| Finding your first apartment can be a tricky task; | | | | pets are often banned outright as well. |
| after all, this is your new home for the | | | | A swimming pool has become a common amenity |
| foreseeable future, and you want to be sure to | | | | at many apartments, but be sure and scope out |
| have all of your bases covered. So aside from | | | | the pool-size-to-number-of-residents ratio ahead |
| the obvious basics such as floor plan, affordability | | | | of time. A small, ornate oval pool may look |
| and safety, what amenities should a new | | | | appealing to the eye, but when fifty other families |
| apartment resident look for? | | | | are cannon-balling your peaceful swim into oblivion |
| Location, location, location! Having an apartment in | | | | it will be too late for second thoughts. |
| close proximity to your workplace will save on | | | | A number of apartment communities also now |
| gas and other expenses, and be sure to keep an | | | | offer such onsite features as a gym or game |
| eye peeled for public transportation such as bus | | | | room. Again, be sure and get all of the details |
| stops located near your new abode. Also, you'll | | | | ahead of time. Does the game room require you |
| likely want to avoid apartment communities | | | | to reserve it in advance? Is the gym open 24 |
| situated near noisy public places like shopping malls | | | | hours, and does it offer adequate security in the |
| or concert halls. | | | | evenings? It's always better to be safe rather |
| Parking can be a real hassle when there are too | | | | than sorry. |
| few spaces, so be sure and ask prior to signing | | | | Remember, apartment living is becoming more |
| the lease whether or not you will be assigned a | | | | popular with each passing day, so if your dream |
| parking spot. Many communities will offer a | | | | community is lacking some of these amenities it |
| reserved (and sometimes covered) spot for a | | | | might be a wise strategy to mention it to |
| low monthly fee. | | | | management prior to signing your lease. Who |
| If you have four-legged friends, you will definitely | | | | knows? If they feel they might lose you to that |
| want to research your new apartment's pet | | | | newer model down the street (you know, the |
| policies prior to moving in. Even some pet friendly | | | | one with the gym) you might just be able to get |
| communities still have breed restrictions, so read | | | | your rent lowered! |
| the fine print carefully. Reptiles and other exotic | | | | |