Off campus housing questions

My kid is a freshman and plans on living off campus next year. She is able to swing a one bedroom place and has been looking at various apartment complexes. I've seen others who are signing leases already for next fall, and am wondering if we should get on that now or if we can hold off til closer to September; I know not everywhere lets you reserve a unit so far out. Not sure if places tend to jack up rates closer to the start of the school year. She's not interested in any of the places marketed towards students or "micro studio", would like a one bedroom apartment/house/ADU. And is Springfield cool/safe? Seems cheaper there. Any recs of complexes or property managers to look into or avoid would also be appreciated!