home. You can also decide to install a smart switch that will sync up to the rest of your smart home features. 

Step 2: Turn power off

Now that you selected your light switch, turn off the power to the switch you intend to replace from the breaker board. 

Step 3: Remove the switch plate

Use a screwdriver to remove the place. Once the switch plate is removed, use a voltage tester to make sure there is no electricity running through the wires.

Step 4: Remove switch

With a screwdriver, remove the screws which will release the switch from the electrical box. The wires will still be attached to the switch. Pull the switch out in order to remove the wires. 

Step 5: Detach wires

Mark the wires with tape so you know where to connect them to the new switch. Remove the wires from the switch. Some may require you to loosen the connection with a screwdriver. Another option is to change each wire one by one if you don’t have any tape to mark each wire. 

Step 6: Attach wires

Attach the wires to the corresponding terminals on the new switch. Connect the ground wire to the green ground wire terminal on the switch. 

Step 7: Secure switch

Push the switch back into the electrical box. Use the screws and screwdriver to secure the switch to the box. Screw them in tight enough to secure the switch to the box, but not so tight that you crack the electrical box. 

Step 8: Secure the switch plate

Use the screwdriver and secure the switch plate with the screws. You’ll want to secure it tight enough that it doesn’t move, but not so tight it cracks the plate, or risks any cracks if it is bumped. Once the switch plate is secured, turn the electricity back on through the breaker box and let there be light.

As a renter, a lot of your time is spent navigating and communicating with property managers and landlords. Landlords and property managers can be busy working with other clients or even their own personal careers. Since renting means certain tasks can’t be done on your own time and require the action of others, it is best to be prepared and efficient when it comes to making sure your needs are met as a renter. Here are some tips on how to do that: 

1: Show up prepared

Showing up with all the necessary paperwork a landlord or property manager will need can give you a competitive edge. This can be especially important in a tight housing market with a limited number of available rental units. Make sure you show up with references from former or current landlords, employers, and colleagues. You should also bring an up-to-date credit report. This can both expedite the process and help you get the unit over other potential candidates. 

2: Read the lease

Make sure you’re clear on all the fine points on the lease. There can be rules about guests, pets, and other basic points that might impact your decision to rent the unit. There also could be language in the lease about renting out a spare room on Airbnb. Make sure the rules on the lease are in line with how you plan to use the rental unit. If you have any questions, seek clarity with the property manager. 

3: Get everything in writing

Try to communicate with your landlord through official written channels at all times. If they have a website where issues can be submitted, always go through the website and follow up with an email. Make sure all communications through email are documented and saved to protect yourself down the line if any issues should arise. 

4: Protect your privacy

Even though you don’t own the property, you’re still entitled to your peaceful and private use of the property. If the landlord or property manager is constantly hanging around the unit, let them know it makes you feel uncomfortable. Also, allow them access to your unit without proper warning. Draw lines to protect your privacy and if they cross those lines, be firm and clear. 

5: Ask for repairs

Don’t be shy about asking for repairs. Landlords and property managers aren’t doing you any favors. It is their job to make sure you have a functional home. Unless you are responsible for something breaking, it is their job to handle the repairs. Give them a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs but don’t be hesitant to follow up with an email if you haven’t heard any updates in a day or two. Miscommunications and forgetfulness happen and sometimes and if a repair isn’t getting completed in a timely fashion, it doesn’t mean they are being negligent. A gentle reminder is sometimes all that is needed. 

6: Get renter’s insurance

Renter’s insurance is affordable and can protect you in multiple ways. It will protect you if your private property is stolen from your rental unit. It can also protect you if a guest was injured in your rental. It can also protect you from damages caused by others as well as damages from natural disasters. 

7: Protect your security deposit 

Do a thorough walkthrough before moving into the rental unit. Make sure you understand the laws and the language in the lease in regards to the security deposit. When you move out, be sure to ask for an itemized receipt for all the funds used from the security deposit. 

8: Secure your home

Make sure all the necessary and legally required safety measures have been taken in your unit. You’ll want to check that all exterior doors have property deadbolts and locks. Check the windows to make sure they lock properly. Inspect all the smoke detectors to see they function correctly and have batteries inside.