commute

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Tired of sitting in traffic day after day, or having to adhere to unreliable public transportation schedules? If you’ve ever envied those cyclists whizzing by your car, you might want to look into the option of riding your bike to work. Not only will your commute be more pleasant, but it’s a great way to stay in shape. However, being in the right location is key, as well as a few other factors. Here’s some things to consider in your quest to bike to work.

Location, Location, Location

You may want to grab your cycling gear and start peddling away, but ensuring your apartment is in a good location for making the ride is hugely important. How many miles are you willing to ride? If you live in the suburbs, you may have to bike to public transportation to make some of your journey: does your transport system allow bikes? Take a look at apartments near where you work and see if they might fit your taste and budget.

Is Your City Cycle-Friendly?

Many US cities are taking steps to ensure their city is perfect for those who want to ride their bike to work. For example, Chicago offers cycle paths and bike lanes in many of its communities, as does New York City and Boston. Cycling commuters in Atlanta not only have bike lanes, but they also have the added bonus of busses with bike racks on the front and spaces to put their bikes on public transportation service, MARTA. Bike-friendly Greenville, SC, a smaller city which encourages active living, continues to expand its massive Swamp Rabbit Trail, and bike repair stations have popped up all over the city.

Want to know if your city is bike friendly? Check out Thrillist’s compilation of the top cycling friendly cities in America for more details.

The Sweat Solution

One of the facts of cycling to work is that it’s possible to work up a sweat, particularly during the warm summer season. Check with your office to see if there’s a gym on the premises with a shower you can use. Additionally, if you’re looking to get fit, there might be a nearby gym that you can join and use its facilities. No showers? No problem. A pack of baby wipes, some deodorant and dry shampoo spray can work wonders in a pinch.

Hot Tip:  Some offices have a ‘bike to work day.’ If yours does, ride to work on this day to check out the lifestyle.

Storing Your Ride

All the bike paths in the world won’t matter if there isn’t a place to park and secure your bike when you get home. Check with your apartment community to see if they offer bike storage, or other secure locations to park your bike. Or ask if you can install wall hooks to simply hang your bicycle on the wall when you get home — hey, instant art! It’s also important to check with your work to see what storage options they offer, and how secure they are.

Are you ready to make the switch to biking to work? Maybe you already do and have some pointers? Get social with us and tell uswaht you’ve learned!

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You can have it all in the heart of Texas.

San Antonio is home to so many beautiful apartments, it’s hard to narrow down the choices. Sometimes coming up with a preferred amenities list helps, so you can automatically eliminate listings that don’t have a pool or even a cool rooftop hangout.

Aside from all the popular must-haves, as you look for a new place in San Antonio, don’t forget to consider the view. What you see out your window, from the courtyard or from anywhere else on the property can make a big difference.

To find the best view in San Antonio, start with this list of curated communities.

Source: Rent. / Cypress at Stone Oak

Consisting of a series of apartment buildings, what’s nice about Cypress at Stone Oak is the view along the backside of the property. That short-clipped grass and sweeping green space, steps from your front door, can only mean one thing — you’re living on a golf course. With country club-inspired amenities to match, residents here enjoy a unique lifestyle thanks to the view and on-site amenities.

A little north of San Antonio sits Canyon Springs, an entire neighborhood centered around the golf course that also happens to be in your backyard. Set between rolling hills, the complex’s neighborhood-wide amenities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a park with tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground. You’ll get a real united feeling here as residents of all the communities come together in these large spaces for events and time outside.

Source: Rent. / Verandas at Alamo Ranch

The green space is great at Verandas at Alamo Ranch for two reasons. First, it’s nice to have something alive and vibrant to look at from your balcony, no matter where you live. Second, it’s the perfect patch of usable space to take your indoor activities outside. Mostly an open space, with a few trees, this area allows you to have a picnic, play some games or even work for a little while under the shining Texas sun.

Within the cultural center of West San Antonio, you’ll find this community among some of the city’s major historical attractions and mixed in with pockets of Mexican and Tejano influence. Popular sights include the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Because it’s primarily an urban center, you’ll also find serene lakes with walking trails, picnic spots and nice landscaping to explore.

Source: Rent. / Celeste La Cantera

There are plenty of nice sights to soak up around Celeste La Cantera. You can sit in the covered lounge and look out onto the pool for a start. But what makes this property unique is the view of the outdoor fireplace. This giant brick feature is a site to behold: It’s absolutely massive. Grab a seat on the couch directly in front of it to enjoy some warmth or bring over some lunch and sit at any of the many tables for two peppered throughout the space.

Get in on the growing North San Antonio neighborhood and you’re in for a treat. Not only are there ample options for dining and shopping within walking distance of your front door, but the entire area is home to luxury golf courses and beautiful outdoor public spaces. Residents here benefit from a combination of function and fun since this area is home to a large portion of the city’s medical facilities as well as Six Flags and Friedrich Park.

Source: Rent. / The Mosaic

No matter where you sit around the pool at The Mosaic, you’re in for a killer view. The crystal-blue waters start in the hot tub and spill out into the massive pool with its unique shape. Soak up some sun in a lounge chair or grab a seat under an umbrella. There’s even a little patio with additional chairs and couches to settle into. Directly behind the spa, you’ll find a well-equipped outdoor kitchen and fireplace so you never have to stop enjoying this great spot.

You’ll find this wonderful community in Westfort, within the heart of San Antonio. A diverse and cultural area, living in this urban center gives you walkable access to restaurants, music venues, museums, parks, shopping and even a golf course. Also part of this area, the Broadway Corridor is home to more than a few great spots to see some beautiful sights.

Source: Rent. / Sonterra Blue

Oversized balcony? Yes, please. Being able to fit multiple pieces of patio furniture on a single apartment balcony is an amazing luxury, but when you also have a beautiful view, you’re set. At Sonterra Blue, you can get seating for at least six on your private balcony that looks out onto the lush landscape. Take a pause from your hectic day in this serene spot and just gaze out at the trees.

Situated within the posh Stone Oak neighborhood, you have to be okay with living a little further away from the bustle of the city to call this spot home. There’s plenty of high-end retail, entertainment and dining though, and it’s an easy commute to head closer to San Antonio for work.

Source: Rent. / The Addison Medical Center

Take advantage of this great indoor-outdoor space at The Addison Medical Center. Not only can you look out over the tops of trees, homes and other buildings from this great vantage point, but it’s an ideal spot for hanging out. Watch a movie and enjoy the view or dine al fresco. With a partial roof over your head and ceiling fans adding to the natural breeze, this is a great area in any kind of weather.

The sky lounge is just the tip of the amenities you’ll find at this North San Antonio community. There’s also a resort-style pool and fitness center that’s open 24 hours. Another lounge sits at the bottom of the community in the courtyard and a full-time concierge is on staff to maintain a high level of luxury living.

Source: Rent. / The Ranch at West End

A great green space is just on of the many of a long list of outdoor amenities at The Ranch at West End. This long patch of grass opens up into the picnic and grilling area, but that’s just the start of what you’ll find outside when you come home to this every day.

From beach volleyball to a basketball hoop, a children’s playground to an obstacle-stocked dog park, you won’t want to stay inside when you live here. Of course, there’s the pool too, with its in-water loungers and umbrella-covered tables.

Source: Rent. / Potranco Commons

Finding a yoga studio with big windows and a serene view is the ultimate goal in apartment living. Settle onto your mat in the wood-paneled yoga studio at Potranco Commons and you’ve got a perfect view. Facing the large window, you look out onto the postcard-perfect vegetation outside. It’s just the right scenery to get you into a meditative mindset.

To ensure you’re within walking distance of shopping, dining and entertainment, consider calling Heritage South home. This great neighborhood is located to the west of the city, far enough out to fit into the suburb category. On the property, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, including a pool, a fitness gym, a billiards bar and a club room with a cozy fireplace.

Source Rent. / The Reserve at Canyon Creek

A pool that’s also a fountain — not your everyday sight when it comes to apartment hunting — but it’s what you’ll find at The Reserve at Canyon Creek. Take in the view of the colorful apartment buildings that make up this community, and then get up and close and personal with the most unique pool you may ever see. There’s an actual, tiered fountain right in the middle of it.

This North San Antonio apartment combines serenity with modernity for some real luxury living. The country club life inspired this gorgeous pool and surrounding area, but you’ll also find an amazing fitness center, green space and billiards room. There’s beautiful landscaping throughout, so you’ll always have a little bit of greenery to complement the bright oranges, yellows, blues and reds making up this community.

Source: Rent. / The Benton

Live within what feels like your own private park at The Benton. For tranquil views of nature, complete with a winding walking path, this is what you want to see from your own home. The park area includes benches, grills and plenty of trees. Oversized windows in the apartments make it easy to take in this pastoral view even on days when you can’t go outside and get up close.

Set within the smaller Babcock North neighborhood, you may never want to leave The Benton once you arrive. The amenity game is strong here thanks to the resort-style pool with cabanas, state-of-the-art fitness center, picnic area with grills and nature running trail. You’ll also find a clubhouse, coffee and tea bar and conference room.

Make sure you have the best view in San Antonio

Apartment hunting can be fun, but also stressful. What helps is to know what you’re looking for before diving in. In San Antonio, the best thing to do is make a list of your must-haves.

While this should include the amenities that are most important, don’t discount having the right view. Whether you want to see the city skyline sparkle or trees wave in the wind, the best view in San Antonio is out there waiting for you. You just have to know where to look to find it.

Featured Image Source: Rent. / The Benton

Source: rent.com

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UPDATED FOR 2020

Thinking about making a move to the highly-sought-after city of Draper? We can’t blame you! The city is thriving and there’s so much to do. Here are a few highlights of Draper, UT, that make it such a great place to live.

A Heart of Black and White Spots

Draper started out as a small town called Draperville. It was originally a place where cows were brought to graze, and it grew steadily as more and more farm families moved in. This area has a foundation built by the pioneers, and you can see some of the heritage on display at the Draper Historical Society & Museum; a fun and free learning experience!

Big Land, Big Homes

True to its roots, there are still farms within the city. However, Draper has grown from its humble beginnings and you can find several luxury homes atop the hills. There used to be just 20 families in the area, but now almost 50k people live in Draper. It’s safe to say that Draper is popular!

The Main Attraction

There is one central road that runs the city, known locally as 123rd or, as you’ll find on Google Maps,12300 south. The main street is home to all the hottest new shops and restaurants. From sushi to steak and shoes to art supplies, there’s something for every diner and shopper in the fam. Don’t worry though, you’re never too far from farm life. You might even pass a llama or two on your way to lunch!

Outdoorsy

If you’re not a shop-til-you-drop kinda person, no worries. Draper has adventures galore. Parks, hiking trails, an amphitheater, and a community garden are all waiting for you to explore and enjoy.

Commuting Ain’t Nothing but a Thang

Even though Draper is its own city outside of Salt Lake, it’s still easy to commute where you need to go. The central location makes it easy to reach downtown SLC or Utah County in a variety of ways. If you’re heading south, there’s a new wide freeway that will getcha there fast (AKA the point of the mountain) or you can catch a UTA method of transport. If you’re trekking north, Front Runner, Trax, or I-15 will have you in Salt Lake in a beat.

Places Worth Going, Things Worth Doing

Though the city is in close proximity to other large cities, like SLC and Lehi, Draper offers plenty to do. Here are a few of the attractions that locals and visitors find fun for the whole fam.

A Place Worth Living

Start browsing homes in the beautiful city of Draper here. If you find one you love, just hit Schedule a Tour and a helpful Homie buyer’s agent will reach out to you to go and see it in person.

Want to learn more about how to evaluate your next neighborhood?

Read: How to Find the Right Neighborhood

To learn more about Homie’s buy process, click here.

Source: homie.com

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When searching for a home there are several items on your new apartment checklist. You need a certain number of bedrooms. It can’t be too far from work. You may need a dishwasher and washer dryer hookups. The necessities you need can easily be researched, and a property manager can help you find a unit you like.

But what about less obvious factors? Questions like how well behaved are your new neighbors? Is it safe to go out at night? Is it too noisy or too bright for sleeping? There are many items that don’t pertain to the unit itself that need to go on your apartment checklist. ApartmentGuide walks you through them here.

What to look for in a neighborhood

There are a few things you need to see for yourself in a neighborhood.

What are the kids doing? Are they playing outside or hidden away during the summer? If you’re a social butterfly, you may prefer neighbors who share your social traits.

Is there a visible police activity? If you see the police patrolling your complex day and night, they are needed there. This should be a red flag.

Road maintenance

Are the roads filled with potholes, or are they maintained? Is there trash on the street? Does the city take good care of this neighborhood, and do the residents have pride in where they live? If you’re looking to live in an urban setting, you’re not as likely to see tree-lined streets, but you might think twice about an area that is visibly neglected.

Get to know the neighbors

Your property manager or landlord has a financial incentive to get you into the home. However, the neighbors are an impartial party. Talk with people in the apartment community before you take a tour. Ask the cashier at a nearby grocery or convenience store about the complex. Check with online sources, like Next Door. This will provide you with outside opinions of the neighborhood (and the management). If you hear something negative, be sure to ask when it happened. It may be old information.

Safety

This is a huge priority when it comes to places to live. It’s up to you to determine if you’re looking in a safe neighborhood. There are a few things to check that will help you gauge if a neighborhood is safe.

Street lights

Are there plenty of working lights? Do they cover your mailbox, parking lot and the walk to your door or fitness center? You want your walk outside to be completely lit by streetlights at night.

Crime statistics

Be sure to check out the crime rates in a neighborhood. Look into the registered sex offender list too, which shows where they live, and their previous crimes (especially important if you have children). If the rent price seems too good to be true, this may be why.

Convenience

A map may tell you work is only 5 minutes from the apartment you have your eye on. However, traffic can add more time to that number. Try taking your work commute from your prospective apartment during rush hour. How much time does it really take to get to and from work? Do a bit of research: are there back roads you can easily take to avoid traffic, and commute quickly?
Next, determine the nearest grocery, and don’t just drive by. Go inside and see if you like it. Ditto for the pharmacy, the dry cleaners, restaurants, the library … any type of business or service that you use regularly. These will be your neighborhood places, so you better like them!

Personal preferences

Your personal preferences for what you want in a neighborhood should make the apartment checklist. Take a walk around at night. It’s important to ask yourself a few questions to know what neighborhood is right for you.

  1. Are there wild parties in your neighborhood? If so, is this a problem for you?
  2. Are there lots of loud barking dogs? What about fences for those dogs? And are there leash laws for the county? If you like to take a nightly walk, these are things to consider.
  3. Do you want to be walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants? Or, do you prefer a neighborhood that is more secluded?
  4. Can you sleep in a room that’s not completely dark? Will you have to spend extra to block out light sited right outside your bedroom window?

Apartment hunting can be a gamble if you don’t have a well-thought-out plan. Do your research, and know what things you value in a neighborhood, and you can find a home you will be happy in for years to come.

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By Jason Price 8 Comments – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited February 10, 2014.

As I pulled into the gas station over the weekend I was amazed at the price of gasoline. I know it’s been all over the news, but to see the price on the sign in excess of $3.30 is disheartening. While many people will experience a dent in their spending plan because of the rising prices, there are many who simply can’t afford to keep gasoline in their car. If you have a shortfall of cash everything month as it is, rising gasoline prices makes matters much worse.

How do you save money on gas when the prices are high and rising? There are a number of ways which I discuss below, but the one thing everyone should be doing is adjusting their spending plans. When you think about your spending for the month consider what the additional cost in gasoline is going to be. You’ve got to make a cut in your budget somewhere whether that be less entertainment, savings or some other area. Unfortunately, it’s a reality right now and we have to manage to it.

So, let’s look at some ways to minimize the cost of gas and the impacts on your budget.

Ride Share or Public Transportation

If you’re used to driving to work each day, consider other forms of transportation. This is a great time to look into taking the bus or ride sharing with others who live nearby. This tip is especially helpful if you have a long range commute.

Find The Cheapest Gas

This past week I downloaded the GasBuddy iPhone app. GasBuddy finds the cheapest gas near me. For example, I just looked on the app and it identified gas at $3.39 down the street versus the next highest price of $3.49 about a mile further. Go to GasBuddy.com to learn more.

Fill Up At Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse clubs such as a Sam’s and Costco almost always offer cheaper gasoline. There is less mark up on their gas prices since they are making money by people shopping for items in in the club.

Smart Driving Saves Gas

For those who drive fast and accelerate a lot, you’ll find you waste more gas. Rather, accelerate steady and don’t weave in and out of traffic. Follow the speed limit and you’ll also find you don’t have to stop at as many stoplights which requires you to accelerate more.

Take Advantage Of Coupons

According to CNNMoney.com there are a number of gas coupons you can find online and in newspapers. Make it a habit to start watching for them each week.

Some gas stations, for example, offer coupons for discounts on gas that can be found in newspapers, circulars and online. A quick web search will result in printable coupons for as much as 7 cents off per gallon, but they’re scattered across various stations around the country.

Take Advantage Of Cash Back Reward Cards

Finally, you might consider getting a gas credit card and take advantage of cash back rewards. A lot of gasoline companies offer credit cards which can also be an easy way to track your gasoline spending. Just remember to pay it off each month by budgeting your spending. A gasoline credit card isn’t a free ticket to spend without a plan!

How high are the gasoline prices in your area? Have you noticed an impact on your budget? If so, can you share some tips you’re using to minimize gas prices?

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Source: biblemoneymatters.com

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Known for its natural beauty and urban skyline, there’s a lot to see in Salt Lake City.

There are so many attractions that can bring you to Salt Lake City, but when it’s time to pick an apartment, make sure you know exactly what you want. Even if a chic fitness center and a decked-out rooftop are on your list, in a place like Salt Lake City, you should also think about the view.

What you see out your window can take apartment living in Salt Lake City to the next level, whether you’ve got mountain views or cityscapes, don’t forget to check out what’s outside before signing the lease.

To get you started on finding the best views in Salt Lake City, check out these ten apartments. They’re great contenders for the prize of best view in the city.

Source: Rent. / Seasons at Library Square

You really do need to check out a wide-angle shot of Seasons at Library Square to understand what kind of views await. Not only are the mountains within range, but you’ll also glean a panoramic view of the downtown area. Having both city and mountain views is what living in Salt Lake City is all about.

This Central Salt Lake City community is not only perfectly positioned to capture all the city’s beauty, but it’s in a great location for everything else. From here, you’re within walking distance of businesses, sports, shopping, restaurants and bars. The vibrant urban scene within SLC is at your fingertips whether you’re headed to a museum or a local festival.

Source: Rent. / The Marq

The view at The Marq may be a little more subtle, but if you take into account the cool indoor-outdoor space you can look out from, it will definitely impress. Overall, you’ll look out onto treetops and lush greenery, but you’ll be sitting in a modern lounge with couches, a long dining table and a paneled wall with a flatscreen TV. Another, even bigger TV, sits above the couch and surround sound speakers make the space that much more inviting.

Finding a community to call home in the laid-back People’s Freeway area not only puts you in a great spot but a convenient location. You’re only 15 minutes from the University of Utah and about five minutes from the city center. At your fingertips are plenty of budget-friendly eateries and low-key bars, while those needing a dose of fresh air and some scenery can bike or hike along the Jordan River Parkway.

Source: Rent. / Clover Creek Apartments

An urban oasis you can access without leaving home, that’s what everyone really needs, and Clover Creek Apartments readily provides. The pool area is serene enough, but a woodsy view to a wall of trees in a variety of colors makes things even better. You can forget your stress and focus on the soothing view of nature as you relax in the pool, under an umbrella or in a lounge chair.

Also close to the Jordan River Parkway, this Murray North community creates a fantastic, park-like setting that’s full of natural beauty. Only about 15 minutes to the south of SLC, it’s still in a prime location for those who need to commute into the city. Around the corner, you’ll find great shopping as well the other neighborhood conveniences that make a place truly feel like home.

Source: Rent. / Fox Point in Old Farm

It’s just a bench, but this simple spot in Fox Point in Old Farm gives you the most relaxing view you’re likely to find in Salt Lake City. Looking out onto the water, with all those trees hovering just above the surface of the water — it’s breathtaking. This entire community takes its commitment to nature seriously. There’s plenty of green space, trees and moving water. If you’re not watching the fountain, you may be quacking back at the ducks, all right from home.

This community, and the entire Midvalley area, operates at a slower pace than Salt Lake City proper. You’re not far from the urban energy of the city, but you’re also close to plenty of outdoor recreation up in the mountains. Within the neighborhood itself, you’re nearby amazing restaurants and bars, so keeping busy is no problem in this little slice of SLC.

Source: Rent. / Cobble Creek

Prioritizing its green space, Cobble Creek wants you to always have a nice little piece of nature to unwind in when you come home. Even the pet park is all grass and trees. The best spots are right in the center of the community though, where you can stroll beside a little, rock-lined creek. There’s also a lovely deck to hang out on that’s right beside the on-site lake.

Full of scenic walking paths and giving off forest vibes, this Cottonwood West community is a nature-lovers delight. Just outside the community, you’ll find a laid-back, suburban neighborhood with casual places to hang out and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy.

Source: Rent. / Seasons at Murray Crossing

Whether you’re at the pool or on your own personal balcony, at Seasons at Murray Crossing, you’ll always enjoy great mountain views. Yes, there may be some buildings in your eye-line as well, but those Utah peaks are straight ahead and easy to see and enjoy.

Another great place to call home in Murray North, living here keeps you close to shops, restaurants and outdoor recreation. You can get deeper into both the city and mountain views whether you’re looking to grab a bite or just enjoy the fresh air.

Source: Rent. / Ritz Classic

Modern meets art deco for a cool property to wander through at Ritz Classic. You’ll get a combination of interesting things to see whether it’s the metal winding staircase that feels a little old school to the gorgeous outdoor space complete with pool, hot tub, lounge area, grills and dining space. Even the apartment community sign is a sight to behold. It definitely gives off retro Las Vegas vibes.

Also in Midvalley, this community offers up mountain and city views within a historic building. You’ll find plenty of modern amenities, and you’re close to prime shopping, dining and entertainment. You’re not far from the city center and likely will not have to travel far to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Source: Rent. / Valley Park

Soak all kinds of wholesome neighborhood vibes right outside your door at Valley Park. There’s even a white picket fence to seal the deal. You won’t find a front lawn like this in every apartment community, so it’s truly a special view. Beautiful landscaping with flowers, trees and a variety of shrubbery transforms this apartment community into its own special place.

Situated to the west of the city, this Redwood community provides amenities geared toward every resident of your home. There are basketball courts, a heated pool with a sun deck and a pickleball court for those who like to stay active. For younger residents, there’s a children’s playscape as well, and pups can utilize the enclosed dog run.

Source: Rent. / The Village at Raintree

It will feel like you’re living on a golf course when you call The Village at Raintree home. The landscaping has all the right elements. Sweeping swaths of close-cut grass and water feature rocky bottoms topped with spraying fountains. Tall trees frame the space creating an aesthetic that’s serene and beautiful. It’s the perfect view from any window or balcony, and what’s even better is you can stroll through it at the drop a hat whenever the mood hits.

Within the heart of SLC, with beautiful city views, this Rose Park community is only about five minutes from the city center. It’s a great location to walk around and explore and is considered one of the most ethnically diverse parts of Utah. The area is full of parks and has a reputation as a highly livable area for all its residents.

Source: Rent. / Eight20

Catch the most spectacular mountain views the moment you set foot in Eight20. This community has the best mountain backdrop. When those tall peaks have snow on them, it’s like looking at nature at its most beautiful. With a large, green lawn separating buildings in this apartment community, you’ll have no trouble finding a comfortable spot to sit and absorb this majestic view.

Another premier Midvalley apartment complex, Eight20 is convenient and stylish. It’s full of amenities including two tennis courts, a game room and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The pool and hot tub area is the perfect place to relax, and the bark park gives your pup a little taste of luxury living too. There’s something for everyone here, aligned with some of the most excellent scenery.

Make sure you have the best view in Salt Lake City

While there are so many potential Salt Lake City apartments to call home, you won’t know if you’ve found the right place until you can see it for yourself. Looking around means being able to check all your ‘must haves’ off your list, but it also allows you to see the sights.

Find your favorite community above and fill out an application today. Your stellar view of Salt Lake City awaits.

Featured image source: Rent. / Fox Point in Old Farm

Source: rent.com

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Commuting to work is one of the top things people consider when looking for an apartment. A long commute adds stress to your life. You sit in traffic, you use a substantial amount of gas, and you have far less free time than you would with a shorter commute. Moving closer to work makes life so much easier, but make sure you take all factors into account when apartment shopping based on your commute.

A move for shorter commuting

Switching neighborhoods to make your commuting time more tolerable is a great call. However, in order to ensure that you aren’t adding a different kind of stress, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

  • Is the new neighborhood safe?

Look into the crime rates in the neighborhood you are considering. You don’t want to jeopardize your safety for a shorter commute; it’s simply not worth it.

  • What’s the cost-benefit analysis?

Do a cost benefit analysis to see what your long commute is costing you. You want to look at the full cost of additional mileage on your car, including general wear and tear, depreciation, the cost of more frequent oil changes and repairs AND the cost of gas. Be realistic when figuring your gas costs, by learning the mileage your car gets. Talk to your accountant, if needed, about the wear and tear factor.

  • What’s the cost effectiveness of the move?

Once you know what your commute to work actually costs (and what it might cost in a new neighborhood), you can compare that to rent prices. See what the rent prices are in the neighborhood you’re considering. Even if a place has higher rent, you may still be coming up on top because your car expenses would be so much less.

The commuting drive-time test

Online maps are one way to get a general idea of your drive time. But these don’t take traffic into account. You want to make sure your shorter commute will actually save time. A new neighborhood may make your commute a few miles shorter, but if you’re not saving any time because you’re stuck in traffic day in and day out, it’s a wash. Give your commute a try from your new neighborhood. How is rush hour traffic? Are you still saving time even during peak driving times?

Many folks like proximity to a freeway when considering a new neighborhood. But back roads may get you to work faster. When you’re doing your drive tests, see if there is a route for you to avoid the major freeways. This could save you time and sanity.

RELATED: Walking to work as a lifestyle

RELATED: Create an emergency kit for your car

The benefits of a shorter commute

There are so many benefits to having a shorter commute: less stress, since you won’t be spending nearly as much time on the road in traffic; less money, in gas and car upkeep; time, as you’ll have more time to yourself each day. There are many perks to cutting down your commuting time.

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After a long hard day at work, the last thing you want to do is deal with traffic and a long trip home. Traffic is stressful and can be dangerous as well. Why not take one less stressor out of your life? A shorter trip home will not only impact your sanity but your pocket book too.

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I almost never pay the entirety of my rent. I don’t have roommates and I’ve never been evicted. In the four years I rented a one-bedroom New York City apartment, I paid the full rent only one month. I now own a condo in Portland, Oregon, and I almost never pay my mortgage.

I’m able to keep my condo and apartment because I let strangers pay my bills for me. I’ve created a situation where my home generates income.

Letting Strangers Pay My Rent

Here’s how I did it in New York City for four years: I traveled nearly every week for my job as a management consultant. I was out of town Monday-Thursday most weeks. I reasoned that other people like me may have the opposite commute pattern, where work brings them to New York weekdays. I posted an ad on Craigslist for a “part-time roommate”, and sure enough, lots of people were interested in paying me for the privilege of staying in my cute, East Village apartment three nights a week while I was away.

With an aggressive savings plan and the money generated from my “roommates,” I was able to squirrel away enough money for a down payment on a condo in Portland, where property is much less expensive than in New York.

I purchased a reasonably-priced condo between the trendy Pearl District and Nob Hill areas. With permission from my company, I relocated to Portland for two months while working on a West Cost project. Living in Portland gave me the opportunity to decorate and fully outfit the condo. Before moving back to New York at the end of the project, I hired a local management company to handle advertising, tenant screening, and rent collection. The management company rents out my furnished condo to business people coming to Portland for 3-6 month stretches or people in town on extended vacations.

These are just a couple examples of ways people can turn their home into an income-generating asset. My circumstances are a little unusual, but the concept is nothing that can’t work for nearly everyone in some capacity. In my experience, there are four main ways nearly anyone can leverage their apartment or home to generate income:

  • Vacation Rental. When you know you’ll be out of town for several days, post an ad for your home in the vacation rental section of Craigslist. Other great resources are AirBnB.com and SecondPorch (a Facebook application).
  • Home Exchange. Consider doing a home exchange when you take vacations. If you have a home in Maine, you can potentially “swap” with a couple in Paris for a week or longer (fun fact: Europeans seem to love Maine). A great place to start is HomeExchange.com, a vacation swapping website.
  • Room for Rent. If you have an extra bedroom in your home, consider listing it on a site like AirBnB.com, where travelers all over the world look for inexpensive accommodations.
  • Part-Time Roommate. If you travel regularly for work, find someone with the opposite commute pattern who needs a place to stay in your home city. Craigslist and social media like Facebook and Twitter are great resources for this.

One Potential Scenario

To give a sense of the income potential of these arrangements, let’s take an example of a couple who lives in a 2-bedroom home in Portland, Oregon. Assume they live in a fairly desirable area and use their spare bedroom as a home office and guest room.

  • They rent their spare room to vacationers four nights a month, charging $50/night. Annual income: $2,400.
  • Once a year, they take a 10-day vacation in Europe. This year, they opt for a home exchange, saving $150/night in hotel costs. Annual cost avoidance: $1,350.
  • They usually go camping a couple times over the summer. They rent out their home two weekends each summer, charging $150/night. Annual income: $600.
  • During the holidays, they travel cross-country to visit family. They rent out their home over Thanksgiving (four nights) and Christmas/New Year’s (10 nights) at $150/night. Annual income: $2,100.
  • Total annual income/cost avoidance: $6,450.

This is a fairly realistic scenario, with prices typical for Portland. Let’s assume this couple earns the local median income of $56,000 for a two-person household. With minimal work and a little flexibility, this Portland couple is able to boost their income by nearly 12% annually.

To take this a little further, let’s say they continue renting out their place, earning $6,450 annually for five years. They invest their income with an 8% annual return. At the end of five years they’ll have $37,800. Then they have a baby, so they stop renting out their space. They convert the second bedroom into a nursery and stop taking long vacations. They leave the $37,800 in the investment account, which continues to earn 8%. By the time their child is 18 years old and ready for college, the account will be worth over $150,000, which should cover their child’s Harvard education (assuming the kid is smart, like his parents). Not bad, right?

Is This Realistic?

Many people think that this story doesn’t apply to them. They think either that no one would pay to stay in their home, or that it would be too weird to have strangers around their stuff.

When I first had these doubts, I had to tell myself: I like my home, don’t I? Is it that far fetched a notion that someone else might, too? As for the aversion to having someone else around my stuff, I had to think through that reaction: Was I really willing to turn down hundreds or thousands of dollars of income because I wanted to protect my things from being near strangers? I had to discipline myself not to let my Stuff take over my life, limit my opportunities and cost me money.

After conquering my doubts, I forged ahead. Looking back, I have no regrets. My belief is there’s no harm in trying — all the listing services I mentioned (except HomeExchange.com) are free. If you’re curious to give this a try, spruce up your place, take some well-lit photos, and write a snappy ad. The more positive energy you put into your home and your ad, the more success you’ll have. You’ll likely be surprised at how many people are interested in paying to stay in your home, and you may even make some friends while you’re at it!

A Final Word of Advice

Be sure to check your lease, zoning laws, or condo bylaws to ensure you’re not violating any rules. Also, check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for damage from renters and visitors.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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If you’re shopping for a home, you’ve probably created a wish list to narrow down your search. Biggest purchase of your life, right?

Once you’ve landed on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and how important granite countertops and hardwood floors are, you’ve likely considered the L word: Location. Homeownership is a long-term relationship, and you’ll want to make sure to do your homework when dating your future neighborhood. Finding the best qualities of a great neighborhood is all about knowing where to look.

Here are a few ways to score a home and its neighborhood, no matter where you’re shopping!

Schools

Maybe you’ve got a baby on the way, or perhaps you’re single and kids are the last thing on your mind. Don’t worry, we got you either way. Buying a home in close proximity to a thriving school is more important than you might think. Diaper bag or not, you should do your homework on the schools near the home you are interested in. A buyer should do their own independent research to gain their greatest understanding of the neighborhood.

K-12

Trust us, you should care about how well schools in your area are doing. Let’s break the stats down for you. Here’s what you need to know, as suggested by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

  • Check out the school district’s annual report.
  • What is the school’s discipline policy?
  • Check to see what services are available at the school.
  • What is the school’s safety policy?
  • Is there an active parent organization?

Doing research on local schools before you make an offer on a home can pay off. Good schools mean good neighborhoods, stable home values, a higher selling price, and better education for kids. Online resources like SchoolDigger.com and GreatSchools.org are especially helpful for evaluating schools.

School Digger ranks schools compared to other options in the state. You can narrow the search by city, neighborhood, and school level. The color code helps you quickly identify the rank of the schools in your preferred search area.

Great Schools provides a robust review platform where users can rate their local school. Reading the reviews is helpful for getting a good overall feel for the school environment.

Alright, bachelors and bachelorettes, we see you, you can put your hand down. What’s the big deal about buying near a good school if you don’t have kids? Two words: resale value. This is important, for real. Living near a thriving school means better teachers and better test scores, but in the bigger picture it also helps maintain the value of a home and ensure a faster resale. Homes located in high-quality school districts tend to sell quicker than homes near lower ranked schools. Be prepared that property taxes can be higher too… but that can be a good thing!

A good chunk of those taxes will go back to the local schools, which supports their programs and, in turn, makes for a great neighborhood to own a home. Everybody wins!

Post-Secondary Education

OK, so your dream home isn’t near any K-12 schools. Don’t fret! Post-secondary schools are good, too. Colleges, trade schools, and universities bring their own value to the neighborhood table. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Value. Like schools for younger kids, living near a college or the like can raise the likelihood of your home selling for more money later on because of pure proximity. People like to walk to places! They can save money on gas and not have to worry about parking.
  • Mature neighborhoods. If you live in the general area of one of these types of schools, it’s likely that the crowd is a bit older. If you’re looking for a mature neighborhood where you can find friends with similar interests, this is your best bet!
  • Entertainment. College towns are notorious for having plenty to do. Cute shops, restaurants and other fun places pop up all over in these areas because college kids like to have plans in the evening and on the weekends.

It’s important to note that these schools also bring a few less-than-ideal things to the table, too. Parties, full parking lots, and lots of traffic are sure to come with this area.

Commute

No one wants a commute to work that lasts as long as half a work day. However, some people can tolerate a commute that’s around an hour or so depending on how much they LOVE where they live. When you’re considering a neighborhood, don’t forget to take a peek at commute time on regular roadways and alternate means of transportation.

Public Amenities

There are a lot of public structures and activity areas that you can take advantage of. Many people like to live near these because they’re the best price: Free! Here are a few you may want to live near (preferably within walking distance).

Playgrounds

Playgrounds are the perfect gathering place for young families to meet and hang out without spending any moolah. There are also usually wide open spaces for family sports or rentable covered areas to host the next neighborhood picnic.

Dog Parks

Dogs are literally the best. See which parks will make your furry friend bark with enthusiasm with these resources.
Find Your Park and
Nylabone’s Dog Park Locator to find outdoor spaces in a neighborhood.

Libraries

This essentially goes in hand with a nearby school. Why buy books you’ll only use once when you can check them out for free? Libraries are also usually well-maintained so they provide a beautiful addition to the neighborhood.

Sports Areas

Some cities and neighborhoods offer basketball or tennis courts and other areas to play sports. There might even be a community pool! These are a great way to keep neighborhood kids outside and playing, as well as providing a place to connect with your neighbors.

Population

Proximity

In addition to all of the above, it’s important for you to consider the population size and density of your new neighborhood. Would living in a bustling urban metro area be your ideal neighborhood? Or do you prefer the peace and solitude of a rural neighborhood? Maybe a home in a suburban community geared toward young families is your preference? Whatever your liking, you’ll want to take population into account when seeking the best neighborhood for your individual needs.

Crime

It’s always important to check the crime rate of places you’re looking to move into. While crime happens everywhere, basically no matter what, you want to feel safe. You can find out this info with a simple Google search of city name crime rate.

Liveliness

It might be hard to get a good read on a neighborhood unless you have an opportunity to interview all of your potential neighbors. You can certainly knock on doors and ask questions, but if that’s not style here are a few key factors to consider when sizing up the vibe of a neighborhood:

  • People out and about. Seeing neighbors walking dogs and playing with their children in the front yard is a good sign of neighborhood vitality and safety. Future friends, yay!
  • High curb appeal. This is key for two reasons. First, it indicates that homeowners take pride in investing to maintain their properties. Second, it highlights that city services are functioning well, with paved streets and proper trash pickup services. In this case, go ahead and judge a book by its cover!
  • Nightlife. Visit the neighborhood during the daytime and evening hours, as well as on weekdays and weekends. This will help paint a realistic picture of what it might be like to live in the neighborhood. You’ll want to see all sides of your future home.

Home Insurance

The location, condition, and construction of a home will all play a part in determining home insurance cost. Here are just a few of the factors that a company will consider when quoting a home for an insurance premium:

  • Age and construction
  • Proximity to a fire station
  • Nearby coastline or body of water

Other features of a home will also be examined, but these three factors are closely tied to the neighborhood where the home is located. Insurance is about risk, and companies will assess risk in different ways. Always be sure to compare quotes to make sure you are getting the best rate for your coverage.

The End Goal

The qualities of a great neighborhood outlined above should prove helpful in the quest for finding the best neighborhood to fit your personal needs and lifestyle. Location isn’t the only critical consideration for resale value but it’s pretty dang important. A homeowner should enjoy and feel at home in their neighborhood. Buying a home is a long-term relationship, so take dating slowly and get to know each other before you take the next big step. You’ll want to make sure you and your new neighborhood are going to have a long and happy life together!

A Homie Can Help

Feeling overwhelmed with where to begin? Start browsing homes with Homie and see how easy it can be. Our team of licensed agents and experts are ready to help you find the home of your dreams, in a great neighborhood! All while saving you money. Pros that love contacts and legal jargon and want to help? Heck, yes! Oh, and they want to save you lots of dollar bills? Even better!

We made your neighborhood evaluation a bit easier, check out these guides!

Utah
– Draper City

Arizona

Nevada

Source: homie.com

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In the East, you’ll find more options of where to rent than elsewhere in the US. Houses, brownstones, rowhomes, and apartments above businesses are much more plentiful in the East than elsewhere, where your choices beyond apartment buildings are more limited.

The post Moving to the East Coast: What to Expect appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.