subject: What To Look For In Apartments [print this page] Where you live has a lot to do with being able to find apartments that are suitable for your needs. If you have a family with children, it can be especially difficult to find housing in certain areas. As you look for the right place to live, you will need to consider the cost, the condition, and the cliental.
If you are moving to a larger area, you will likely end up living in what is known as a bedroom community. Most of the people in your area will likely be commuters to the larger city nearby. This is a fairly good place to find housing. It could be expensive though, so as you think about renting, make sure you are able to find a place that makes renting worthwhile. If you are paying over 1,000 a month then you might want to consider buying a home if you and your family plan on staying in the area. For some areas this amount is fairly common, and you might find the actual houses in these areas to have a higher cost as well.
As you look for apartments low in cost, it is important to compare the condition of the complex or property as well. Make sure that it is a smoke free environment (if that is important to you), make sure there is no water damage, mildew smell, or obvious mold, and also make sure that it has the amenities you need such as a dishwasher and washer/dryer combo. You will want to think about needs and wants when it comes to finding the right place especially if you live in a costly area. It is better to have a nice apartment at a good price that has no dishwasher than an apartment that is twice as much because of that one appliance. Make sure to put it all in perspective.
The cliental is also important as you choose apartments. Make sure and stop by the local police station and ask about calls they have had to make out to the complex that interests you. Make sure that there have been no serious crimes in the area in the past year, and that they are not called often for disturbing the peace problems. As you visit the complex, take a drive around, look at the cars that are parked there. That can sometimes tell you the type of people who live in the complex. Of course low-income does not necessarily mean high crime, but it often goes together.
After considering these areas, make sure you take a look around an actual apartment at the complex. If possible ask for one that someone has just left or one that is ready for someone to move in. It will tell you more what the apartments are like than a staged apartment will.
