Finding somewhere to move can be really challenging. There are a lot of needs that you and the members of your family have. Sometimes, it feels impossible to find something that suits everyone's needs.
That "everyone" includes pets. If you rent, you may have noticed finding a pet-friendly apartment isn't easy. Some landlords allow only certain kinds of pets. Others have size limits. It can make some areas feel less pet-friendly than others. When you factor in other considerations, it can make or break a location for you.
Rent.com wants to help renters recognize which areas hold their best potential. The rental connection site conducted a study to find out which cities were the most comfortable places to live with your pet throughout the United States. To determine the scores, the site analyzed three areas. Pet-friendly apartment scores were based on the percentage of available properties that allow dogs or cats. Also analyzed were the average veterinarian costs in the area and the number of pet businesses per capita. Pet businesses include vets, animal hospitals, pet shops, pet training facilities, pet boarding, pet supplies, and parks, based on publicly available information.
1. Greeley, Colorado
Just an hour from Denver, Greeley has all the perks of being close to a city with all the natural marvels that people love in Colorado. It's a bustling center of culture and community. Greeley gets a 100% on pet-friendly properties, with an average cost for veterinary care of $36.86.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston may be a historical town, but the city has found ways to update over the years so that it's also super pet-friendly. James Island County Park is a favorite for dog owners, with a dog beach, 4 acres of grass, a cleaning station, and a fenced play area for small dogs. Average vet costs are clocked at $50.50.
3. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is home to a lot of young professionals who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors with their pets. As home to the University of Michigan, it also has the feel of a bustling college town. Average vet costs come in at $51.03.
4. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, offers all the charming qualities of mountain living while not compromising that city feel. It's a place where many families settle down, so it's only natural you'll find lots of well-cared-for pets there. The average cost of pet care is $46.
5. Tyler, Texas
Tyler is the home of Texas roses and is a truly picturesque place. There are a lot of popular attractions that bring people to the area. Pet owners find being part of the nature-filled area to be perfection. Average vet costs are $46.33.
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
Arizona is known for some intense weather, but you'll find more comfortable climates in Scottsdale. There are a lot of geological formations that make this a popular spot. For those visiting, there are a lot of pet-friendly hotels. Nearly 88% of the apartments in the area are pet-friendly, with 15.4 pet-friendly businesses per capita.
7. Arvada, Colorado
Arvada is perfect for the family who values small-town living and opportunities to get outdoors. There are a lot of hiking trails that are great to explore with active kids and dogs. Just over 88% of apartments are deemed pet-friendly, with average vet costs around $46.
8. Naperville, Illinois
This Windy City suburb is a great place for kids and pets. A vibrant art scene makes it a great home for the creative family, who will find countless things to enjoy. Naperville is another town with 100% pet-friendly apartments. Average vet costs are $46.39.
9. Vacaville, California
Vacaville is a nice little city unto itself, but it's also close enough to Sacramento to give it double the draw. Over 93% of the apartments are pet-friendly. Average pet costs are $50.
10. Davie, Florida
Davie, Florida, is just north of Miami, bringing excitement just a drive away but peace at your front door. The city has its own dog park that's perfect for pet-loving families. Average pet care costs in Davie are $54.90.
11. Westminster, Colorado
Westminster is yet another Colorado town that prides itself on its pet-friendliness. There are activities for pet owners, pet hotels so loved ones can bring their four-legged friends to visit, and even pet-friendly restaurants. The average cost of pet care is $46.
12. Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins, Colorado, will have everything you need to take care of your pet, however extensively you do. The city has 13.3 pet businesses per capita. It also boasts a reasonable average pet care cost of $36.86.
13. Sugar Land, Texas
Sugar Land, Texas, is another area where Rent.com found 100% of apartments to be pet-friendly. It is also another area with an impressive number of pet-servicing businesses. On the downside, the city does have a higher average pet care cost than many cities on this list, at $51.55.
14. Billings, Montana
Billings, Montana, is an awesome place for pet lovers. It has an impressive number of pet-friendly businesses per capita at 13.1. With nearly 84% of its apartments being pet-friendly, the city offers renters a good amount of options.
15. Cary, North Carolina
Rent.com found that Cary, North Carolina, has a nearly 94% rate of pet-friendly apartments. There are a lot of fun outdoor options to explore for those calling the area home. It's a beautiful, moderately quiet place to call home.
16. Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park, Kansas, is the second biggest city in Kansas, so it's nice to see it's also good to pets. Overland Park is also considered a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, so you get a taste of the quiet life with proximity to where things are happening. The average pet care cost is $48.10.
17. Roseville, California
Nearly 97% of rental properties in Roseville are pet-friendly, so you know it's a great pick! With $50 as the average pet care cost, it's reasonable but on the higher end of those expenses within the top 20. The city needs some work in the pet-friendly business department, but maybe your pet will inspire your next business venture when you get there. Stranger things have happened!
18. Springfield, Illinois
The capital of Illinois has a lot to offer pets. Unfortunately, it boasts the highest average pet care costs of the bunch at $58.67. While it lacks in that category, the city makes up for it in nearly 88% pet-friendly rental properties. With a lot of activities to offer, Springfield is an attractive option for people looking to live in a city.
19. Tucson, Arizona
The great thing about Tucson's appearance on this list is the fact that it's the biggest city in the whole top 50 best cities for pets to live in. The pet care average is on the pricier side at $53, but the city also is rated at 87% for pet-friendly rental properties, which means you can enjoy a large selection of places to live within Tucson.
20. Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, may come in at No. 20, but it's No. 1 in a very interesting area. The state capital has the most pet-friendly businesses per capita of the entire list, with 20.7. That means there are lots of different services and businesses working to improve your pet's quality of life.