Los Angeles
There are numerous nicknames for Los Angeles, just as there are various vibes within this sprawling city. Between rugged mountains and sandy shorelines, a laid-back surf culture and a high-powered commercial district, and food trucks and some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, Los Angeles features diversity in every aspect possible. Somehow, all the pieces of this city fit together seamlessly, making Los Angeles the unique destination we know and love. From Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills to Hollywood and Chinatown, there is the perfect neighborhood for everyone in Los Angeles. From celebrity sightings to unbeatable shopping destinations, Los Angeles is hard to beat. Enjoy a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, or Topanga State Park, enjoy the famous entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, see the stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, or stop into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Your options are endless for entertainment, dining, and shopping in Los Angeles. And don’t forget about the easy access to international travel through the expansive Los Angeles International Airport. Though Los Angeles is famous for its film industry, it’s also well-known for its amazing beaches like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, El Matador Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. After a day of surfing and swimming, catch a sporting event or a live show at LA Live, housing the Microsoft Theatre, the STAPLES Center, the Grammy Museum, and a variety of restaurants and nightclubs. Outside of entertainment, Los Angeles houses numerous prestigious colleges and universities, from the University of California, Los Angeles to the University of Southern California.
Chicago
As America’s third largest city, Chicago fosters a unique persona with a wild, colorful history that’s earned it a string of nicknames: Second City, Chi-Town, and of course, the Windy City. Countless songs have been written about Chicago, a legendary musical group is named after it, and endless movies and television series are set in it. Chicago is one of the most ideal cities for renters with its blend of affordable and luxury apartments, waterfront views, and abundance of entertainment opportunities. There is something for everyone for every kind of budget in Chicago! So what is it like living in Chicago? Well, first off the architecture is stunning, ranging from the John Hancock Tower to Tribune Tower and Willis Tower. Residents and visitors alike enjoy watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo, taking in the views from Grant Park, admiring the Bean at Millennium Park, hopping aboard a dinner cruise at Navy Pier, and gazing at the designer stores along the Magnificent Mile. This city is home to some of the nation’s greatest artistic and cultural attractions, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Chicago Cultural Center. Summers are spent relaxing on the beach, whether it be 12th Street Beach or Oak Street Beach. Locals can be found dancing the night away at one of the many jazz and blues clubs. Chicago is home to a top-notch public transit system, so commuting is a breeze for any renter.
Big Rapids
Best known as the home of Ferris State University, Big Rapids is a small city on the banks of the Muskegon River in west-central Michigan. The university’s student population outnumbers the city’s permanent residents, giving the community a distinctive college town atmosphere – the downtown area around the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Maple Street is major walking district offering up a wide selection of specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and nightlife hotspots. Catch a movie at AMC Classic Big Rapids 4, then walk up the street for dinner and a pint at Raven Brewing & BBQ. The local rental market caters to the student population with abundant budget-friendly apartments, condos, and houses all over town. The Ferris State campus on the south side of town is a major focal point for the community, especially when the Bulldogs are playing on home ice. The city is perched right on the edge of the massive Huron-Manistee National Forests, putting you in the ideal position to take advantage of the region’s unspoiled natural landscape.
