Janesville Apartments and Rentals

Home to 63,575 Wisconsinites as of the 2010 U.S. Census, Janesville is located along Interstates 90 and 94, about halfway between the city of Madison and the Illinois border. What was once a sleepy and charming town has blossomed into a mid-sized city, serving as an anchor for businesses throughout both Wisconsin and Illinois.

Founded and named in 1836, Janesvillle was first home to early settler Henry James. Now called "America's Park Place," Janesville is home to 2,500 acres of parks and open spaces. Janesville residents enjoy their city's historic culture, recent renovations and many outdoor activities, enjoying autumns of breathtaking Wisconsin foliage and warm summers on the banks of the Rock River. Those looking for Janesville apartments for rent will be excited to move into this ever-improving Wisconsin city.

A historic and character-filled city, Janesville, Wisconsin, is home to 20 percent of Wisconsin's National Register of Historic Places buildings. With six historic wards, Janesville has managed to preserve much of its history while expanding into other areas with 21st century restaurants, shopping and entertainment. To this day, Janesville continues to work tirelessly to preserve and restore that unique character the once made Janesville great.

Janesville residents enjoy community activities such as farmers markets, movies in the park, historic reenactments, art shows and community open mic sessions. Multiple botanical gardens and numerous outdoors activities allow residents in the city of Janesville to stay connected to nature, while a revitalized downtown center invites urbanity into a city surrounded by farmland and pastures.

Janesville residents have been happy to see a great deal of development in recent decades. In the past 20 years, numerous chain restaurants, shops and hotels have brought business and tourism to the Janesville region.

According to Janesville's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city's top employers were Mercy Health System, the Janesville school district, Rock County, GHC Specialty Brands/Lab Safety Supply Inc., Wal-Mart/Sam's Club, the City of Janesville, Blain's Farm & Fleet and J.P. Cullen & Sons. Blain's Farm & Fleet, a farm equipment and home improvement retail chain, is headquartered in Janesville.

Although Janesville isn't home to any four-year universities, Blackhawk Technical College and Academy of Cosmetology are located in Janesville. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater is also located about 18 miles from Janesville, and University of Wisconsin - Madison is located about 35 miles away.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 32 percent of homes in Janesville are renter-occupied. This healthy rental market is welcome news for those searching for Janesville rentals.

Census data also showed that the median gross rent in Janesville in 2010 was $731. The cost of living index in Janesville is 94.8, which is 5.2 percent less than the national average. However, Janesville is a fair distance from larger cities such as Madison, Wisconsin, or Rockford, Illinois, so new residents will want to factor in driving costs if they are planning to commute regularly.

Janesville hosts numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the region. The Janesville Renaissance Faire is a small but growing feast of old, offering food, fun and entertainment. The Rock County 4-H Fair is a large summer youth festival, boasting well-known musical acts and a variety of fair entertainment.

Janesville has a small performing arts center, as well as three historic museums. The Lincoln Tallman House is the only private residence in Wisconsin where Abraham Lincoln is known to have stayed. Other historic sites include the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center and the Milton House Museum.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Janesville, Wis., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.