Finding an apartment without being able to visitFollow

I'm going to be starting a job in the Norwich, CT early in January. Problem is, due to my current job and financial situation, I probably won't be able to actually go there until shortly before I start work, so apartment hunting will have to be done entirely remotely. Does anybody have any familiarity with the Norwich area, or any tips on doing this without ending up with a dump for an apartment?

Feel for you, blind hunting isn't fun.

Google is your friend. Street view, crime maps etc. How about the new job? Is there someone there you could e-mail and ask for some tips about places to live? Give the local Police/Fire a call at some point, they'll know the neighborhoods well. As for apts. ugh, that's tough. They'll always show their best side on their websites, etc. And the apartment finder sites are hit and miss with their reviews. Sign a short lease (or go month to month if they let you) that way you can get out quickly once you have time to learn the area better.

Best of luck!

Check out the weekly/daily motel rates. Might be a few bucks, but better than signing a lease for who knows how long for a dump.

If you absolutely have to do it, at least get them to give you a comprehensive representation as to the state of the property before you agree. But really, if you can rent a place while you look around then that'd be best.

You can use the professional appartment finders in the area. I did it when I moved to Austin years back.