Kokomo Apartments and Rentals

Head up U.S. 31, 50 miles north of Indianapolis, and you will find yourself in the Midwestern oasis of Kokomo. Although it may not resemble a tropical beach, it was named Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, making it one of the finest cities in the Hoosier State. With a population of more than 45,000 people stretching over a land area of just under 20 miles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, finding Kokomo apartments for rent should be a piece of cake for Indiana residents.

Kokomo is known as the "City of Firsts" due to its reputation for inventing many agricultural and technological advancements, including the construction of America's first car in 1894 by Elwood Haynes. Other notable discoveries include: pneumatic rubber tires, aluminum casting, carburetors, cobalt-based alloy, stainless steel, mechanical corn pickers, canned tomato juice, aerial bombs with fins, push-button car radios, signal-seeking car radios and all-transistor car radios.

The city derived its name from the great Chief Kokomo, one of the last chiefs of the fighting Peru Miami Native American tribes, whose burial grounds are on the 400 block of Purdum Street. Known as being outspoken and fearless, there is no record of the chief's death, shrouding the local folklore in suspicion of whether or not the city was actually named after him or not. Nevertheless, the city honors the great Indian chief with a memorial to this day.

There are several small university branches in Kokomo, including Indiana Wesleyan University, a residential campus that offers 80 concentrations in both graduate and undergraduate degrees. Another is Ivy Tech Community College, one of the most affordable colleges in Indiana. Offering 2-year degrees and accreditations, students can pursue their careers at Ivy Tech without breaking the bank. If you are a student looking for Kokomo rentals, it might be wise to start your search early in the summer so that you can find the right apartment that is close to campus without any headaches.

According to the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, the largest industrial employers in the area are Chrysler LLC, Delphi Electronics & Safety and GM Components Holding, LLC. With its background in manufacturing and technological advancement, it makes sense that many Indiana residents come to Kokomo for industrial jobs. Other non-manufacturing employers in the area include Howard Regional Health Systems and Kokomo Center Schools.

Residents in Kokomo enjoy a cost of living that is more than 13 points below the national average, making it a very affordable place to live. The 2009 median gross rent was $617 per year, with the median household income rising by $1,500 per year from 2000 to 2010. With its rising salaries and low rent, it is no surprise that many families are making their home in this quaint community.

In the summer months, one of the most popular family attractions in the area is Kokomo Beach. With a convenient location and low fares for children, this city-funded water park features a large pool, slides, a lazy river, food court and children's splash pad. Many local residents host birthday parties and take swimming lessons here.

In honor of the famous inventor and scientist Elwood Haynes, the city of Kokomo hosts the Haynes-Apperson Festival every year to honor their history of innovation. Complete with a parade, sports festival, live music, fireworks, car show and even a poker tournament, this is a popular community event that acknowledges the city's scientific past and bright future that lies ahead.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Kokomo apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.