The Leland Tower, formerly known as The Aurora-Leland Hotel, served as a 22-story hotel. The building, built in 1928, now is used for apartments. Aurora was recently ranked in the top 35 percent of major metropolitan areas for rental appeal. (Photo by Joseph Gage)

Aurora ranks in the top 35 percent of major metropolitan rental markets, according to a recent study.

WalletHub, a personal finance company, noted that the safety in Aurora is one of the reasons the city ranks high in renter appeal.

Aurora ranked 62^nd of 182 major markets surveyed for rental appeal in the WalletHub survey. Chicago ranked in the bottom half of the survey, coming in at 104.

The WalletHub survey was done to determine where renters can get the most bang for their buck, according to a company spokesman. WalletHub compared more than 180 rental markets based on 21 measurements of rental attractiveness and quality of life.

“Our data set ranges from the difference between rental rates and mortgage payments to historical price changes, the cost of living and job availability,” the company said in releasing its study.

Aurora ranked 14^th in safety, while Chicago was placed at 122^nd.

“Based on the crime stats, police information and citizen feedback, it’s evident that Aurora is a very secure and safe city to consider moving to,” said John Olson, spokesman for Federal Companies, a moving company with locations throughout Illinois.

Other areas where Aurora earned rankings in the top half of rental markets were: state bedbug laws (1^st), share of renters (40), rental market and affordability (60^th),  quality public schools (69^th), average home size (77^th), and quality of life (82^nd).

Aurora’s worst ranking came in rent to price – the ratio between the median annual rent and the median home price – where it was listed at 159^th.

Areas were Chicago’s rental market ranked in the top half of metropolitan areas surveyed were: state bedbug laws (1^st), rental market and affordability (63^rd), and rent to price – the ratio between the median annual rent and the median home price – (80^th).

Chicago’s worst ranking came in share of renters, having just 33 percent of property owners being renters. That ranked Chicago 168^th out of 182 markets surveyed.

WalletHub expert Meagan McCollum, an assistant professor at the University of Tulsa, offered some tips for individuals in the rental market.

“To get the best value in an apartment, take the time to clarify what features are most important to you,” McCollum said. “Create a list of priorities and search for those specific features while being flexible on other ‘nice-to-haves.’

“Do not spend too much time focusing on the ‘unicorn’ apartment that has everything. Instead, focus on finding apartments within your budget that have your top three or so items on your wish list. Also, realize that if an apartment comes with an amenity that you will likely never use, such as an onsite gym when you have gym access through your job, you are still going to be paying for it.

“If you are not familiar with the area around a particular apartment, spend a little time exploring where you will shop, how you will get to work, what fun things you can do in your neighborhood, etc. before signing a lease.”

WalletHub report: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-renters/23010