Finding an apartment or rental for 2-4 months at reasonable prices

[Sunny]

We want to try something different instead of our normal vacationing for a month. I think it would be interesting trying 1-2 locations for a longer period of time, preferably 2-4 months starting in January. I'm sure others have done this so a couple of questions:

1) Would $4,000-$5000 budget for lodging get us 2-4 months someplace? I'm guessing not a typical vacation rental from VRBO or AirBNB as we've paid half that for a week before but from traditional apartments? 2+ bedrooms would be ideal just in case our adult kids vacation down to wherever we are for a week or two.

2) Apartments.com seems to have a checkbox for short team leases, any other websites to use to find something like this?

3) Any pitfalls to look out for? Furnished, maybe utilities included but I guess those can be arranged, I'm sure there will be fees such as taxes.

4) Any insights on how to make sure the place isn't a dump or in a bad neighborhood? Google Earth to see the vicinity, and of course reviews. But any other thoughts?

5) Location wise the number one concern is nice weather, so we are quite open. Being near a coastline would be a big plus, but even someplace land locked like San Antonio would be on the table. I'm guessing coastal Southern California or Florida will be out of our lodging price range, but surely there are other parts of the country that won't be...at least I hope.

 

[street]

I can't be much of assistance on your questions but would it be possible to stay at a hotel that has accommodations for 2 to 4 months stay (small kitchen etc.)? It might be something you don't want to do but it maybe easier to find a place (hotel) since it is a short stay.

 

[ivinsfan]

Are you talking total of 4-5 K for 4 months...probably not doable mainly because even though Jan-Feb is a slower time March and April are more high demand.

What do you mean by nice weather because people's definition of that can vary wildly.

In most places a 30 day or longer rental will eliminate taxes. But expect the owner to want you to pay for a cleaning service at least monthly. Part of that is to make sure the property isn't being abused or trashed.

If you want productive advice try to narrow your choices down a little. You need to start seriously looking right now to have as many options as possible in your desired location. Someone looking for a President's day weekend or Spring break option can take the property off the market for your entire timeframe. Except for the real tourists destination owners love a secure 2-4 months income and will shoot you some amazing deals..you need to message them thru VRBO or Homeaway.

 

[Sunny]

...but would it be possible to stay at a hotel that has accommodations for 2 to 4 months stay (small kitchen etc.)?..

Actually, yes. Thanks for the reminder. A bigger place would be preferred, but we have actually stayed in some suites that we have joked we could live in them. So the correct long-term stay hotel could work.

Are you talking total of 4-5 K for 4 months...probably not doable mainly because even though Jan-Feb is a slower time March and April are more high demand.

Actually, even just January and February for $4000 would be fine, and maybe even in some ways preferable for our first time staying put in just one area vs vacationing through. I included March and April as I thought it'd be easier to get a lower rate if we stayed longer and / or more value for the money. Plus if our son joined us for a one week vacation it'd have to be in March (so March is desirable, but not required). But January and February are actually the months we are trying to avoid being home most (and typically when we take at least one 3 week trip).

What do you mean by nice weather because people's definition of that can vary wildly.

Dial me up sunny or partly cloudy mid 70s by day and whatever by night if you please. However, we'd be fine with areas that have average highs during our time there in the 60s, lows in the 40s. Prefer it not to be cloudy and rainy the majority of the time too. Or 90s.

...try to narrow your choices down a little. You need to start seriously looking right now to have as many options as possible in your desired location.

...Except for the real tourists destination owners love a secure 2-4 months income and will shoot you some amazing deals..you need to message them thru VRBO or Homeaway.

By narrow down, I assume you mean destinations? In a way, I was hoping there'd be some resources I'm not aware of to help do just that. I wish there was a kayak for airline flights type place for this sort of thing. + or - a 2 week period, for the months of January through March/April, list properties that have X criteria for Y price. Then I could look at those selections to pick a location. But I guess it doesn't work that way.

As for those amazing deals outside of vacation hotspots, any idea of what a typical deal may be? So let's say their nightly rate is $250, and weekly $1300 but they don't list a monthly. Typically, any idea what to hope for in an 8-12 week stay?

BTW, we are not opposed to staying in one spot of a month, then another for another month. In the past, we have moved nightly or had a week stay and a bunch of 2-3 day stays. I'd prefer a bit longer this time. One location would be great, but if somehow we found several longer term stays that'd be good to. But that is likely even more complex of a search.

 

[ivinsfan]

I don't know where you are located but our go to spot is St George Utah about 2 hours east of Vegas the rental VRBO is second to none IMO.

I've rented a 3 bedroom townhome with 2 master suites and a complex with a heated pool for an out of pocket cost of around 1700 a month. Now the weather might be at the bottom end of what you find desirable but the access to outdoor activity is second to none. My rental ended before President's Day due to a lot higher for that weekend alone. If you look now and find a place open for President's Day they most likely would work with you on a price for the entire month of Feb. These are 5 to 10 year townhomes or condos and there are literally dozens of them open for early winter.

If you have no interest in St George I won't go any farther but I have alot of knowledge in that area as a 15 winter renter..

 

[Scuba]

I think $2K/month is reasonable for a 1 BR apartment if not in a resort area. Best way is to message owners on VRBO, HomeAway, AirBnB, etc. Not practical to set up utilities, etc. for that short of a time period.

We rented a place in USVI for $1,700/month for 3 months. I agree that So CA probably not in your budget. We checked out South FL for a 3 month rental several months ago and couldn’t find anything we liked for less than $8K per month and even then, pickings were very slim.

 

[flintnational]

I would email VRBO and AirBnB owners. I researched this topic and IIRC, it is not uncommon to get monthly rentals for the price of 3 weeks or even 2 at the right time of year. Some will do monthly rentals others will not. I suspect it depends on demand and if it is peak or off peak season.

 

[harllee]

I agree with some others. I would find an area I like and then contact some owners on AirBnB or VRBO and explain that you are looking for a 2 month rental and see what kind of deal you can get. I have done this before and have gotten a substantial discount off the normal rate.

OP not sure where you are located or what your interests are but you can get some good deals along the South Carolina coast in the winter. The temps would not be as warm as Florida certainly but most days would be pleasant and you could do things outside, walk the beach, golf, play tennis, etc. You might want to look at Myrtle Beach (especially south of MB like Litchfield or Pawleys), Charleston, Hilton Head or even as far south as Jeykel Island. You could contact some rental agents in these areas and see what kind of deal you can get.

 

[FreeBear]

Does it have to be stateside? What about SE Asia, Mexico, Central America?



In the continental USA, what about SE Arizona? No water, but we loved the 70's and sunny weather in Feb. Will probably go again this year for our winter escape. Lots of rentals in Tucson, surely in Phoenix too.



The Gulf coast from the FL panhandle to TX is nice in April, after spring break. However, it seemed cold and damp in Jan. when we normally visit. Not sure if South Padre Island in TX is south enough to be much warmer.



Stay out of bad neighborhoods by googling "crime map" before renting or even booking a long hotel stay. If you drive and rent in the suburbs (instead of walking everywhere downtown), I suggest looking for Whole Foods locations. They tend to locate in nicer neighborhoods.

 

[urn2bfree]

My in laws who live in the Northeast, spend every Jan and Feb in Hawaii. In a small apartment. I am not sure how they find them. Perhaps thru a realtor. They have stayed in Oahu and Maui.

 

[ivinsfan]

My in laws who live in the Northeast, spend every Jan and Feb in Hawaii. In a small apartment. I am not sure how they find them. Perhaps thru a realtor. They have stayed in Oahu and Maui.

A great location but airfare and possible car rental costs really add to the budget. That's what is nice about domestic long term trips, use your own car, pay grocery store prices and the cost per night is reasonable.

 

[Fedup]

A great location but airfare and possible car rental costs really add to the budget. That's what is nice about domestic long term trips, use your own car, pay grocery store prices and the cost per night is reasonable.

Not really. I found the fare to Hawaii from LAX to Hawaii to be less than the cost from LAX to Lake Tahoe. I also found a lot of studio in Hawaii for less than $750 a week. In downtown Waikiki/Honolulu a studio can be rent for less than $100 a day.

 

[ivinsfan]

Not really. I found the fare to Hawaii from LAX to Hawaii to be less than the cost from LAX to Lake Tahoe. I also found a lot of studio in Hawaii for less than $750 a week. In downtown Waikiki/Honolulu a studio can be rent for less than $100 a day.

True the OP hasn't mentioned the general area they live in. From MSP airfare to Hawaii the airfare costs a pretty penny...

 

[RunningBum]

Profile says Iowa. So yeah, that's a haul to Hawaii.

 

[harllee]

OP I love Litchfield Beach SC. A beautiful beach, lots to do, nice restaurants, near Myrtle Beach but far enough south of the hustle and bustle, great golf. Winter highs average 57 in January and 60 in February. Cool but you can get outside with a jacket on and do things most days. Most days will be sunny. They have no snow or ice . We usually rent through the Litchfield Company, they have nice villas, townhouses, etc. I just googled Litchfield Company Winter Monthly Rental and they have many monthly rentals around $1500-2000 per month in the winter which includes some allowance for utilities. Litchfield Company is great to deal with. If the SC is not too far for you check it out, you will love it.

 

[W2R]

Caveat: I don't travel much so my advice is probably awful.

That said, if it was me I'd probably just get a room at the Extended Stay America or a similar extended stay place. This sounds like it would be right up their alley.

 

[pb4uski]

I understand from friends that Myrtle Beach is pretty affordable in the off-season.

 

[RAE]

I agree with some others. I would find an area I like and then contact some owners on AirBnB or VRBO and explain that you are looking for a 2 month rental and see what kind of deal you can get. I have done this before and have gotten a substantial discount off the normal rate.

This is exactly what we have done in recent years, for our winter rental. Last winter we got great deals on two different places in Texas. We stayed about 1.5 months at each place, and each owner gave us a big discount on the normal weekly price. I think we paid a total of about $4500 total, for the 3 months, which I felt was quite reasonable. Both houses were very nice.......nothing fancy, but very adequate for our needs. We did not stay in big resort areas, but both spots were very nice. As others have said, you do need to narrow down your search area, and then spend some time combing through the VRBO/HomeAway listings to see which ones are worth contacting. When you do call them, don't hesitate to mention what your maximum rental budget is (for the time period in question)..........I have done that a few times, and in most cases, the owner has agreed to accept that amount.

 

[Sunny]

We rented a place in USVI for $1,700/month for 3 months.

I haven't thought about USVI for a long time. Instead of doing an all-inclusive River Mayaa area resort like we did when we were working, I wondered about a trip to USVI. Not knowing much about it, and no resorts, never really looked into it. Is it a lot like the US? That price per month would be doable, but of course, we would have to fly, something I don't really like to do. But interesting thought.

I think $2K/month is reasonable for a 1 BR apartment if not in a resort area. Best way is to message owners on VRBO, HomeAway, AirBnB, etc. Not practical to set up utilities, etc. for that short of a time period.

Lots of people have suggested this now and I'll plan on taking this action once we narrow down the location. Hard to gauge pricing, but I suppose asking is the only way to find out. Thanks!

Does it have to be stateside? What about SE Asia, Mexico, Central America?

In the continental USA, what about SE Arizona?
...

Stay out of bad neighborhoods by googling "crime map" before renting or even booking a long hotel stay. If you drive and rent in the suburbs (instead of walking everywhere downtown), I suggest looking for Whole Foods locations. They tend to locate in nicer neighborhoods.

Good thoughts. And for the most part, probably stateside as I really don't like to fly. And as ivinsfan alluded to, having your own car is always nice.

And yes, we are in Iowa, making flying harder (costlier flying out of the DSM airport) but really driving most places in the continental U.S. is quite doable.

...Last winter we got great deals on two different places in Texas. We stayed about 1.5 months at each place, and each owner gave us a big discount on the normal weekly price. I think we paid a total of about $4500 total, for the 3 months, which I felt was quite reasonable. Both houses were very nice.......nothing fancy, but very adequate for our needs. ... When you do call them, don't hesitate to mention what your maximum rental budget is (for the time period in question)..........I have done that a few times, and in most cases, the owner has agreed to accept that amount.

I agree that would work very well for us (price and two locations). Not that it helps much in my search but I'm curious if you remember the towns in Texas you stayed in, just wondering if people focus more on the larger cities or find smaller, college towns.

The negotiating with VRBO, etc. owners sounds like the way to go, but I'll admit isn't something I am great at. But if we can find lots of places to try, maybe I'll get better at it.

Texas somewhere, Arizona, South Carolina area seem to be the leading candidates. Florida would be nice, but it looks like it is similar to California...out of my price range for lodging. Although I haven't looked at extended stays there, still need to do that. too.

Maybe it would be easier to get the state down first at least, lol.

 

[RAE]

I agree that would work very well for us (price and two locations). Not that it helps much in my search but I'm curious if you remember the towns in Texas you stayed in, just wondering if people focus more on the larger cities or find smaller, college towns.

The first place we stayed was in San Marcos, TX. College town, south of Austin. Our house was walking distance from the library, and lots of restaurants/bars/etc. in the downtown area. The second place we rented was in a more rural location (west of Austin), because I wanted to do some fishing. Huge house in that spot, for a bargain rental rate, but maybe more rural than you are looking for. Both places advertised much higher rental rates than we paid, so you do have to call and negotiate, for the best deal. In some of these non-resort, non-tropical locations, the owners have a hard time renting these houses during the coldest winter months, so I find that they are often willing to negotiate a deal, especially for longer-term stays.

 

[ivinsfan]

Try to start looking now so you have options. I am a VRBO user as my area in awash in VRBO properties.

I usually look for a place with several good reviews, but I sometimes make an exception. I rented an almost new property with no reviews as I saw the owner used a rental agent who was a licensed real estate broker. I was able to google the broker on line and felt he was legit. When I mentioned the lack of reviews he acknowledged it was a stumbling block and offered me a greatly discounted price with the hope I would review the property. Best service and property ever.

I never talk to most owners, I use the VRBO interface and type a personal message. I usually mention a little about myself, saying we are snowbirds and like the area. I mention we have a farm business and own farmland. I usually say I like the look of their rental and since I know it's not really a busy time of year if they would consider giving me a reduced rate for 30 or 60 days or however long I need. I also always mention that over 30 days rentals don't pay taxes and ask for an all in price with no add ons. I will ask for a cell phone number and some owners do like to call and talk to you personally.

Cancellations penalty are another issue, as are initial payments. Some want 25% at booking, some 50 and some want the whole amount.I Usually won't work with whole amount owners. Many have 60 day cancellations with different penalty amounts.

The ST George area is so full of rentals I usually don't even start looking till around 30 days ahead of time, which means I am inside all cancellation windows anyway. If your area doesn't have a lot of available properties you won't have much pricing power. For example I have yet to find a great value in a rental in Moab Ut..home to Arches, canyonlands, Dead Horse because even a motel room in that town can run you 200 bucks.

Be very careful in the Phoenix area, I've been at a high end property there that turned scary after around 3 blocks. Sedona is nice but will cost you.

 

[Scuba]

I haven't thought about USVI for a long time. Instead of doing an all-inclusive River Mayaa area resort like we did when we were working, I wondered about a trip to USVI. Not knowing much about it, and no resorts, never really looked into it. Is it a lot like the US? That price per month would be doable, but of course, we would have to fly, something I don't really like to do. But interesting thought.



The USVI is a US territory so the currency is US $, you don’t need a passport to go there, and everyone speaks English. Those are the main similarities. Culturally, it is very different than the US. The pace of life is much slower. Since it was a British colony, everyone drives on the other side of the road vs the US. Scenically, I think it is more beautiful than anywhere in the US, including Hawaii. It has mountains and rain forests, along with beautiful beaches with turquoise water and white sand. It gets far fewer tourists than Hawaii so it has more of an exotic feel. There is no Costco and not very many US chain places. We absolutely love spending time there.

There are resorts, but no all-inclusives that I know of. Also, the USVI sustained significant damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 so many if not all of the larger resorts are still closed. Resorts would cost far more than your budget, however. The beaches have regained their pre-hurricane beauty.

One thing I didn’t consider when I suggested USVI is car rental costs. Car rental will run at least $1K/month, and the public transport there cannot be relied upon to really experience what the islands have to offer. Also, because it is an island and most food has to be shipped in, restaurants are more expensive as are groceries. If you just went to the beach and hiked and enjoyed the outdoors, while eating most meals at home, you could probably get by on a total of $4K/month. If you eat out at some nice restaurants, order drinks at the beach, and engage in expensive sports like diving and zip lining, the cost can quickly grow to $6K or more per month.

 

[Moemg]

I would think the places to look for a bargains are any of the areas close but not affected by the hurricanes . My daughter just got back from Myrtle Beach and she got a great deal.

 

[harllee]

There are probably some excellent winter bargains right now in the Myrtle Beach area. Personally I like the area south of Myrtle Beach better than MB proper, like Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. Less crowded, less touristy. The area a little south of MB was less affected by hurricane Florence. Not sure how hurricane Michael affected the SC coast, I don't think it was a big problem there.

 

[Fedup]

I haven't thought about USVI for a long time. Instead of doing an all-inclusive River Mayaa area resort like we did when we were working, I wondered about a trip to USVI. Not knowing much about it, and no resorts, never really looked into it. Is it a lot like the US? That price per month would be doable, but of course, we would have to fly, something I don't really like to do. But interesting thought.



The USVI is a US territory so the currency is US $, you don’t need a passport to go there, and everyone speaks English. Those are the main similarities. Culturally, it is very different than the US. The pace of life is much slower. Since it was a British colony, everyone drives on the other side of the road vs the US. Scenically, I think it is more beautiful than anywhere in the US, including Hawaii. It has mountains and rain forests, along with beautiful beaches with turquoise water and white sand. It gets far fewer tourists than Hawaii so it has more of an exotic feel. There is no Costco and not very many US chain places. We absolutely love spending time there.

There are resorts, but no all-inclusives that I know of. Also, the USVI sustained significant damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 so many if not all of the larger resorts are still closed. Resorts would cost far more than your budget, however. The beaches have regained their pre-hurricane beauty.

One thing I didn’t consider when I suggested USVI is car rental costs. Car rental will run at least $1K/month, and the public transport there cannot be relied upon to really experience what the islands have to offer. Also, because it is an island and most food has to be shipped in, restaurants are more expensive as are groceries. If you just went to the beach and hiked and enjoyed the outdoors, while eating most meals at home, you could probably get by on a total of $4K/month. If you eat out at some nice restaurants, order drinks at the beach, and engage in expensive sports like diving and zip lining, the cost can quickly grow to $6K or more per month.

We had a good time at the StJohn’s villa we rented for our 10th anniversary. So many wild life there, it’s was kind of spooky. But it made an impression on my youngest child, she’s now a world traveler.
We try to be back there sometime in the future.