Lost and Finding
Well, we went to about fifteen different apartments/lofts this weekend trying to find a place that was: (a) clean, (b) reasonably charming, (c) affordable; and (d) within a short enough commute to work - but not too close to family. Since it snows there, covered parking was important too.
We looked at quite a few lofts (horribly disappointing - when you think of a loft apartment do you picture generic beige apartment carpeting and speckled white walls? Well - I don't anyway. One loft was adorable - exposed brick, enormous floor to ceiling windows - looking out over a green area - in a converted warehouse - but they had put up 3/4 walls throughout the entire space and it felt so claustrophobic. It was a horrible use of space, and for a one bedroom for $1300 in that market - I said no thanks. They also wanted close to another $100/mo. to park - and $10/per 10 pounds of pet. Considering I have two monstrous nearly 20 pound cats - that was just wayyyyyy too much moohla.
We also checked out one too many generic white bread apartments. yes, I realize that you have newer appliances and amenities (such as a heated pool) but let's get real. Who here thinks I'll be hopping in the pool when the average high temps are hovering at around 20 degrees?
On Saturday, I found an apartment on the third floor in an older building that was directly across the street (well - across the park) from my new job. It had exposed brick in the kitchen, with all granite countertops - new stainless appliances, hardwood floors, built in wine rack in the kitchen, stained glass windows in the bathroom, a sun room, etc. - but... it was $1250 a month. Considering I'm taking around $12,000 paycut to move there that's a big deal to me. Walking distance to work - but I couldn't exactly call and say that I was stuck in traffic now could I?
Sunday - we went to get coffee and this little independent coffeehouse (very cute) that we had coffee at on Saturday. On our way out, he stopped to read the sports page. I was irritated with him because he was taking so damn long, and picked up the paper and flipped to the classifieds. Townhome - 2/2, hardwood floors, full dry basement. After going to all of our other appointments - and realizing that our flight left in two and half hours and we had NO clue where we were going to live... on a whim, we drove by. Cute from the street, the place wasn't amazingly spectacular inside - but for a year - I think it would be perfect. Literally within walking distance to a brewery/pub. Two blocks inside a state that actually believes in science and not religious mumbo jumbo. Washer/dryer hookups in the enormous basement, one car garage, street parking for the other car, original hardwood floors... nice quiet residential street. Bigger place than we have now. Giant beautiful maple tree in the front yard.
And the best part - $775/mo.
That is less than HALF what we pay now a month. I am so elated. It's got phenomenal closet space and it's close to shopping... work... everything.
Finally something good. Finally.
We looked at quite a few lofts (horribly disappointing - when you think of a loft apartment do you picture generic beige apartment carpeting and speckled white walls? Well - I don't anyway. One loft was adorable - exposed brick, enormous floor to ceiling windows - looking out over a green area - in a converted warehouse - but they had put up 3/4 walls throughout the entire space and it felt so claustrophobic. It was a horrible use of space, and for a one bedroom for $1300 in that market - I said no thanks. They also wanted close to another $100/mo. to park - and $10/per 10 pounds of pet. Considering I have two monstrous nearly 20 pound cats - that was just wayyyyyy too much moohla.
We also checked out one too many generic white bread apartments. yes, I realize that you have newer appliances and amenities (such as a heated pool) but let's get real. Who here thinks I'll be hopping in the pool when the average high temps are hovering at around 20 degrees?
On Saturday, I found an apartment on the third floor in an older building that was directly across the street (well - across the park) from my new job. It had exposed brick in the kitchen, with all granite countertops - new stainless appliances, hardwood floors, built in wine rack in the kitchen, stained glass windows in the bathroom, a sun room, etc. - but... it was $1250 a month. Considering I'm taking around $12,000 paycut to move there that's a big deal to me. Walking distance to work - but I couldn't exactly call and say that I was stuck in traffic now could I?
Sunday - we went to get coffee and this little independent coffeehouse (very cute) that we had coffee at on Saturday. On our way out, he stopped to read the sports page. I was irritated with him because he was taking so damn long, and picked up the paper and flipped to the classifieds. Townhome - 2/2, hardwood floors, full dry basement. After going to all of our other appointments - and realizing that our flight left in two and half hours and we had NO clue where we were going to live... on a whim, we drove by. Cute from the street, the place wasn't amazingly spectacular inside - but for a year - I think it would be perfect. Literally within walking distance to a brewery/pub. Two blocks inside a state that actually believes in science and not religious mumbo jumbo. Washer/dryer hookups in the enormous basement, one car garage, street parking for the other car, original hardwood floors... nice quiet residential street. Bigger place than we have now. Giant beautiful maple tree in the front yard.
And the best part - $775/mo.
That is less than HALF what we pay now a month. I am so elated. It's got phenomenal closet space and it's close to shopping... work... everything.
Finally something good. Finally.
posted by April at 11:44 AM
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