Even if you don't intend to live there for an extended period of
time, it makes sense to spend some time hunting for apartments. Even a
stay as short as six months (the bare minimum lease for many residences)
can seem like an eternity if you hate the place you live. Finding the
right place encompasses a lot of factors. The neighborhood, the
neighbors, the rules, the security, and the cost will all come into
play. So don't wait until after you move in to complain about what you
don't like. Find out beforehand and make a decision you can live with.
Here are some of the things you should focus on.
Price Shopping
There are two downsides to choosing among low-priced apartments. One, you're going to get what you pay for. Cheap places to live are that way for a reason. What matters is whether or not you can live with those reasons. If they are primarily cosmetic (a perfectly fine complex may not be able to charge high prices for a place where the exterior is as ugly as sin), it may not be a big deal. However, another downside is that low prices are going to attract a lower class of resident. This sometimes translates to a noisy, crime-ridden complex. Find out before you sign a lease whether this is the case.
Location
You can't underestimate the importance of location when looking for a place to live. This is as true for apartments as it is for buying a house. Older people may want to look for deed-restricted communities where rooms are only for those 55 or older. This can cut out the partying, yelling children, and other bothersome issues that may be a big part of living in the average complex. You'll also want to take into account practical matters such as how close the complex is to your workplace. It doesn't make much sense to make your life more difficult than it needs to be by renting a place across town from the office.
Pets
Having a large dog can make looking through apartments difficult. Because of the destruction they can wreak, these dogs have been banned from many complexes. Even though your dog is undoubtedly sweet and calm of nature, the management of the property probably isn't going to grant you an exception. Still, there are places out there that are friendly to dogs, even if they are larger. Keep looking. Though you may have to pay extra for the privilege, it will be worth it if you can keep Fido by your side.
Price Shopping
There are two downsides to choosing among low-priced apartments. One, you're going to get what you pay for. Cheap places to live are that way for a reason. What matters is whether or not you can live with those reasons. If they are primarily cosmetic (a perfectly fine complex may not be able to charge high prices for a place where the exterior is as ugly as sin), it may not be a big deal. However, another downside is that low prices are going to attract a lower class of resident. This sometimes translates to a noisy, crime-ridden complex. Find out before you sign a lease whether this is the case.
Location
You can't underestimate the importance of location when looking for a place to live. This is as true for apartments as it is for buying a house. Older people may want to look for deed-restricted communities where rooms are only for those 55 or older. This can cut out the partying, yelling children, and other bothersome issues that may be a big part of living in the average complex. You'll also want to take into account practical matters such as how close the complex is to your workplace. It doesn't make much sense to make your life more difficult than it needs to be by renting a place across town from the office.
Pets
Having a large dog can make looking through apartments difficult. Because of the destruction they can wreak, these dogs have been banned from many complexes. Even though your dog is undoubtedly sweet and calm of nature, the management of the property probably isn't going to grant you an exception. Still, there are places out there that are friendly to dogs, even if they are larger. Keep looking. Though you may have to pay extra for the privilege, it will be worth it if you can keep Fido by your side.
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