Pet-friendliness has officially transitioned from a fast-moving trend to a way of life. If you’re interested in experiencing a new city but can’t bear the thought of living without your furry friend, your best bet is to shop for apartments in one of the cities listed below. Each one has been graded on:
The abundance of (or lack of) available pet-friendly apartments
The existence of pet-friendly attractions (bark parks, restaurants, pet supplies, pet sitters, pet grooming services, etc.)
The price of pet keeping
Its overall atmosphere
So without further ado, here are the cities that made the pet-keeping list.
#5 New York, NY — Where Cat Ladies, Dog Lovers, and Exotic Pet Owners Live Side-By-Side
If you grew up in New York City in the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s or earlier, the chances that you’re a feline enthusiast or maybe a bird lady/man are astronomically high, considering these two animals were often the only pets permitted in New York apartment buildings at that time. At the turn of the century, however, the City That Never Sleeps got a wake-up call from fanatical pet lovers everywhere, and good old Lady Liberty has been ushering in a wide assortment of pets ever since. Pet-friendly apartments (the kind that welcomes cats and dogs and sometimes more unusual animals) are not only in high demand but also supportive of the high life in a way that only New York City can. It currently boasts approximately 60 dog-friendly attractions, not to mention a myriad of pet stores and services from corner to corner. Winter walks are met with a nip in the air, and apartment prices in the Big City are still comparatively high, but when it comes to lapdog luxury and a diverse animal culture, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything like what the Big Apple has in store. The streets are a jumble of well-groomed pooches; the parks serve the city as pet-friendly playgrounds; and leases welcome Fido, feline, and the occasional domesticated rabbit, gerbil or guinea pig. As a bonus, many pet-friendly rentals now feature zero dollars in additional fees.
#4 Wilmington, DE — The Perfect Place for Trend Seekers Who Love Pets and Loathe Taxes
This long-forgotten city in the nation’s first state is bent on turning over a new leaf, and its plan is to start with the infrastructure. In recent years, millions of dollars have been spent rebuilding this city’s foundation from the ground up. What that means for apartment renters is flexible leasing in pet-friendly luxury facilities that start at a fraction of the price you’d pay to live in nearby Philly. With Wilmington’s glistening waterfront beautifully restored, pet owners can indulge in long riverside walks amid a breathtaking backdrop of pet-friendly restaurants. In the future, pet lovers can expect to see Wilmington flourish into a trending locale, complete with brand new walking trails, bike paths, and bark parks. Pet suppliers are overflowing and entirely tax-free.
#3 San Francisco, CA — Because You Think Your Dog Should Surf Like Marmaduke
San Francisco is chock full of pet-friendly apartments that range from stunning high-rises adorned with swaying palm trees to charming Victorian-era homes that have been transformed into stylish dwelling spaces. Best of all, San Fran is incredibly walkable and home to more than 79 dog-friendly attractions, many of which are beautiful sandy beaches like Baker Beach and Ocean Beach. Playful Pet owners can even bring Fido on a cruise. Surf’s up!
#2 Las Vegas — For Pet Owners With a Wild Side
This concrete jungle truly lives up to its name. A wide array of unlikely pets are permitted to Viva las Las Vegas. If you’re interested in owning a 9-foot snake, tiger, hybrid wolf or exotic primate such as a monkey, you can apply for a wild pet permit for the bargain price of just $25. For the dog and cat lovers of the land, you’ll be sure to find a myriad of pet-friendly apartments and adventurous attractions that range from colorful canyons and stretching deserts to exhilarating puppy sports complexes and more.
#1 Boston
Boston is by far the best city for pet lovers, based solely on convenience and the diversity of attractions. Where else can you board buses, boats, subways and taxi cabs with your favorite furry friend by your side? Bostonians can access pet-friendly housing, pet-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly transit, pet-friendly beaches and the utmost in glamorous pet boutiques.
Now that you’ve picked the perfect city for you and your pet to reside in, it’s time to examine different types of apartments. Knowing exactly what you’re seeking in advance will have you well on your way to a fresh, new start.