What is the best way to find a HOUSE for rent in a medium-sized town (a.k.a. not a big city)?

We are looking for a house (house is preferred over an apartment if we can find one) to rent in Dickson, Tennessee. A small, 1 bedroom house would be okay at this point because it will be just us and we are looking for something less than $500 a month. We were just wondering what the best way is to find a house for rent since neither of us have ever had to look on our own before now. Newspaper, ask around, etc.? Thank you! :)

Public Comments

1. Sometimes realtors have houses for rent. You could check there or in the newspaper. Also if you're bored, you could just go for a drive in neighborhoods you'd like to live in and look for "for rent" signs. I've done that before. It's a good way to get a peek at the neighborhood before you even make a phone call!
2. Many realtors in smaller towns also do property management, so check with them. Check the local newspaper, too. Also, take a drive around, some people only stick a sign up.
3. Go to the following places and ask if they know of any houses for rent: 1.) The town office 2.) The local coffee house - many times there are people who go to "coffee row", each day, every day, all day, or at a specific time. The meet their friends, and discuss the gosip. They will know. As a waitress if there are any "coffee row" people meeting there, and then ask them yourself. 3.) The local school might print a newsletter that you can put an add in asking for a house. You could go through a realtor, but that would be more expencive, and often people in small towns don't use them.