Last Updated on 2023-06-25
It is challenging to recommend a “good” house as everyone has different preferences. It is easier to find a suitable house by listing your own preferences, such as budget, distance, lighting, flooring, and so on.
Factors to Consider When Renting Off-Campus Housing
Price
Consider your budget and the overall value for money. Determine if you’re willing to compromise on living conditions for a lower rent, such as sharing a living room or living farther away from campus. Evaluate the percentage of housing costs in relation to your tuition and other living expenses.
Location
Since you’ll need to commute to campus, most Taiwanese students tend to rent in areas like North Oakland, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill, where there are more housing options and opportunities to interact with other students. However, if you have a flexible schedule, especially during the pandemic when many people are studying or working from home, areas like South Side or East Liberty may offer better affordability, though housing options might be limited. If you don’t have a vehicle, consider the proximity to bus stops and supermarkets.
Transportation
Buying a car is not an immediate necessity for newcomers. Pittsburgh has a well-developed bus network, and with your Pitt or CMU student or work ID, you can enjoy free bus rides. Most school facilities, supermarkets, and pharmacies are easily accessible by bus. Additionally, during the semester, Pitt and CMU provide campus shuttles during the day, and CMU offers the Escort shuttle service at night (operating from 6:30 pm to 6:30 am). Refer to the Pittsburgh Public Transportation section for more details.
Pitt and CMU are conveniently located near common bus routes as well as supermarkets and pharmacies. Baihe Supermarket and Sambok Korean Groceries are located outside the left area of the map along the 54 and 86 bus routes.
Apartment/House
Please refer to the section on House vs. Apartment section.
Roommate
Before moving in together, it’s important to discuss each other’s living habits and preferences, such as rent and utility sharing, joint purchases, cleaning responsibilities, visitor policies, etc.
Environmental cleanliness and financial matters often become sources of disputes, so it’s crucial to avoid taking advantage of each other and maintain a harmonious relationship. If you’re unsure about the distribution of rent and utilities, seek advice from others and actively communicate with your prospective roommate to reach a consensus.
Property Management Company / Landlord
Issues with the house are inevitable, so having a responsive and prompt landlord who addresses repairs and maintenance is essential. Prior to moving in, inquire about the cleanliness, pest control, and other relevant aspects. This information is usually obtained through word of mouth, so make sure to ask people who are already in Pittsburgh.
If you’re taking over someone else’s lease, especially in the case of apartments, property management may not have the responsibility to clean before your arrival.
House Showing and Roommate Finding
Typically, in April, vacant rooms start becoming available, and May is when you’ll find the highest number of listings. After May, the availability of rooms gradually decreases. While viewing the property in person provides a sense of assurance, it’s also important to consider the availability of listings. For finding roommates, you can utilize platforms like PTT, TSS Facebook groups, Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA), or join WeChat groups specifically for rental housing.
If possible, conduct virtual tours to see the property, as photos often differ from reality. Additionally, gather feedback from others regarding the area or building’s reputation.
Rental Search
Property management companies typically have dedicated websites with listings for multiple apartments. Private rentals can be found on rental listing websites or through WeChat groups.
Popular property management companies:：
- Forbes Management
- Meyer’s Management
- McQuarters Realty
- Portal Place
- Sherwood Towers
- Sterling Land
- Reinhold Residential
- Rockwell Reality
Other property management companies：
- Franklin West
- Kenmawr apartments
- McKinney
- Mozart Management
- Steiner-realty
- Oak Hill Apartment
未列出的物業管理公司可能是評價較差或資料欠缺。基於法律因素，本手冊不列出評價不高的物業管理公司。
The well-known apartment rental sites：
Rental Surveys
Common apartment survey results (click on the image):
Frequency Asked Questions
Is it worth renting or living in the living room?
Many individuals opt to rent out the living room in a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom (2b2b) apartment in exchange for reduced rent. However, it’s important to note that there is a significant price disparity between a 2b1b and a 2b2b apartment. In terms of both affordability and the convenience of utilizing the living space, a 2b1b apartment often presents a more competitive and appealing option.
Renting the living room typically costs around $500-$600. Unfortunately, the separation between the living room and other areas is often limited to curtains or office dividers, which may compromise privacy. Moreover, it can be challenging to avoid kitchen odors emanating from roommates’ cooking activities. In contrast, renting a studio apartment allows for better control over kitchen usage and mitigates such concerns. Additionally, conversations among roommates entering the apartment or visits from guests can occasionally lead to disruptions. Consequently, investing an extra $100-$250 per month (approximately 5-10% of annual tuition) to secure a studio apartment or share a 2b1b apartment can significantly enhance one’s quality of life. It is also worth considering the possibility of renting a room in a house, where the average cost per person ranges from $550 to $700, offering a relatively favorable cost-performance ratio.