There are many decisions for renters to make when choosing a new place to live—and chief among them is usually location. Those leaning toward a house for rent, in particular, may feel torn between the charm of a historic neighborhood and the convenience of a modern suburb.
While renting in one of these neighborhoods can feel like stepping into history, it also comes with unique challenges: strict preservation rules, potential maintenance headaches, and other quirks can come into play. If you aren’t sure renting a house in a historic neighborhood is the right fit, let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
Advantages of Renting in a Historic District
Historic districts preserve the past while offering a truly one-of-a-kind living experience – and one-of-a-kind properties. Since 1966, over 95,000 older properties have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, thus recognized for their historical and cultural significance.
In a nutshell, historic districts ooze charm, and they always offer something to see or do. But the perks of renting a house in a historic area go far beyond that:
1. High Walkability
Most historic neighborhoods are located in the heart of the city, yet promise proximity to the hustle and bustle while providing their own charm. Many such areas are replete with small, local businesses, from cafés and bakeries to dental practices and thrift stores, not to mention grocery and convenience stores. As such, renters living in a historic district don’t have to walk too far to find the things they need, making it less car-dependent.
Additionally, historic districts offer good access to other public amenities, such as public transport stops, parks, and business centers.
2. Close to Job Opportunities
Renting in a historic neighborhood means being close to various job opportunities, from local retail shops and restaurants to corporate offices and coworking spaces. With high walkability and access to public transport, commuting can often be faster, cheaper, and less stressful than in suburban areas.
These neighborhoods also attract freelancers and remote workers, offering charming cafés, bookshops, and creative spaces that double as ideal work environments. Whether you’re looking for part-time work, a full-time career, or a flexible freelance lifestyle, renting in a historic district can put you right in the middle of a thriving job market.
3. Desirable Architecture & Lots of Character
One of the top reasons for choosing to rent a house in a historic district is to enjoy living in a beautiful building that oozes character. Not only that but the surroundings are also bound to be attractive, featuring historic architectural styles that wouldn’t typically be found in more modern developments.
4. More Green Space & Trees
Historic neighborhoods are also more likely to feature green spaces like parks. On top of that, tree-lined streets are more common. While some modern developments do incorporate greenery, historic districts were often designed with walkability and public spaces in mind, making lush surroundings a more organic part of the landscape.
5. Less Likely to Deal with Major Construction
Historic neighborhoods have protections that help preserve their charm, meaning renters are less likely to wake up to the sound of jackhammers or find a high-rise popping up next door. Since new developments are heavily restricted, the area tends to stay as peaceful and picturesque as it was meant to be.
6. Fewer Busy Roads
Historic districts tend to be tucked away in the center of town and typically don’t have many major highways, railway lines, or busy roads passing through them. This means less traffic, less noise, and a safer environment—especially for kids and pedestrians—so renters can enjoy a more peaceful neighborhood vibe.
Disadvantages of Renting in a Historic Neighborhood
But living in one of these storied neighborhoods isn’t all about aesthetics. While it offers plenty of charm and character, it’s not without its challenges—one of the biggest being the quirks of older homes.
Renting in a historic area can come with a unique set of hurdles, so there are a few downsides to consider before making the leap:
1. More Regular Maintenance
As older buildings, rentals in historic neighborhoods are likely to have seen their fair share of wear and tear over the years. While it will typically be the landlord’s responsibility to take care of most maintenance tasks and renovations, the disruption caused can be an inconvenience for the tenant. Additionally, it can be challenging to find qualified tradespeople to work on older homes, delaying necessary repairs.
2. Potentially Higher Utility Bills & Lower Comfort
The truth is, houses were built quite differently in the past, and it’s something many modern renters find out the hard way. Older homes often have drafty windows, typically higher ceilings, and gaps in the walls that let cold air in, especially when compared to newer, more energy-efficient buildings.
With restrictive covenants in some historic districts prohibiting modern upgrades such as double glazing, this can result in higher utility costs, particularly for heating. While the charm of an older home can be undeniable, these quirks can impact a renter’s wallet and comfort level.
3. Sometimes More Expensive
Beautiful architecture and a convenient location can come at a cost. More often than not, renters can expect to pay more for rentals in historic neighborhoods compared to those in more modern suburbs. However, the trade-off is that renters can save on other expenses—like fuel or steep public transport fees—since they’ll usually be closer to the shops, restaurants, and services.
4. Dated Floorplans
The way we live has changed, and older homes often reflect a different time. Many older homes have a higher number of smaller rooms that most of us wouldn’t use today, such as drawing rooms, scullery kitchens, and parlors.
Newer homes tend to offer larger, more open spaces that fit today’s lifestyle better. However, creative tenants can do a lot with any floorplan, adjusting things to make it work. For example, an old parlor could quickly become a cozy home office, while smaller rooms might be turned into a spacious walk-in wardrobe.
5. Less Storage Space
Talking about wardrobes, another potential downside of renting a home in a historic district is the lack of storage. People in the past didn’t accumulate as much stuff as modern renters, and so homes weren’t typically designed with vast storage solutions in mind. As a result, tenants may struggle to fit everything they need into their rental.
However, with a few creative solutions, additional storage can be made. For example, higher ceilings provide options for more shelves or over-door cupboards. Always remember that tenants planning to add extra storage solutions should get permission from their landlord first – especially for modifications to a historic house.
6. Less Parking
Older neighborhoods were built at a time when cars weren’t as common, which means parking wasn’t a top priority. While some historic districts have adapted with updated roadways, parking spaces are still often limited and can come at a premium.
If parking is available, it’s most likely on the street, rather than in a private driveway or garage. However, with so many amenities within walking distance, many residents find they don’t need a car at all and can easily rely on foot, bike, or public transport to get around.
For those who value character, renting in a historic neighborhood can be a perfect fit. But ultimately, the choice between a historic district and a more modern neighborhood comes down to personal priorities and means. If you’re drawn to charm, walkability, and easy access to great services, a historic area is a solid choice—just be sure to weigh the trade-offs.
Image credits: Andrei Medvedev; Solveig Been; Melody_a_m/Shutterstock.com
