| Rooms. One of the least expensive
housing options is to rent a room in a house, often with a
family or older person. Use of house facilities (e.g. laundry,
kitchen, yard) varies greatly, and may be severely restricted.
Rooms are often furnished with a bed, desk, dresser, etc.
Occasionally rent can be reduced or eliminated in exchange
for yardwork, housework or childcare.
Average Rent 4/07: $700
Places to Share. This can be
an apartment or house where the current occupants are seeking
housemates to fill a vacant room. Rent varies greatly, depending
on the type of rental and the number of people sharing.
In most shares, each person has a private bedroom and the
rest of the rental is shared equally. Rooms in shared households
generally are unfurnished.
Average Rent 4/07: $860
Apartments. Most apartments are
part of a complex, but occasionally they are separate units
in a house or attached to a house. Apartments may include
some or all of the following amenities: pool, laundry facilities,
private patio or balcony, and private parking.
Average Rents 4/07:
Studio $1,100
1 bedroom $1,400
2 bedrooms $1,800
3 bedrooms $2,600
Cottages. A small house,
usually on the property of a larger house occupied by the
owner. Cottages are in very high demand because of their
relative privacy.
Average Rent 4/07:
Studio $1,300
1 bedroom $1,650
2 bedroom $1,925
Houses. A house offers greater
space and privacy than any other option, but is expensive.
Houses are more likely than apartments or condominiums to
have (individual) garage parking and yards.
Average Rents 4/07:
2 bedrooms $2,400
3 bedrooms $3,100
4 bedrooms $4,500
Condominiums. These are apartment-like
units owned by individuals and rented out. A condo usually
has many amenities, but is otherwise just like an apartment.
They are somewhat more expensive than apartments.
Average Rents 4/07:
2 bedrooms $1,965
3 bedrooms $2,700
Work Exchange. A room in a house
is sometimes exchanged for work (usually yardwork, housework,
or childcare.) The hours required and use of house facilities
vary greatly. To avoid misunderstandings, a written contract
of work expected and hours required is a good idea.
No rent or reduced rent.
Temporary. A listing in any of
the above categories where the unit is available for three
months or less.
Rent varies.
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