apartment hunt: DONE

:D WOO HOO! I'M APPROVED!! :D

i was going to complete this series, talk about arwen and talk about phillips in an unbiased way..but, i can't. after going back to arwen on sunday and determining that a one bedroom there really was just too small (for its lack of storage/closet space) and just outside the area i wanted to be in (for now...), i nixed that off my list. but if you want to look at it: arwen vista.

now, let me babble about the one i've chosen: phillips at university center. i have chosen a one bedroom/one bathroom floorplan, 3rd floor unit. although it has less than 800 sf (793 sf which is even smaller than the arwen unit!), it feels larger and has two extra closets for storage. it is essentially laid out like an efficiency except it does have a seperate dining area (which i am going to use as my office space/place for bella's crate). the community features a fabulous pool, fitness room, media room, etc. when the landscaping is complete, they are going to put in a dog run. :) my unit features european style flooring (dark wood laminate), granite countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances (heck yeah!), a garden tub, storage off the deck as well as a large closet off the entry (1/2 for storage and 1/2 for coats in the winter).

it doesn't quite fit into my original quest for cheaper rent. the special is $705 which is $20/mo. less than i pay now. however, they charge a $30 premium for a 3rd floor unit, which brings it up to $735 ($10 more). but, if it's only $10 more for a brand-new, upgraded apartment i'll take it. now, i just need to see if i can find room in my budget for a garage. i wish i could but i think it would be smarter financially to put that money towards something else, like my debt.

it feels more like a condo than an apartment. i am really, really excited. i do have to lose my futon (but my parents are going to let me store it at their house, so i won't have to completely get rid of it) and some other pieces of furniture, but i don't mind. after the beginning of february (when i go home for my dad's birthday), i'm going to begin the first round of purging/organizing...to see what's out, what can go to my parents' temporarily, and what stays with me.

let the organizing/purging/packing process begin!! :D

pins & needles

i put in an application and gave $25 for an apartment last night. now, i'm pretty much worrying myself sick. i really, really, really hope i'm approved. it seems silly because it's not like i won't have a place to live because i could just renew at addison (depending on what they want to offer), but this place is so fabulously awesome that i think i'd almost be heartbroken if it didn't work out. i have such big plans for this year, and i feel like this piece would complete the 2010 forecast. cross your fingers, pray, or whatever else you do for good luck wishes for me please! i'll know my fate by lunchtime.

apartment hunt: ashford

ashford green
this community is located on hwy 29/n. tryon between wt harris & mallard creek church rd., just beyond the shops at university. it's an older complex that does feature golf course views (and discounts) and a tennis court, beyond the typical amenities; as well as its biggest perk: it's within walking distance to stooly's. my friend, patrick, had lived there a couple years and just moved in the fall of last year. my "friend", nick, lives there now. both gave good reviews and didn't have really anything negative to say. and, the complex is about 13 miles from my office. so, i checked it out in person last weekend.

they offer the preferred employer program, which the county falls under. so i either get a discount on rent, or discount on app fees. they are large dog friendly. the fee is $400, but currently it's on special for $200. a dish is okay, so long as the building gets reception. garages are $85/month. and they feature two color schemes: tan or grey (it's like pirates cove all over again). the pinehurst is the 1/1+den floorplan. it is 910 sf. market rate is $697-$745. a first floor unit with golf course views, gas fireplace coming available in march is on special for $665. the same unit, in a different building, coming available in april, is on special for $650. which is great because i'd be saving $60-$75/month on rent; however, those units are on the first floor, which is absolutely not gonna happen according to mama g. ho-hum. and, nick lives in the wild dunes, a 2/2 1053 sf first floor unit. he just renewed for $730. that's only $5 more/month than my current lease rate...something to think about. but, other than the two 1st floor units, nothing was available for the end of march. i will check back at the beginning of february just to see if anything else has come available.

apartment hunt: bexley

bexley at concord mills
this community is one that i looked at when i first knew i was moving to charlotte a couple years ago. it's located next to the mills mall, right off i-85, about 15 minutes from my office (basically, the stoplight at concord mills blvd & odell school rd. is the halfway point of my evening commute).

it is a gated, two-entry complex which boasts a tennis court (among the "typical" amenities). in october, i looked at the large 2/2 model. it was nice but fairly similar to my current situation (except i hated the master bathroom). last weekend, i looked at the "cozy" 2/2. it was perfect..except for the living room. it was teeny, with barely enough space for my sofa. no bueno. i forgot to ask how much they were leasing for. in october, the large 2/2 was under $800. it's an older community. dog friendly (instead of a flat rate, they also do pet rent).

the daytona, which is the 1/1+den, is 864 sf with a market rate of $675-$985. the concord, "cozy 2/2", is 963 sf with a range of $715-$1025. and, the large 2/2, the bristol, is 1069 sf and $770-$1110.

the location is something of a concern. although it is right by the mills mall and close to 85, there's no grocery store in the immediate vicinity (i don't count the new walmart); i don't go to the mall that often & if i do, i go to northlake or southpark; it's not exactly close to the other fun things i like to do; and, i'm farther away from where many of my friends and acquaintances live. ho-hum.

it stays on the list, mostly because it's one of the few that allows large dogs.

...and i continue with my search.

apartment hunt: addison

addison park
yes, i realize that this is the same community that i've lived in since october 2007, but it's still a contender. i like the management, the handy men are handy (& even come on their day off--like when i had no power), there's two pools (not that i've ever dipped a toe in) and they are super dog-friendly. oh, and they only rent to 21 yrs. and up (a huge perk!).

ap has a one with den option (a6). it's 995 sf, market rate $675-$845/month. in october, an a6 was renting at $610/month. now, they're leasing for $630-670, or there's one on notice for $705. potentially, i could save $55-$95/mo.

thoughts?!

apartment hunt: part one

my lease expires march 31. i have enjoyed living at addison park (especially having lowes foods around the corner!) but i think it's time to move on. since moving to charlotte & thinking about moving every time my lease comes up for renewal, i've kept a list of apartments. my needs & desires have changed..ideally, i'd rather be down in plaza-midwood or noda and away from the uncc kids, but my commute would be hellacious! plus, i need a community that will accept my "large" dog.

current situation: i live in a 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 1155 sf, 3rd floor unit with a wood-burning fireplace, wooded view, attached exterior storage & garden tub in mstr bath, with an added security system w/ motion. market rate: $890. my lease rate: $725. pet fee: $250 non-refundable, $250 refundable. no weight limit with some breed restrictions. i'm almost 20 miles from my office which equates to a 30-45 minute commute, one way (yuck!).

follow me, as i meander through my top choices, finally choosing the community that bella and i will enjoy, without breaking the bank! :)