I’ve been living in a loft ever since I graduated college and moved to Philadelphia. Though Philly lofts certainly offer the luxury living experience that’s attracted many people, it wasn’t my primary motivation. I decided to try living in a loft because they’re attractive, affordable, and were close to the heart of the city.

However, I had a little bit of trouble finding the right fit. If you’d like to be living in a loft, here are a few tips to help you find the right apartment.

1. Check Out Your Local Area.

What fun will living in a loft be if you don’t like the area it’s in? If you have to commute to work, to your friends’ and family’s places, or anywhere else, you’re not going to enjoy your new place. Try taking a trip around a certain area you might like to live in and keep an eye peeled for different complexes or “for rent” signs. Jot down the addresses until you have a decent list.

2. Browse Classifieds.

You need to gather every lead possible in the event that nothing pans out, which might actually happen. That being said, check out the classifieds section of your local papers, search online for listings, and see what might users offer on Craigslist. Lofts are sometimes hard to come by, so you have to be tenacious, a little patient, and exhaust all possibilities.

3. Call a Realtor.

So you haven’t found anything and your time is running out. No worries. A realtor can help you out, and get you living in a loft in no time. The trouble is that their offers might be a bit pricy, but at least they’ll find available apartments for you.

4. Ask Around.

Ask your friends and family if they’ve know anyone who’s looking to sublet or turn over a lease. You social network can be a pretty great source of info, and produce some good leads.

If you want to enjoy a city living lifestyle, you should check out the loft apartments for rent in your area. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be living in a loft in no time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.