Best Housing Options for US Immigrants (2024)

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

You’ve secured your US visa and are ready for the next big step in your immigration journey to America — finding a place to live. Apartment hunting or finding a home in big US cities can be tough for anyone, especially for immigrants. From figuring out where to live to meeting rental requirements (US credit score and Social security number), there’s a lot to consider.

But don’t worry! If you’ve recently got your US visa and are getting ready to move, we’ve got you covered. Renting in the US might seem tricky at first, but there are plenty of options available. In this blog, we’ll explore the best housing choices for immigrants, share expert tips, and answer common questions to make your search easier.

Lease requirements and rules in the US

Renting a home or apartment in the US as an immigrant involves navigating various requirements, many of which are similar to those faced by US citizens. However, there are some additional considerations and potential challenges to be aware of.

Let’s take a look at the requirements to lease an apartment in the US:

Short term rental options

Short-term housing is perfect for immigrants who need a place to stay for a few weeks to several months. It’s a great way to have a stable and flexible home while you get settled in your new country and look for a permanent place to live.

Pros of Short-Term Housing

• Flexibility: Rent on a month-to-month basis, giving you the freedom to explore different neighborhoods, cities, states, and neighborhoods before committing to a long-term home.
• Furnished Options: Move into a fully furnished space, so you don’t have to worry about buying furniture right away.
• All-Inclusive: Some short-term housing options provide utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance services included in your rent.
• Book Ahead: Find a place to stay ahead of your arrival in the US, allowing you to move stress-free
• Easier to get approved. Traditional landlords typically require a US credit score, 3x monthly income to rent ratio and prior rental history. Flexible short term rentals usually have much easier requirements

Cons of Short-Term Housing

• Higher Cost: These rentals can be more expensive per month compared to long-term leases.
• Temporary Solution: You’ll eventually need to find a more permanent home, which means moving again.

Best short term lease sites

June Homes

June is one of the top choices for US immigrants looking for flexible and convenient short-term housing. You can browse listings, check availability, and complete the entire visa-friendly application process online, which doesn’t require a U.S. credit score! This makes it incredibly convenient if you’re an immigrant who is still abroad, or just arriving in the US.

June offers studio, one-bedroom and multi bedroom apartment leases. If you’re looking to move into a larger, multi-bedroom apartment but don’t have a roommate(s), They carefully vet potential roommates through background checks to ensure a safe and compatible living arrangement for you. You can learn more about how June Home works here.

Additionally, qualifying for June is easier compared to other short-term housing options, as they accept foreign credit, foreign bank statements, and guarantors.

Benefits of June:

• Easier to get approved: June accepts bank statements or proof of funds from your previous country of residence, unlike traditional landlords who usually don’t recognize foreign income or savings.
• Flexible leases: You can rent for 1-18 months and choose to extend your lease at any time.
• Furnished or unfurnished spaces: You can choose to rent any home fully furnished and equipped, or unfurnished.
• Shared or entire homes: You can choose to live with roommates, or alone.
• Resident services: Easily submit maintenance requests and get 24/7 support through the Resident Portal.

June Homes has apartments and homes to rent in New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Dallas, and New Jersey. Check out their website for any updates on new cities added.

Blueground

Blueground is another great option for US immigrants looking for a hassle-free, flexible, and comfortable place to stay. With fully furnished apartments designed by professional interior decorators, Blueground apartments are made to feel like home from the day you move to the US. Each apartment comes equipped with modern conveniences like high-speed Wi-Fi, smart home entertainment systems, and dedicated workspaces.

You can easily view the latest apartment listings online and book your new home instantly, making the transition to your new life in the US smooth and stress-free. While Blueground does not offer a roommate matching service like June, it’s an ideal choice for immigrants who prefer living independently and building their community once they arrive.

Benefits of Blueground:

• Fully furnished apartments: No need to worry about buying furniture or household items.
• Flexible leases: Rent month-to-month if you want to explore the neighborhood or city, before committing long-term.
• All inclusive amenities: Rent includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance—so you can focus on settling in without the hassle of setting up services.
• 24/7 support: Get help whenever you need it with the Blueground mobile app.

Blueground offers apartments in major US cities including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Seattle, and Miami.

Landing

Landing offers a unique membership-based network of furnished apartments with flexible lease options across the US. This platform is particularly appealing to US immigrants who are exploring different states, cities, or neighborhoods and aren’t yet settled on a permanent location.

Finding a furnished apartment through Landing is simple and convenient, whether you’re browsing online or using the app. Once you discover a home that fits your needs, you can reserve it and then undergo a background and credit check to qualify for membership.

With the Landing membership, you gain access to a range of benefits, including the ability to transfer to other apartments within their network with just two weeks’ notice. This flexibility allows you to experience different living environments and communities as you adjust to life in the US.

Benefits of Landing:

• No security deposit or application fee: Unlike many other short-term housing options, Landing does not require residents to pay security deposits or application fees.
• Flexible leases: While Landing offers short-term leases, they also provide the option for longer stays.
• Ability to move locations: Once you’re a Landing member, you can transfer to another apartment within their network with just a 2 weeks’ notice.
• Tech powered: From check in, cleaning, to maintenance requests, you can do it all from the Landing app.

Landing has apartments across over 375+ cities in the U.S., including Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and more. Check out their website to see all cities.

Common

Looking to make connections and feel at home in the US? Common is a wonderful choice for US immigrants eager to build a sense of community. Offering private rooms within shared suites across the country, Common ensures you will have a comfy, furnished bedroom with all the essentials.

Each Common home features cozy communal spaces perfect for get-togethers like potluck dinners or movie nights with your new friends! You can also stay connected and engaged with fellow residents and suitemates through the Common app, where you can join community events and chat with neighbors.

Common also takes care of supplying and restocking household essentials, like paper towels, toilet papers, and even coffee — so, you can focus on settling in and meeting new people.

Benefits of Common:

• Community living: Shared living spaces and community events create a supportive environment for US immigrants looking to build friendships.
• Cost effective: Common members save over $500 every month over renting a traditional studio apartment.
• Convenient amenities: Common provides essential household items and services, so you can focus more on immigrating to the US.
• Flexible leases:You can choose any lease duration that suits your needs.
• User friendly app: The Common app can be used for chatting with your suitemates, finding community events, and managing service requests.

Common has suites in over 15 popular U.S. cities including Austin, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, and more. Check out their website to see all locations.

Furnished Quarters

If you’re looking for a short-term, furnished apartment with a touch of luxury, Furnished Quarters is a great option. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed by their in-house team, ensuring stylish and curated aesthetics in unique historic buildings and prime locations. These homes come fully equipped with all essentials and modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

Plus, with 24/7 on-demand support, you can easily handle maintenance requests or find services like the best dog walker in town. Additionally, Furnished Quarters offers exclusive discounts on local gyms, fitness studios, museums, restaurants, and more, enhancing your stay with added perks and benefits.

Benefits of Furnished Quarters:

• All-Inclusive Living: Fully furnished apartments with modern decor and essential amenities like Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and fully equipped kitchens. Some locations feature added perks like fitness centers, pools, and lounges.
• Luxurious, Yet Cost-Effective: Rates are 30-50% lower than average hotel prices.
• 24/7 Guest Service: Provides round-the-clock support to ensure a seamless experience for all guests.
• Discounts and Perks: Exclusive discounts on local gyms, fitness studios, museums, restaurants, and more.

Furnished Quarters has properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, White Plains, Boston, Cambridge, Hoboken, Jersey City, Stamford, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley.

Bungalow

Bungalow offers short-term rentals with a focus on flexibility and community living. They provide both private rooms in shared homes, as well as entire homes, in various cities across the United States. They offer convenient leases from 4 to 24 months, making it an ideal solution for US immigrants looking for short-medium term stays.

With Bungalow, you can book a virtual tour and sign a lease in as little as 24 hours. Their requirements are also pretty straightforward. You will need gross monthly income 3x the price of rent, favorable credit history, and no recent evictions or other rental related disputes.

Benefits of Bungalow:

• Flexible Lease Terms: Choose from 4 to 24-month leases, perfect if your just moving to the US for the first time.
• All-Inclusive Living: Rentals are fully furnished and come with amenities like Wi-Fi, utilities, and monthly cleaning services.
• Community Focus: Bungalow promotes a social living environment with shared spaces, so you can build up community as a US immigrant.
• Live with Roommates or Alone: Bungalow can match you with roommates and allows you to do a “meet and greet” with them, before moving in together.

Sublets

Another option you have if you’re an immigrant looking for housing in the US is finding a sublet.

What is a sublet?

A sublet is when someone who’s renting a place decides to let someone else rent it temporarily.

If you are subletting from someone, you will pay them instead of the landlord.

Subletting typically involves a much simpler process compared to renting an apartment or home directly from a landlord or property management company. It can be a flexible, easier option for immigrants moving to the US for the first time. Let’s take a look at some key benefits:

Credit Checks and Income Requirements

Subletting often requires less paperwork and has more relaxed credit and income requirements. This means you might have an easier time qualifying for a sublet as a US immigrant, compared to a traditional rental.

Lease Terms

Sublets typically offer shorter lease terms, which can be perfect if you’re looking for temporary housing as a US immigrant.

Security Deposits

While you might still need to provide a security deposit for a sublet, it’s usually less than what’s required for a long-term rental. This can help you save money upfront.

Application Process

Applying for a sublet is often quicker and less complicated than applying for a traditional rental. You’ll likely need to provide basic information and maybe a background or reference check, but it’s generally a simpler process overall.

To find a sublet, you can check out sites like sublets.com and leasebreak.com. You can easily browse through listings, and directly reach out to the landlord or current tenant subletting their apartment or room.

Craigslist apartments and houses

Craigslist is an online platform where people can buy, sell, trade, and find various goods and services, including housing. It’s known as a popular resource for buying and selling items or finding various services in local communities. Different cities each has their own Craigslist, so search for the Craigslist specific to where you are looking to move to.

Once you find the Craigslist page for your desired location, simply go to the housing section, and browse through the listings that match your preferences and needs. You can then directly reach out to the person who posted it to ask questions or schedule a viewing.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a feature on Facebook where users can buy, sell, and trade different goods and services with people in their local area. It’s like a virtual marketplace where you can find everything from furniture and electronics to cars and housing.

Many cities and neighborhoods have Facebook groups dedicated to housing or classifieds where people post listings for available rentals or sublets. Joining these groups can give you access to a wide range of housing options in your desired area.

You can also search for housing listings directly on Facebook Marketplace by using keywords like “apartment for rent” or “roommate wanted.” You can also filter your search by location, price range, number of bedrooms, and other preferences to narrow down your options.

If you find a housing listing that suits your needs, you can message the poster directly through Facebook Marketplace to ask questions or express your interest.

Rent a home

Renting a home as a US immigrant is an exciting step towards making a new place feel like home. It gives you the freedom to choose where you want to live and the flexibility to explore different neighborhoods and cities. Plus, it’s a great way to settle in and build a sense of community without the long-term commitment of homeownership. Renting can also be more affordable compared to other options like furnished short-term housing or buying a home outright.

However, there are some challenges you might encounter along the way. One of the biggest hurdles is establishing a rental history and creditworthiness in the US, especially if you’re new to the country. Landlords often require certain documents to verify your identity, income, and rental history.

Here are some documents you may need as a US immigrant when renting a home:

Despite these challenges, renting a home as a US immigrant is definitely possible. Just make sure you have all the necessary documents ready, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Tips for US immigrants looking to rent a home

Our top tip for US immigrants is to start with a short-term rental. This gives you time to build up your rental history and credit, making it easier to secure a long-term lease in the future. Starting small also allows you to understand the rental market better before committing to a longer-term arrangement.

Here are some more tips to help make the process smoother if you are looking to rent a home:

1. Build Credit History: Open a US bank account once you arrive in the US, apply for a secured credit card, or become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card to start building credit history.
2. Provide Alternative Documentation: If you lack traditional income verification, submit alternative documentation like bank statements, employer letters, or previous landlord references.
3. Seek Assistance: Get help from community organizations, immigrant support groups, or legal services for guidance on navigating the rental process and understanding tenant rights.
4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with fair housing laws to protect against discrimination based on race, national origin, or immigration status.

If you need help navigating the rental process and ensuring your rights are protected as a US immigrant, reach out to our team of immigration lawyers at Manifest Law.

Buy a home

Buying a home is a big step towards achieving stability and realizing the American dream of homeownership. It’s a chance to establish roots in a community and invest in your future. As a homeowner, you’ll have the opportunity to build equity over time, potentially increasing your wealth and enjoying tax benefits like deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.

However, buying a home also comes with its challenges. One of the main hurdles is the upfront costs, including the down payment, closing costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Plus, getting a mortgage can be tough for immigrants with limited credit history or non-traditional income sources. And once you own a home, you’re tied to a specific location, which may limit your flexibility to explore different cities or states to live in, compared to renting.

Here are some key challenges you may face when buying a home as a US immigrant:

• Limited Credit History: If you’re new to the US, you might not have much of a credit history, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage.
• Non-traditional Income Sources: Lenders may be hesitant of income from overseas or self-employment, making it harder to get approved for a loan.
• Legal and Documentation Requirements: Navigating the legal and documentation requirements of homeownership, like obtaining a Social Security number or proving residency, can be challenging.

Tips for US immigrants looking to buy a home

Here are some tips to help you overcome challenges and successfully buy a home as a US immigrant:

1. Build Credit History: Use credit responsibly and make timely payments on bills and debts. This will help you qualify for a mortgage and secure more favorable loan terms.
2. Save for a Down Payment: Start saving early for a bigger down payment to improve loan terms. A larger down payment can also help you secure better loan terms and reduce your monthly payments.
3. Research Loan Options: Explore mortgage programs specifically designed for immigrants, such as FHA loans or loans offered by lenders who specialize in working with immigrant borrowers.
4. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a real estate agent, mortgage broker, or financial advisor who can guide you through the home buying process and help you understand your options.

For personalized guidance and support throughout the home buying process, reach out to our team of immigration lawyers at Manifest Law. We specialize in helping immigrants navigate legal challenges and can ensure your rights are secure.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to live in the US for immigrants?

The best place to live in the US for immigrants depends on your preferences and priorities.

According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, the U.S. cities with the highest number of immigrants are New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Houston.

Cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are known for their diverse communities and job opportunities. However, smaller cities like Seattle, Austin, and Minneapolis also offer thriving immigrant communities and a lower cost of living.

What documents do I need for renting as an immigrant?

When renting as an immigrant, you’ll typically need proof of identity, such as a passport or visa, proof of income, like pay stubs or employment verification, and rental history, which may include references from previous landlords. Some landlords may also require a credit report or a security deposit.

Do I need a guarantor in the US to rent an apartment or home?

A guarantor is someone who co-signs your lease to ensure your rent gets paid. Typically, they’re a trustworthy individual with good credit, like a parent or guardian.

Your guarantor doesn’t have to be American but must show proof of sufficient assets or income, usually around 80 times the rent amount. Some landlords may also require the guarantor to live in the tri-state area, so it’s essential to check these details beforehand.

If you can’t find a guarantor, you can use a guarantor service, like June’s partner, TheGuarantors. They’ll co sign your lease for a small fee.

Can an immigrant buy a house in the US?

Yes, immigrants can buy a house in the US. However, you’ll need to have a valid visa or permanent residency status and meet the lender’s requirements for income, credit history, and down payment. Some lenders offer mortgage programs specifically designed for immigrants, so explore your options and consult with a mortgage broker or lender for guidance.

Do I need a social security number?

While having a social security number can make it easier to apply for credit and financial services, it’s not always required to buy a house or rent an apartment. Some lenders and landlords may accept other forms of identification and documentation, so be sure to ask!

What if I don’t have a US credit score?

If you don’t have a US credit score, you may still be able to qualify for a mortgage or rental by providing alternative forms of documentation, such as bank statements, letters from employers, or proof of rental history from your home country. Some lenders also offer mortgage programs specifically tailored to immigrants with limited or no US credit history.