Are you in the market for a new place to live and wondering whether or not getting a 2-bedroom house for rent is the right move for you? Since 1910, homes in the US have been expanding by an average of 74% nationwide, making finding a “smaller” place with “only” two bedrooms feel challenging.
However, for many renters, two bedrooms are ideal. 2-bedroom houses for rent provide many benefits, such as lower rent costs, easier upkeep and cleaning, and more intimate living spaces. Plus, with more people opting out of having kids, there’s often little need to rent larger homes with more than three bedrooms.
Considering what’s best for you is ultimately the way to go, though. Follow along as we explore the benefits and drawbacks of renting a 2-bedroom home and how to find the ideal rental for your needs and lifestyle.
Renting a Family Home vs. Apartment
Are you a renter looking for a new place to call home in Memphis? The first thing to consider is whether you want a house or an apartment. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks (like size, which we’ll get into below), so weighing your options is important.
Living in a House
A house offers more space and privacy than an apartment. A house is ideal if you have a family because you have more room for children and pets. You can also enjoy a yard and maybe even a patio.
Regarding maintenance, you’re likely responsible for caring for the inside and outside of the house, which isn’t always ideal. However, you have more freedom to customize the space however you want.
So, what’s our biggest tip for renting a family home instead of an apartment? When renting a house, consider your landlord and management services.
Be aware that individual landlords rather than large corporations typically own houses. This means the landlord will be more hands-on and accessible. You can expect the landlord to be more responsive and involved in maintaining the property. They’ll also be the ones you contact if there’s an issue or emergency.
Maintenance-wise, if a service needs to be done out-of-hours or over a holiday, the choice of contractor could fall to you. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many renters prefer a more personal touch regarding their living space.
Living in an Apartment
Living in an apartment has its own set of benefits. You don’t have to worry about maintenance since the landlord handles it. You can also access amenities like a pool, gym, and laundry facilities. If you’re single or a couple, an apartment might be a better option than a house as you’ll have less area to clean.
In terms of management services, apartments are typically owned by large property management companies. This means you’ll have less direct contact with the owner.
However, the management company will have a maintenance, repair, and customer service team. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with maintenance issues yourself, as there will always be someone you can contact.
Average Home Sizes in the US
Have you decided to live in a house? Great!
You’re likely searching for 2-bedroom houses for rent now. And when choosing a rental house, size matters. But what exactly is considered an average home size in the US?
According to Apartment Therapy, single-family homes were, on average, 1,525 square feet in the 1970s. In 2018, the average single-family home had grown to over 2,435 square feet.
However, as you likely know as a renter, the size of a home can feel different depending on how it’s laid out and how the bedrooms are distributed. For example, having a larger living room can make up for a lack of a third bedroom. Or, having a larger master bedroom can make the space feel larger than it actually is.
Average Living Room Size
As mentioned, the size of a home’s various rooms can make a 2-bedroom home feel larger than it is. After all, the living room is where we spend a lot of our time when we’re at home. So, what’s the average living room size these days?
The average living room in the US is around 340 square feet. Of course, this can vary depending on the location and type of home. Larger homes may have larger living rooms, while apartments may have smaller ones.
Most statistics show that a living room takes up about 15% of the space in a smaller home (i.e., a home with less square footage, not fewer bedrooms). However, it takes up only 8% of the space in a larger home.
It’s important to remember that size isn’t the only thing that matters in a living room. The layout, lighting, and furniture also make the space feel cozy and inviting.
Average Bedroom Size
What about room sizes regarding bedrooms? That matters, too! This is especially true if you’re renting a 2-bedroom apartment and feel like it will be too small for you.
According to Credit Donkey, the master bedroom is an incredibly important feature in homes these days, with builders noting you’ll see a master bedroom in 100% of their builds. They’re quite large these days, too, with the average main bedroom coming in at 309 square feet.
When taken into account with other bedrooms or general “rooms” in the home used as bedrooms, the average bedroom size is about 219 square feet (according to the most recent data available, which was reported in 2020).
Again, though, this can vary depending on the home and location.
Why Size Matters
We said it above, and we’re about to say it again: size matters when renting a 2-bedroom house. Sure, you may think that two bedrooms are enough for you and your roommate or small family, but the truth is that the size of the bedrooms and living spaces can make a big difference in how comfortable and spacious your living environment feels.
Let’s start with the bedrooms.
The whole house can feel cramped and uncomfortable if the bedrooms are too small. You may feel like you have no private space, and fitting all your furniture and belongings in the room can be difficult. On the other hand, if the bedrooms are spacious, it can make the whole house feel more open and airy, even if the other rooms are smaller.
Additionally, the size of the living spaces can greatly impact the overall feel of the house. If the living room or kitchen is too small, it’ll be difficult to entertain guests or move around comfortably. But if the living spaces are more open and spacious, you can easily host gatherings or cook meals without feeling cramped.
The bottom line?
When looking for a 2-bedroom house to rent, it’s important to consider the size of the bedrooms and living spaces. If you feel like two bedrooms are too small, look for a place with more square footage, as it’s often not the number of bedrooms that matters but the size of the rooms. It may cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for the extra comfort and spaciousness.
Benefits of Renting a Single-Family Home
When finding the perfect home to rent, many people consider apartments their only option. However, there are several benefits to renting a single-family home that may make it a more appealing choice.
More Space for Your Money
One of the main advantages of renting a single-family home is the amount of space you get for your money. For example, you can typically find nice 2-bedroom houses for rent at a similar price to a 2-bedroom apartment. But with a house, you’ll likely get more square footage, including a larger living room, dining room, and outdoor space.
Greater Privacy and Flexibility
Another benefit of renting a single-family home is the greater privacy and flexibility it provides. When renting an apartment, you often have to deal with noisy neighbors, shared walls, and limited storage space. With a house, you have more control over your living situation and can enjoy a much more private and peaceful living environment.
More Outdoor Space
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, a single-family home may be much better than an apartment. Many homes have a backyard or patio, providing a relaxing and entertaining area. If you have kids or are renting with a pet, a yard can also be a particularly valuable feature.
Greater Control Over Your Living Environment
Finally, when you rent a single-family home, you typically have more control over your living environment. For example, you can usually paint the walls or make other customizations to the property to make it feel more like your own. This can be especially beneficial if you plan to stay in the home for a long time.
Tips for Finding 2-Bedroom Houses for Rent
As you start your search for a new home, it can be tempting to focus solely on the number of bedrooms. However, as mentioned, the size and layout of those bedrooms are also important factors to consider. Here are some tips for finding the perfect 2-bedroom house for rent.
Measure the Bedrooms
Measuring the size of the bedrooms can help ensure that your furniture will fit comfortably and that you have enough space for all your belongings. Don’t just rely on the landlord’s description or property photos. Take a tape measure with you and measure the dimensions yourself.
Consider Your Rental Budget
While a larger bedroom may be desirable, it may have a higher price tag. Determine what you can realistically afford to pay in rent each month and factor in the potential utility costs as well. Remember that having a smaller bedroom may be worth the monetary savings, especially if you’re not home much to notice the difference in the size of the rooms.
Check the Layout
Even if the bedrooms are the same size, their layout can make a big difference. A bedroom with a large closet or a walk-in closet may be more valuable than one with a smaller closet or no closet. Consider whether you need an en-suite bathroom for one of the bedrooms or if a shared bathroom will suffice.
Consider the Storage Options
2-bedroom houses for rent may range from those with no storage to those with ample storage. Carefully consider the available storage options and whether you have enough room for all your items. Closets and cabinets are great but don’t forget about other storage areas like garages, attics, and sheds.
Check for Amenities
Some 2-bedroom houses for rent may come with amenities such as a pool or a gym, especially in a gated community. While these may not be necessary for everyone, they can add value to the property. Determine which amenities are most important to you and search for properties that offer those options.
Single-Family Property Management
When looking for a new rental, opting for a single-family property managed by a property management company can make your life as a tenant much easier. These companies handle everything from maintenance and repairs to collecting rent, leaving you with fewer headaches and more time to enjoy your home.
For example, if a pipe bursts in your kitchen, the property management company will send a repair person to fix the issue without you having to search through a list of contractors and wait days (or even weeks) for a solution. Plus, because property managers typically have experience handling legal and financial matters related to renting, you can trust that you’ll be in good hands.
In addition, rental homes that property management companies manage are often subject to higher standards of upkeep and maintenance. These companies have a reputation to uphold, so they’re more likely to invest in quality repairs and upgrades to keep their tenants happy.
Overall, choosing a single-family rental property managed by professionals can make your life as a tenant both smoother and more comfortable.
Find 2-Bedroom Houses for Rent in Memphis
Ready to start your search? Find 2-bedroom houses for rent in Memphis right here. At Reedy & Company, we manage over 3,500 rental properties in Memphis and the surrounding area, ensuring we’ve likely got the right fit for you just waiting for you to move in!
