5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Location of Your Apartment

Moving to a new town can be overwhelming, especially when trying to decide where to settle. Apartment hunting is a lot of work, and sometimes when considering all the specifics (price, inclusion of utilities, # bedrooms needed, parking, laundry, etc.), we neglect or gloss over the single most influential factor in whether we are actually going to enjoy living there - LOCATION. A street might seem nice, but I highly recommend doing your due diligence and considering the following five aspects of location before signing a lease, to avoid kicking yourself later. 1. Walkability What can you walk to within 5 minutes? 10 minutes may seem like an enjoyable stroll, but remember, winter is long and cold. Think of both fun - parks, caf騳's & restaurants/bars (variety is key-after awhile, the same 2 places get old), and practicality - banks/ATM's, drugstores & small markets where you can pick up staples like bread, milk & fruit, not just soda and candy. 2. Street Traffic Just because the street is quiet at 10 a.m. doesn't mean it's like that all day. Try driving by at peak rush hour before & after the normal work day to determine traffic volume. Also, be sure to check whether your street might be used as a cut-through (check the intersecting streets on either end and discern whether they are main roads). Cut-through streets might mean a steady stream of cars all day (and often at higher speeds). 3. Surrounding Landmarks Notice what's around you. Are there any unmarked buildings that don't look residential? Find out what they are. Otherwise, you might be surprised to find out that you have a band practice space or a Macaw parrot bird sanctuary as your neighbor. 4. Comfort Level Drive to the apartment at night. By law, real estate agents cannot answer the highly subjective question, 'is this a safe neighborhood?' The real question you want to answer is whether you are going to be comfortable living there. Drive to the apartment at night - pick a time when you might be coming home late. Park your car and sit there. Evaluate the human climate and decide for yourself. Also, you can call the local police precinct and ask about crime in the area. Generally they are more than happy to help you. 5. Light/Foliage If light is important to you, this is another reason to drive by at different times of day. Depending on surrounding buildings, trees, and time of year, light conditions will vary. Take the time to make sure, as best you can, that you are signing on to a satisfactory living environment. You will thank yourself! Featured Rental: 10 Exchange Court, #410, Pawtucket Extraordinary loft apartment, 5 minutes from Providence. This apartment has everything you would want in a SOHO loft, for RI prices! Loft features an open floor plan w/14 foot ceilings, modern kitchen w/soapstone countertops, 7 oversized windows with view of foliage and seasonal river views, wide plank hardwood floors-refinished and original to the mill, exposed brick, walk-in-closet, eclectic light fixtures, laundry in the unit and more! This is a rare opportunity to rent in a 60 unit live/work condominium community in the arts district in Pawtucket, RI along the Blackstone River. Most of the lofts are owner occupied; just a handful of them can be rented. Available August 15th (August 1st may be possible if necessary). Truly a unique space! Quiet building with elevator, secured entry, and gorgeous interior spaces. $1200/month.