Looking for an Affordable Apartment

Where to start…

Many people call or come to HOPES Center looking for an affordable apartment. Unfortunately, HOPES does not have any apartments, doesn’t “help people find a unit,” and doesn’t have any fast connections to a unit. Here is some information on housing resources and some suggestions for people who are unfamiliar with the process of looking for an apartment.

If you are staying with friends or relatives, we always suggest that you stay there as possible and as long as it is safe. We recommend that you be a good house guest and that you use the opportunity to start saving for a security deposit and first month’s rent as you start your apartment search. If you believe can afford an apartment, start saving where you are to build up funds for a security deposit and first month’s rent.

Online Search

These days, many units are listed online and you can search for an apartment any place you can get on a computer or use your phone. Here are some useful sites to search for apartments:

  • affordablehousing.com: This site replaced gosection8 and often has some of the lower priced units listed.

  • apartmentfinder.com: Search by Bedrooms and Price

  • apartmentguide.com : You can start with a zip code or neighborhood and then narrow your search from their by bedrooms, price, etc.

  • apartmentlist.com: You put in criteria (such maximum rent, bedrooms, neighborhood, etc.) and it helps narrow the search.

  • craigslist.com : On Craigslist you can look for apartments, as well as rooms for rent and people who want to share a room

  • Facebook Market Place: You can also look for apartments on Facebook.

  • forrent.com: This site allows you to select your price range and the number of bedrooms and baths,

  • trulia.com : Trulia’s search filters include pets for people who have pets.

  • zillow.com : Various search features by neighborhood, price range, rooms, etc.

Property Managers

Many of the properties listed online are more expensive than some people can afford. Some of the more affordable units may not be listed. Property managers who have affordable properties in Racine include:

  • Banner Management: (262) 632-4451 - Office located at 1000 Villa St. (corner of 10th and Villa)

  • Berrada Properties: (262) 236-0368 - A Milwaukee company with apartment buildings in Racine. Racine office located at 4023 Erie St.

  • Guy Lloyd: (262) 632 - 4566

  • Image Real Estate Inc: (262) 898-1180 - Office located at 3042 Douglas

  • Johnny Ward: (262) 822-1325

  • Landquest: (262) 658-1400 - Office is located at 4419 Washington Rd., Kenosha, but they usually have listings in both Kenosha and Racine

  • Pride Management, LLC: (262) 598-7806 - Office located at 1245 Douglas Ave - Pride manages many units in Racine.

  • Smart Asset Realty: (262) 232-8738 - Office is located in Waukesha, but they often have listings in Racine

Looking and Asking Around

Although online searches and property managers can direct you to most of the apartments for rent in Racine, some people have units that are not listed and are not under a property management company. Driving or walking around looking for “For Rent” signs in areas you would like to live can sometimes locate an unlisted property. Asking people at apartment buildings if they know if there are any vacancies or upcoming vacancies may help, as well as asking friends and family and letting people know that you are looking for a certain type of apartment and the price you want to pay.

Keep Trying

There is no easy solution to looking for an apartment in Racine, because the number of people looking seems to be more than the number of affordable units available for rent. Landlords often don’t immediately return calls. Sometimes units are listed, but have already been rented out. Don’t give up. Keep calling people back and keep looking, especially once you have saved a security deposit and 1st month’s rent. Once you have your security deposit ready, searching every day helps you find and secure a unit as soon as it is available.

Post-Pandemic Housing Crisis

Finding affordable housing in Racine has been a challenge for years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more difficult. Units are hard to find, rental prices have increased, and in some cases security deposits have increased. It is even more challenging for people who have recent evictions and judgments for money against them. To find an affordable unit takes a lot of work and searching on a daily basis and having funds available when one is located.

Satisfying any judgments for money, increasing credit scores, and saving money for security deposits and rent definitely help in the process of securing affordable housing. If you have credit challenges, the Financial Empowerment Center offers free financial counseling that can help you get your finances in a better position for renting a unit.