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| Apartment living works well at different stages of life for people for various reasons. Renting an apartment can be a rite of passage into adulthood for some and a form of downsizing for others. Some choose to rent because of the many related freedoms and benefits associated with apartment living. Not having to shovel snow or repair a leaking toilet in the middle of the night are just a couple of the perks. If you choose wisely and consider the location, renting an apartment could be one of the wisest decisions you make during your lifetime. Renting a home, no matter if it is an apartment or a house, gives people maximum flexibility with minimal risk. Renters don’t have to agonize about large down payments, credit checks, or the condition of the real estate market. Renting offers the security of a lease without the worry of having to sell once it has expired. The renter can opt to extend their lease or give notice and move to a new location. This flexibility enables renters to familiarize themselves with a city and to determine what area they like best. Renting also relieves people of a lot of responsibilities. Let’s face it: We are all very busy with jobs, family, and social obligations. Some days there is barely enough time to get dinner on the table, let alone mow the lawn. Apartment living today is radically different from the past. Apartments don’t carry the age-old stigma of, “I can’t afford to buy a house” anymore. The new generation of apartment dwellers is trendy and says, “I live in a loft downtown.” Apartment life is economical, stylish, and fun. When potential renters are choosing an apartment, most often the amenities offered are the deciding factors. There are the norms such as dishwashers, swimming pools, and garbage disposals, which we have all come to expect. But we want more bang for our rental buck nowadays. Apartment communities are competing for your signature on their lease by offering many amenities that you won’t see when buying a house. It is commonplace now for apartments to have an onsite fitness facility and a common room available by reservation that renters can use for parties or meetings. Business centers are also becoming more common in apartment communities. They offer free use of computers along with Wi-Fi, fax machines, and photocopiers. With this benefit available, some renters do not have to subscribe to an Internet service inside of their apartment, which can be a great money saver. Some complexes offer Internet service as one of the utilities included in the monthly rental. For someone who relies on the Internet as their main source of information, this is a spectacular amenity. A washer and dryer are necessities for all of us, but not all apartments offer them. Some may have a communal laundry area where coin-operated machines are available for all tenants to use. Others have hookups within each apartment. You may have to furnish your own appliances or they may already be equipped. When shopping around, you will have to decide how important it is for you to have your own washer and dryer at your disposal. For some it may not be a problem to step down the hallway to do a load or two every week. For others it may be a great imposition. There are about as many different floor plans available for apartments as there are complexes. Your needs, wants, and personality will dictate what type you choose. A standard apartment complex is normally a grouping of five or more buildings, with each containing eight to 12 individual apartments. Some are designed to allow residents to enter their home from the street, while others require entering through a security door that leads to an inside entrance. Most renters agree that the latter provides a greater degree of safety. New styles and layouts for apartments have been designed to offer residents a sense of community, which encourages them to interact with their neighbors. Many have outside communal areas that are shared by a cluster of apartments. Residents have the use of fire pits, grills, and playground equipment within these areas. Just because you live in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean you have chosen to skimp on luxury. Within almost every city there are rentals specifically designated as “high-end.” Of course the monthly rent is higher than others, but the extra money can be worth it. These units are constructed with the highest-quality materials. The cabinetry, floor and window coverings, and appliances in a luxury apartment are top-of-the-line. Floor plans are unique and the square footage is larger than some houses. Amenities such as conciers and dry cleaning services are at your fingertips. You won’t find these services at a regular apartment or condo complex. The hippest move to make these days is to move downtown. Many cities are reviving their downtown areas and are encouraging people to consider it for their new home. Rather than tearing down old buildings, they are being renovated into apartments, lofts, and condos. These units provide residents with upgraded homes set in an area brimming with historical details. They often have the best views in town too. Residents living downtown don’t have to rely on their vehicles as much as urban dwellers do. Grocery stores, retail shopping, and dining are normally within walking distance, which promotes green living. Entertainment venues are usually close at hand as well. Some people are lucky enough to work downtown. Choosing to rent an apartment can be the beginning of a wonderful journey. From shopping around for just the right place to moving in and becoming a part of a new community, discover what your city has to offer. Sources for this story included: www.ezinearticles.com and www.positivesharing.com. |
The Freedom of Renting |
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