Known as "Wisconsin's Park Place," Janesville welcomes renters with its extensive parks system and location along the scenic Rock River. The city maintains an impressive 2,590-acre park system with 64 parks, miles of hiking trails including a connector to the famous Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and the award-winning Rotary Botanical Gardens. Rental options in Janesville average around $1,100 monthly, with one-bedroom apartments typically renting for $1,086 and three-bedroom homes commanding about $1,597, making it more affordable than many Wisconsin communities.

Downtown Janesville has been transformed by the Town Square development, where renters can walk to local shops and restaurants. The Courthouse Hill Historic District showcases preserved Victorian-era architecture and tree-lined streets, while neighborhoods near Palmer Park offer access to an 18-hole municipal golf course and recreational facilities. The Look West neighborhood features newer housing developments. Renters appreciate Janesville's convenient location, with Madison accessible in about 40 minutes via Interstate 39/90 and Chicago reachable in under two hours.

Janesville's economy has diversified beyond its manufacturing roots, with major employers including Mercy Health System, Data Dimensions, and Seneca Foods providing stable employment opportunities. The Hedberg Public Library, local shopping, and seasonal farmers markets contribute to the community's character. With average rental costs below the state average and housing options ranging from apartment communities to single-family homes and townhouses, Janesville combines city amenities and outdoor recreation while maintaining affordability compared to larger metropolitan areas.