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June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

No matter what kind of apartment building you live in, units that come with their own private balcony are among the most coveted. Having a small outdoor space like a balcony for your apartment opens up a world of entertaining possibilities, from dinner parties to simply enjoying the view with your morning coffee. Our apartment balcony ideas take you through all four seasons of festivities and relaxation.

But there’s a catch: Unless you live in an area where the weather and climate are mostly the same throughout the year, you’ll need to decorate your balcony in accordance with the seasons. That doesn’t just mean fun seasonal decorations for different holidays like the Fourth of July or Christmas, but weatherizing it so the space is actually usable from installing rain protection during the rainy season to adding a safe outdoor heater during winter. Apartments that come with balconies typically fetch higher rents than other units without, so you don’t want to let it go to waste for half the year. Reclaim and fully enjoy your balcony space with these year-round apartment balcony decorating ideas.

outdoor area balcony ideas

How to decorate your apartment balcony space for all seasons

Unsure how to decorate your tiny balcony for winter so it’s both cute and cozy? Don’t have a ton of floor space but still want to add plants to your small balcony? We’ve got you covered.

For each of the four seasons, we’ve got balcony ideas for how to decorate and best use the space. That way, you can enjoy your balcony as a living space and lounge space throughout the year instead of just for a few months.

small balconies can still be decorated for the holidays as long as you make use of vertical space

Winter

Winterize your outdoor balcony — but keep it cute at the same time — with these winter balcony decorating ideas.

Add a space heater

Set up a cozy space heater in one corner to keep things warm and toasty. If you only have a small space to work with, be careful to keep the heater far from flammable objects like curtains or outdoor rugs. For an extra charming touch, choose one of the models that feature fake logs.

If you have enough space, an outdoor heating lamp works as well.

Enclose the outdoor space to keep it warm

Use zippable plastic walls, curtains or privacy screens to keep heat in and keep the cold out by creating a contained indoor space.

This is also for safety reasons. If your balcony is open-air or snow and ice can still get into the balcony through curtains or tarp coverings, you’ll need to prevent them from building up and turning your balcony into a slippery, potentially dangerous ice zone. Keep a shovel or broom on hand as well.

Add winter plants

Instead of summertime flowers or fall cornucopias, pick out some seasonal or hardy, cold-weather-withstanding plants like miniature conifers. Around the holidays, poinsettias are another nice touch!

Add lots of cozy rugs, blankets and pillows

Gotta stay cozy while enjoying your balcony outdoor space in the winter! Cover your table and chairs, as well as couches and other patio furniture, with plenty of plush, warm throws, blankets, seat cushions and pillows. On the ground, a fuzzy outdoor rug also completes the snug, “cabin in the winter woods” aesthetic.

Light things up with candles

Add candles with seasonal scents like pine to tables and shelves, bringing a warm glow to your outdoor area. But be sure to monitor them and don’t leave them burning unattended. If you don’t feel comfortable with real candles, battery-powered ones also work great.

Make s’mores with a portable mini-firepit

Go all out on the winter season with a mini-firepit to make s’mores, fondue and other cozy foods from the comfort of your own balcony.

Celebrate the season with holiday decor

Tis the season! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah or another seasonal festivity, deck the halls (or more accurately, balcony and balcony walls), with colorful lights, wreaths, miniature trees and more. Add garlands to your balcony railings, set up a nativity scene on an outdoor table…the options go on and on!

Use a terrarium or small greenhouse to protect plants

If you want to protect plants that don’t do as well in the cold, try adding a small greenhouse or terrarium to shelter them from the elements.

small patio with garden - small balcony ideas

Spring

Spring has sprung, and apartment balconies everywhere should be bursting with life and color! Get your outdoor space ready for the warm season and create your own outdoor oasis with these tips.

Outfit the space with plenty of plant life

Have a green thumb but live in an apartment building that only has tiny balconies? Celebrate the return of greenery by turning your balcony into your own private garden! Potted plants, hanging plants, flowers and more are all great ways to bring greenery and life to your outdoor space. Plus, they’ll all flourish in the fresh air. Just be sure to choose plants that will do well in the apartment environment.

Add hanging planters if you only have a small outdoor space

Don’t have enough square footage or floor space for tons of plants? Install plant hangers from the ceiling instead. You can also hang planters from your balcony railings.

Install a rail planter or vertical garden

Another great option for plant lovers with small balconies is to install planters that hang off your balcony railing. A railing planter won’t take up space on the floor and makes for easy watering (just make sure you’re not dripping on your neighbor down below!)

The exterior wall of your balcony is an often overlooked space when it comes to decoration and utility. Put that vertical space to use with vertical planters. Vertical planters are another easy way to have potted plants in small spaces. Vertical gardening maximizes space, holding lots of small potted plants so you can have everything from flowers to fresh herbs.

Set up furniture

Store away the cold-weather coverings in favor of colorful, warm-weather comfortable furniture like tables and chairs. If you have enough space and love spending time outside, you can even try to install a day bed in one corner so you can lounge.

At the same time, though, you don’t want to overfill the whole space. Give yourself more space to move around by choosing stylish but space-appropriate furniture like a small table or

Choose furniture that’s easily storable

With summer right around the corner, you know what that means? Parties and having friends over! Because of this, you’ll want to make sure your balcony isn’t too crowded or has too much stuff. During spring and summer parties, people can hang out on the balcony to drink, smoke or just chat. You want to have as much access to the entire space as possible so your guests aren’t crowded.

An easy way to seamlessly change the space for parties is by choosing folding furniture and stackable chairs that easily disassemble and can be stored away. Nesting tables are another great option. If you have hanging chairs or hammocks, they should be easy enough to take down for parties.

Choose weather-resistant fabrics

If you plan on leaving your balcony open to the elements during spring and summer, you want to protect your furniture and decor from rain. Choose weather-resistant fabrics or have them treated to be more water-resistant so they won’t grow mold or get discolored.

Jazz up the floor with tiles or rugs

Does the balcony have ugly or uncomfortable flooring that draws the eye, becoming a sad focal point amid all the other thoughtful interior design you’ve done? Hide flooring with colorful, patterned rugs or interlocking deck tiles for a more sophisticated, upscale look.

add rattan or folding furniture to sit outside all summer

Summer

It’s summertime, so spend all your time outdoors on your balcony in the perfect space you created for the season.

Get your grill on

A great idea for how to enjoy your balcony in summer is by adding a grill! If space permits, stick a grill into a corner to host summertime barbecues and dinner parties. Just be sure to make sure your apartment complex allows grills on balconies, as some only permit them on a small patio area.

Add fans to beat the summer heat

Install ceiling or small table fans to keep airflow going on hot days.

Add a hanging chair to maximize room on your small balcony

Only have a small balcony space with not enough room for lots of balcony furniture? Install a hanging chair, swing or hammock to maximize floor space.

Elevate the space with tall plants

One of the best small balcony ideas for making the space seem bigger is adding the illusion of height. Lengthy palms and tall plants help the space open up, as well as make you feel like you’ve entered a literal urban jungle.

Add a festive feel with string lights

Swap out the colorful holiday lights for chic string lights to illuminate your balcony at night. Just make sure they’re intended for outdoor use. Even better: a great alternative to regular lights is eco-friendly solar string lights. That way, you don’t need to plug them in or swap out batteries.

Add new summertime decor

Break out the Independence Day decorations, watermelon-themed decor and more to help your balcony match the summertime vibe. That calls for new throw pillows, light-colored cushions and fabrics, wafting flags and banners. Have fun and get creative!

a small square footage space outdoors feels cozy in the fall with an outdoor rug and something warm to drink

Fall

Make your balcony feel like fall in all its color-changing foliage glory with these tips.

Add a cozy rocking chair

Sit back, relax and watch the leaves change while snuggled up with a good book and hot drink in a rocking chair.

Keep things spooky with Halloween or autumnal decor

From pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to putting a cornucopia on your balcony table, there is no end of ways you can decorate the space for fall. Wind garlands around railings, hang fake spider webs (just make sure birds won’t get caught in them), carve jack-o-lanterns and set up tons of candles for an extra spooky atmosphere.

Keep it clean

Keep a broom on hand to sweep fallen leaves and other debris

Start adding the cold weather cozies

It’s time to start breaking out the blankets, throws and snug rugs again as the days get colder.

Use our apartment balcony ideas to stay practical and stylish

Make your balcony the place to hang out and be no matter the season. And as you can see, you don’t have to be a professional interior designer to turn an open balcony into an all-season space for socializing, alone time, gardening or whatever you want to do.

Still looking for a place with an outdoor getaway built right in? Find your next home here.

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

A great neighborhood is more than just its location, location, location.

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The best places to live are convenient and appealing in a number of ways — some of which you might not typically think about.

Here’s our guide to six factors that add a particular wow factor to a locale, the qualities which can make a neighborhood a really great place to live.

Culture & entertainment
Where do you take your family and friends when they come to visit from out-of-town? Think about the places you both enjoy personally and also enjoy sharing to understand just how important culture and entertainment options are in a great neighborhood. Simply put, the best neighborhoods are places where there’s lots of stuff to do — like enjoy the coolest new restaurants, browse a museum, catch a play or concert, grab a beer, or go for a hike. The best, hippest neighborhoods offer a variety of options that make living there ever-interesting.

Social gathering spots
Great neighborhoods reflect the people living there, and that’s why social interaction is an important factor in the best communities. These places offer opportunities for neighbors to get to know each another in public spaces. These opportunities can be created by walkable sidewalks, benches on street corners, patio dining and other social spots where people can interact.

The Garden District in New Orleans is noted as a great neighborhood by the American Planning Association. The neighborhood's historical residences and beautiful live oak trees lend a stunning visual appeal. — The Garden District in New Orleans is noted as a great neighborhood by the American Planning Association. The neighborhood’s historical residences and beautiful live oak trees lend a stunning visual appeal.

Visual interest
According to the American Planning Association (APA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of better communities, visual interest is an important factor in a great neighborhood. By APA standards, a great neighborhood is one that features interesting architecture and design, such as historically-preserved homes or sculptures made by local artists.

Great neighborhoods are comfortable and appealing. They feature intriguing storefronts, clean streets with good lighting, and flowers and trees that look inviting. The visual interest these qualities create is important because it beckons people to hang out in the neighborhood — and come back again and again.

Convenient amenities
You might have the most beautiful apartment home imaginable, but if it’s not situated near the amenities and services you prefer, you may soon feel that something’s missing. That’s why the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a non-profit organization, considers the “Power of 10” one of the most important features in a great neighborhood. The Power of 10 refers to the ten most important places any resident needs in a neighborhood: places like a handy supermarket, walking park, or favorite spot to grab a snack. These are the most important, useful and fun places in a great neighborhood, according to you!

Accessibility
Great neighborhoods are also easy to get in and out of, serving residents and visitors with a network of organized streets and alternate methods of transportation. They’re walkable, bikeable or drivable places where it’s easy to get around.

Memorable character
All of these great neighborhood factors add up to memorable character: the essence of a place that makes it really stand out from the rest of the city’s surroundings. Memorable character is what fosters a sense of pride in a place. For the residents of that community, there will always be stories to tell of life lived there.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Creativemarc, Natalia Bratslavsky

Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Want to get a rep as the grillmaster with the fastest flip?

Be known as the neighbor with the sassiest sauce?

Find your perfect apartment now!

Learn how to work your apartment community barbecue grill like a pro when you follow these rules of the roast!

Master your main course
Whether you are a meat-eater or a veggie-lover, you can increase your BBQ clout by mastering a main course. Understanding how to grill different types of meat or how to barbecue veggies to perfection takes time. Start by picking one main dish to master. When you can make the most amazing hot dogs or pork chops, you’ll be a sizzling sensation at the community grill.

Choose your weapon
Your apartment community may provide grills for residents to share and enjoy. If you want to invest in a personal grill, however, you have plenty of grilling options.

When you want to fire it up fast, a gas grill is right for you.
If you can wait patiently for chargrilled flavor, then a charcoal grill is your best bet.
If you are afraid of fire — but love cooking outdoors — try an electric grill.

Not all grills are created equal, but just about any grill can make a mean burger!

Know the rules of the grill
The most important of all grilling tips is to always follow your community’s grilling guidelines. A good grillmaster takes risks with flavor combinations, but not with grilling safety. Check the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s list of safety rules.

Most apartments won’t let you have combustible materials within 10 feet of a building or decking, so discuss the details with your property manager before grilling out. Or use your community grill to play it safe (and make friends!)

Come equipped
For the best results, assemble great grilling gear. There’s a cornucopia of grilling tools on the market ranging from frugal to fancy. No matter how much you spend, you’ll need the basics:

Spatula
Tongs
Meat fork
Marinade brush
Carving board
Meat-slicing knife
Meat thermometer

In addition to these essentials, you can spice things up with specialty grill gear like a monogrammed steak brand or a hot dog rack.

Season with style
A list of barbecue tips and tricks wouldn’t be complete without a mention of sauces, rubs and marinades. These tasty additions add oomph to an ordinary piece of meat. You might try the sauces on your local grocer’s shelf, or get exotic and join a BBQ Sauce of the Month club.

Share your skills
You’ve worked hard learning to barbecue like a pro, so don’t keep that rack of ribs all to yourself. Plan one night a week to grill out with your friends and show off your skills. Ask them to bring side dishes, drinks and desserts to help round out the menu. At least once a year, heat things up by hosting a grilling competition!

More Summer Apartment Living Links
Summertime…. Apartment Living is Easy!How to Grow Strawberries on Your Apartment Porch
Summer Pet Care Tips

Photo credits: Shutterstock / Eldad Carin, Jill Chen, sevenke

Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Nothing says summer quite like the first day at the pool. The sun is beaming down, the air is hot and the water is sparkling and blue. You can almost feel yourself taking the plunge and emerging from the crisp water feeling refreshed and energized.

You don’t need to be a member of a fancy club to enjoy the perks of swimming pools. In fact, you can have access to the pool every day (or as weather permits) if your apartment complex has a pool on-site.

If this piques your interest, here are some additional benefits to consider when hunting for apartments with pools. Soon, you could be sitting poolside in the comfort of your own home. You’re just a lease away. With that, let’s dive into the perks of apartments with pools.

11 reasons to consider apartments with pools

If having a pool on-site isn’t an immediate dealbreaker, then it’s our job to convince you that apartments with pools are the best. Here’s why.

1. Opportunities to socialize

When you live in an apartment, the apartment itself might be too small to host larger parties or social gatherings. However, when you have a community pool, you instantly have access to more space to throw a party poolside. Apartments with pools provide you with built-in opportunities to throw a summer barbecue, a birthday party or an apartment neighborhood social.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to host, you can mix and mingle with fellow swimmers at the pool and meet new friends within your own community.

2. Low-impact exercise close by

Swimming is a great exercise for people to consider. It’s low-impact, which means it isn’t strenuous on your joints but you are sure to burn calories and stay fit. Swim a few laps and call this your form of exercise for the day!

3. Save money on gym memberships

If you don’t have a pool at your apartment, you may need to purchase a gym membership to have access to a lap pool. However, when you look for apartments with pools, you immediately have access to the pool so you can start exercising in this low-impact, high-result manner. Think of it this way — apartments with pools are like automatic gym memberships.

4. It’s a reprieve from the heat

Summer is hot. And there is nothing like cannonballing into the pool to cool off. When your apartment comes with a pool, you can take a dip every day to cool down and enjoy the heat in a more comfortable fashion.

5. An inexpensive way to entertain friends

Life is expensive, even for many high earners. Sometimes, going out for dinner and drinks or catching a movie is just too expensive on a regular basis.

That’s when apartments with pools come in handy. When your apartment is equipped with a pool, you can invite your friends over for free, or at a relatively low cost. Keep in mind that some apartment complexes charge for a day pass, but that will vary by apartment.

Either way, it’s an inexpensive way to entertain friends on a budget. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser so you won’t have to argue about where to eat or which movie to see.

6. Great place to take a break

Are you feeling cramped in your apartment and need out? Well, take 30 minutes to swim laps or read a book by the pool to get out of your space. And, if you work from home, spend your lunch break swimming or catching up with emails in the shade of an umbrella.

7. Indoor pools can be used all year long

If you’re lucky enough to find a place with an indoor pool, you can enjoy it year-round. Likewise, if you live in a city with 365 days of sun, you have access to entertainment all year long.

8. Enjoy the outside

We don’t go outside enough and apartments with pools provide the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the sun. When you have a pool as an apartment amenity, it’s a great way to ensure you stay active and get outside.

9. Keep your kids entertained

Summer break can be long for parents. Why not take the kids to the pool several days a week this summer? Apartments with pools are a great way to keep kids (and parents!) entertained during the dog days of summer.

10. You don’t need to travel to stay entertained

Summer vacations can be expensive and if you have kids, you mostly want to be by water anyway. So, when have an apartment with a pool, it’s like you’re on vacation all summer long but at a fraction of the cost!

11. Meet new friends

Community gathering centers, like an on-site pool, are a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends. If you’re new to an apartment or city, you can socialize with fellow swimmers, start conversations and make new friends. Soon enough you’ll be scheduling regular pool dates with your new bestie.

Things to consider when looking for apartments with pools

Are you convinced you need to find apartments with pools for your next home? Well, we do need to outline some other things to consider before you sign the lease.

Apartments with pools cost more

Pools are an added luxury and so you’ll pay more to have that amenity. The cost can vary. Sometimes, it’s included in your rent and other times it’s an additional fee or annual purchase you can add on. While the benefits of a pool are vast, you do pay more to have access. Keep this in mind when budgeting and when you’re searching for apartments with pools.

Apartments with pools may be in higher demand

If you live in a city that is notoriously hot — think Phoenix or Orlando— pools are in higher demand. So, it may be more difficult to even find an available apartment with a pool. Likewise, families who are looking for apartments may be more inclined to find a place with a pool, so this can impact the market.

Pools can be dangerous

While swimming is a blast, it also can be dangerous. When you rent an apartment with a pool, you need to understand that there is inherent risk when you live near water, especially if you have young children. Be sure to understand these risks and take proper precautions before finding apartments with pools.

How to stay safe when poolside

Staying safe when swimming is the number one priority. When you live near a pool, you must be vigilant about practicing pool safety, especially if you have children. Here are some of the most critical things to think about to stay safe when living near a pool.

Always keep an eye on your children, even if they know how to swim
Never let children go unsupervised by the pool
Wear flotation devices if you don’t know how to swim
Don’t swim if you’re drowsy or under the influence
Wear sunscreen
Don’t dive into shallow water
Sign your kids up for swimming lessons

Pools are fun but can be dangerous so stay on your guard if your apartment complex has a pool.

Find your perfect next apartment with a pool

Now that you know some of the pros and cons of renting an apartment with a pool, you can begin your apartment search in any state and filter by amenity to ensure this feature is included. Happy swimming and house hunting!

Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

Renting an apartment is an exciting but crucial decision, as it often becomes your home for a significant period. To ensure you make an informed choice and avoid potential surprises, it’s essential to get the info beforehand, whether you need to know more about lease terms, amenities, responsibilities and more. We’ve gathered the top questions to ask when renting an apartment, empowering you to make a confident and well-informed decision for your future living space.

19 questions to ask when renting an apartment

Whether it’s top-of-mind questions or typically forgotten-about details, this list ensures you have your bases covered to learn about the living experience curated by an apartment.

1. What is the monthly rent?

This is arguably the most important question to ask when you’re renting an apartment so you’re aware of how much you’ll be expected to pay monthly for rent. Before you go into any apartment tour or even before you begin your apartment search, it’s a good idea to calculate how much rent you can afford. That way you can determine if the apartment you’re touring is within your budget.

2. Are utilities included in the rent? If not, what utilities am I responsible for and how much do they typically cost?

Standard utilities may include electricity, gas, water, sewage, garbage and internet/cable. The cost of utilities can vary based on factors such as apartment size, location and local rates. Knowing if utilities are included in the rent helps you accurately budget your monthly expenses. If utilities are not included, you need to account for those additional costs and accounts you’ll need to set up.

3. How long is the lease term and what are the penalties for breaking the lease?

Understanding the lease term length allows you to plan your living situation accordingly. You may have specific needs or future plans that require a shorter or longer lease term. It helps you determine if the apartment is suitable for your intended duration of stay. In the same vein, asking about the penalties for breaking the lease helps you understand the flexibility you may have in case of a situation where you need to relocate or move out.

4. Are there any additional fees or deposits required, such as a security deposit or application fee?

Most of the time, you can expect a security deposit and an application fee at the beginning of your apartment renting journey. The application fee, while it isn’t refundable, covers the cost of running the renter’s background checks and processing the application.

The purpose of a security deposit is to provide the landlord with financial protection in case the renter causes any damage to the apartment or fails to fulfill certain obligations outlined in the lease agreement.

5. Is renters insurance required?

Renters insurance isn’t always required. Some landlords or property management companies may require tenants to have renters insurance as a condition of the lease. They will include this requirement in the lease agreement and explicitly state the purpose of this coverage is for the renter’s personal belongings and liability. Sometimes renters can even purchase this insurance through a provider recommended by the apartment, making this process easy.

6. What is your subletting policy?

Subletting is a great option for renters if they are ever in need of their lease being covered. By asking about the subletting policy during a tour, you are aware of the potential to have this option in case your future plans change.

7. What should I know about parking? How many guest spots can I expect to get?

When touring an apartment, asking about parking is important because it directly affects your convenience. Parking is sometimes included in rent but there are also cases where there’s an additional fee you pay for parking. If you live in a city where parking is a little less accessible, you may have to pay for a parking garage pass.

Asking about guest parking helps you understand the availability and convenience of parking for your visitors. It is especially important to ask these questions when renting an apartment if you frequently have guests or expect to entertain visitors. This will typically either be a guest parking pass or designated guest spots/ guest floors in the parking garage.

8. Are pets allowed, and if so, do you have any weight limits or breed limits that I should know about?

Most apartments are furry-friend-friendly. You’ll most likely run into an additional pet fee you’ll pay monthly on top of your rent and monthly utilities. In conjunction with this question, asking about breed and weight limitations is equally as important. Apartment complexes often have specific policies regarding pets to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the other residents.

9. Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?

If you’re someone who prefers convenience and doesn’t want the hassle of buying or moving furniture, a furnished apartment might be a better fit than a standard, non-furnished apartment. Knowing whether the apartment comes with furniture helps you estimate your expenses and plan your budget accordingly, or determine if the furniture is an expense you want to take on.

10. What appliances are included in the apartment?

It’s good to know what appliances are in the apartment and what appliances you’ll need to purchase depending on your individual needs. Some apartments will lack in-apartment appliances but have communal kitchen and laundry appliances that you’ll share with the rest of the building residents.

11. Is there a maintenance staff available for repairs and how quickly are maintenance requests typically addressed?

This question gives you an idea of how to handle any repairs or malfunctions that happen in your apartment and how long you may have to wait for repairs if something in the apartment needs reparation.

12. Is there a designated area for trash and recycling? How often is it collected?

Whether the apartment offers valet trash services, designated trash areas or coordinated trash pickups, it’s an often forgotten-about part of the renting process. Many apartments will have trash rooms, recycling collection and/or valet trash, giving residents options and designated areas to dispose of waste.

13. Are there any amenities available, such as a fitness center, pool or community room? Are there any additional fees to use these amenities?

A huge part of your apartment living experience is the amenities offered outside of your individual apartment walls. Different individuals have varying preferences and priorities when it comes to amenities, so asking about them helps you determine if the apartment meets your needs and lifestyle.

14. What is the policy on renewing the lease after the initial term?

By asking about a lease renewal, you can assess whether the apartment is suitable for your long-term needs. Most apartments will send out renewal offers months before your lease terms, giving you time to decide if renewing your lease is the best fit for your future living needs.

15. How secure is the building? Are there security measures in place?

Peace of mind is important. It’s a good idea to ask about the security measures the building and apartment staff are taking as well as apartment-friendly security measures renters can take, like installing a doorbell camera. Some apartments will even have security guards for late hours that you can contact in case of an emergency.

16. Are there any decoration restrictions like painting the walls or hanging artwork?

The goal of this question is to ensure you get your security deposit back as well as evade additional charges when moving out. Most rental agreements have specific terms and conditions regarding modifications to the property space or apartment. By knowing your restrictions, you can decorate in a damage-free way.

17. What is the policy on rent increases? How often do they occur and by how much?

Depending on the area you’re living in, rent increases can range from small to large increases. Normally, residents will see rent increases when renewal offers are given to residents. You’ll typically have a few months to decide and calculate your budget or negotiate the increase. Landlords may have different rent increase schedules, so asking before you’re contractually obligated is a safe bet.

18. What is the policy on package deliveries?

Typically, residents receive mail and smaller packages in assigned mailboxes or at their doors. More recently, apartments are starting to install package lockers where residents can register a locker for packages. Asking this question helps you know if your packages are protected or the options you have for your mail delivery.

19. Is rent payment online or in-person? Are there any late payment fees or grace periods?

Being familiar with this process helps renters know how they pay and the budget they need to personally make around payments. Grace periods and late fees can vary from one property to another, and being aware of them allows you to understand any flexibility in a worst-case scenario or money you’ll tack on if you pay late.

Asking questions and take note of the answers

By asking these questions during a tour, you can gain a clear understanding of the overall renting experience you would have living in that apartment. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision about the fit of the apartment and ensure a smoother experience during your tenancy.

There are many renting options so finding the right fit for you ensures the best living experience possible. Start your apartment-hunting journey today!

Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

Are you wearing a flannel shirt, skinny jeans, a vintage tee, a mustache or vintage eyewear?

Find your perfect apartment now!

Consider your calendar: do you have plans to hear an indie band play live, attend an art gallery opening, or meet up with your closest friends for craft pints at a gastropub?

If you answered yes to at least 3 of these, then, my friend, you are very likely a participant in the hipster phenomenon.

If you don’t already live in one of the cities cited by Travel and Leisure that best serve the hipster set, then you might want to scope out an apartment in one of these hip places where the welcome mat is rolled out to the authentic and eccentric!

1. Seattle, WA
Seattle is hands-down the best city for hipsters for the great coffee and cool coffee shops that fuel the lives of the trendy and aware. Of course, Seattle is home to the original Starbucks location, but Cherry Street Coffee, Citizen and Café Racer rank high as hipster coffee houses. The lifeblood flows caffeinated through this town.

2. Portland, OR
Thanks to shows like Portlandia, much of the world has been exposed to the hipster phenomenon that is alive and well in Portland, Oregon. We all know that hipsters love bikes, sustainability and craft beers, which is why spots like BikeBar make this town iconic for the hip. Stationary bikes create electricity to power this organic brewpub. (Yep, you read that right.)

3. San Francisco, CA
If hipsters aren’t riding their bikes, they are walking. This is why San Francisco is a popular spot for techie hipsters on the move. This town has tons of alternative transportation, like streetcars, for example. (If you choose to drive, however, you’ll be tickled to know San Francisco is the home of the carstache.)

4. New Orleans, LA
An eclectic and historical city like New Orleans is the one of the best places for the hipster set to shop. Hipster essentials include everything from vintage cars to retro kitchenware to thrift shop couture. Fave vintage stores include Rag Doll, Retro Active and Funky Monkey. You can also hit up local flea markets for a grab bag of goodies. Try the Creative Flea and River Road Flea Market.

5. Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, has a lot of the same hipster features as its West Coast doppelganger, but expressed in its own New England style, of course. Though they have boatloads of craft beers around town like Allagash and Shipyard, the teetotaler hipster is in for a treat at Vena’s Fizz House. This natural soda bar and mixology shop is home to impressive mocktails such as a non-alcoholic version of the Dark & Stormy aptly named the Dim & Story.

6. Providence, RI
Art nerds love life in Providence, Rhode Island. This town has been a hipster haven since 1985 when AS220 opened. Okay, it sounds like a giant super-computer, but it’s actually a giant arts center. Over 100,000 square feet of space housed in three buildings provides ample room for art shows, theater, dance, live music, bars, restaurants and live/work spaces. A hipster must-do: Foo Fest!

7. Austin, TX
“Keep Austin Weird” is Austin’s unofficial city motto and one of the reasons hipsters are attracted to the creative culture in this town. Plus, the city hosts SXSW every year, a giant music, film and interactive festival. The live music scene here is unbelievable, with too many awesome venues to name. (Alright, we’ll name one: check out Mohawk for their multiple stages and hip happy hours.)

8. San Juan, PR
Hey, San Juan’s cool and we really want to visit, but it’s outside our apartment living purview. We list the city here for hip completeness.

9. Philadelphia, PA
All-American hipsters flock to Philly because they dish some of the best dive bars in the United States. An ironic night out wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Dive for a Schlitz, the Local 44 for a six-pack of craft brew to go, and Johnny Brenda’s for live music. Johnny Brenda’s is located in one of the newest hip neighborhoods: Fishtown, a great spot to shop for a Philly apartment.

10. Denver, CO
Finally, after all that beer drinking and late night music listening, every good hipster needs to get some exercise — and you don’t have to leave Denver to break a sweat. Denver has over 850 miles of paved bike trails and a super cool B-cycle bike-sharing program. This makes it easy to roll on over to the Highlands for some hipster shopping, dining and relaxing.

Honorable mention: Brooklyn, NY
We’re calling an audible from T&L’s list to include the home of much that is hipster: Brooklyn, New York. Here’s an urban neighborhood where biking is de rigueur, artisan craftsmanship is revered, and flannel is an unofficial uniform. Style your facial hair and declare your place in Brooklyn, home of the cool in the city that has it all.

Hey, if you aren’t ready to relocate to one of these happening cities, you can at least move to a hipster neighborhood in your own hometown!

Thanks for reading, hipstas!

Header Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Apache is functioning normally

June 4, 2023 by Brett Tams

As a renter, you want to be able to find the perfect available apartment for your needs – that means the right price, location, and amenities. But that’s easier to find in some places than others.

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According to the National Association of Realtors, in the apartment rental market – aka multifamily housing — vacancy rates are likely to stay about the same in the near future, with new construction rising to meet increased demand for rental spaces. The top cities that are considered “renter’s markets” have the highest vacancy rates, leaving many options open to renters.

Top 5 renter’s markets (percentages indicate vacancy rates):

On the other hand, the top cites that are considered “landlord’s markets” have the lowest vacancy rates. Any place with a vacancy rate below 5 percent is more likely to be expensive because high demand justifies higher rent prices.

Top 5 landlord’s markets:

More infographics on the AG Blog:

Top 10 Metros for Great Apartment Kitchen Amenities

Get More Apartment for Less Money in These Top Metros

Relocation Trends: Where’s Your Next Move?

Apache is functioning normally

June 4, 2023 by Brett Tams

If you prefer to get around on two wheels instead of four, check out Walk Score’s list of the top 10 bikeable cities in the United States.

Here is a countdown of the top bikeable cities and a look at why they made the list.

If you’re in the market for an apartment, knowing their Bike Score might help you pick the city where you can live on wheels!

For the avid cyclist, having a safe city to bike around in is a high priority. According to the website, the Bike Score of a city is determined based on factors including the bike-friendliness of the terrain, how many bike lanes have been established, and how many people commute via bike there. Basically, the higher the number, the better the biking!

10. Chicago, IL: 61.5 (out of 100)
Chicago, IL, comes in at number 10 in the country on the most bikeable cities list. This is in large part to the city’s “Bike 2015” plan, a city government initiative to increase bicycle use and safety in Chicago. The program is implementing many measures to make the streets of Chicago more bikeable, like adding bike parking across the city.

9. New York, NY: 62.3
New York, NY, has long had an active and vocal cycling community, with nonprofit organizations such as Bike New York working to keep the city bikeable. New York has now launched Citibike, an affordable bike sharing system where bikes are placed in the city at predetermined spots. You can rent a bike for a day or a week, and return it at any Citibike rack in the city.

8. Tucson, AZ: 64.1
The mild climate in Tucson, AZ, makes for perfect biking weather nearly year-round. Add to that the multitude of bike-friendly streets and the no-cars-allowed Urban Loop, and you’ve got a cycler’s paradise.

7. Seattle, WA: 64.1
In 2007, Seattle, WA, introduced its Bicycle Master Plan, a city-wide plan to make Seattle streets more bikeable and safer for cyclists by 2017. The Seattle Department of Transportation also offers a popular free biking map of the city that is available in paper form or online in an interactive trip-planning version.

6. Washington, D.C.: 65.3
The nation’s capital is full of bike paths and flat terrain, making Washington, D.C., easy to get around by bike. The Capital Bikeshare program lets you try out biking the city from 58 locations. You can test the waters before buying a bike of your own!

5. Boston, MA: 67.8
Boston, MA, has long been known for being friendly to alternative forms of transportation, so it’s no surprise that it is a top bikeable city. The city even offers awards to businesses that make it easier for employees and customers to ride instead of drive.

4. Philadelphia, PA: 68.4
Philadelphia, PA, is already a top bikeable city, but the city is raising the bar even further with its Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. Dedicated to safety and encouragement, the plan aims at prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle improvements to city streets, policies and programs.

3. Denver, CO: 69.5
Denver, CO, boasts 300 days of annual sunshine, the largest city park system in the country, 650 miles of paved off-road bike trails and many bikeable city streets. It’s no wonder that cyclists are thrilled to live in the Mile High City.

2. San Francisco, CA: 70.0
San Francisco, CA, has a temperate climate, making it an ideal bikeable city. Though tourists might be turned off by the city’s famous hills, residents know that the lack of cheap parking make cycling a wonderful alternative to driving.

1. Portland, OR: 70.3
Topping the list of top bikeable cities is Portland, OR. This beautiful city offers a fabulous backdrop for cyclists commuting to work or just out for a leisurely ride. The Portland Bureau of Transportation is dedicated to making the city a safe and friendly place for cyclists to ride, with plenty of programs and resources in place to support cyclists of all ages and skill sets.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mel-nik

Apache is functioning normally

June 3, 2023 by Brett Tams

Are you curious about who has lived in your apartment before you? Many apartments have a long and varied resident history that can be fun to figure out. Want to find out more about your apartment history?

Search for clues

You don’t even need to leave your apartment to start your search for clues about the history of your apartment. Look in drawers, peek in the dark recesses of cabinets and admire the scars and scratches of years past. These are all indicators of who may have lived in your apartment before you. For example, you might find a growth chart penciled in a door frame that tracked the height of the children who played there. You may find water rings on the patio from planters that an avid gardener used. Or you could find trinkets or long-forgotten items that give you insight into the personality of previous renters. Take some time to walk around your space and seek out the little signs of the past.

Ask questions

After you give your apartment a visual once-over for historical clues, you can dig into research to find out more. An easy way to get info is to ask your neighbors. Try a casual approach and inquire about the property when you see them by the mailbox. Start a conversation with “I really love living in this building. Do you know much about the history of the community and the people who lived here?” If they have a story to share, listen and then ask more questions about specific residents and your particular apartment.

Speaking of the mailbox, you’ll get plenty of unintentional clues there. While opening someone else’s mail is a crime, their names are on the outside of the envelopes. The previous resident will likely still have some mail coming in, so you know a name to look for. There will probably even be some addressed to further back residents. Go to Google or Facebook and start looking for people with that name who used to live in your city.

Look beyond the building itself

If you live in a historic building, you can find great answers at the local historical society, public library or city hall. There’s often interesting research about your apartment’s history in deeds of sale, photographs, census records, and city archives. It will take some digging and a bit of time, but uncovering the truth about your home can be rewarding. You can also venture out into the neighborhood and ask local business owners what they know about your apartment building. They may have old photos of the neighborhood. Think of it as a scavenger hunt, relishing every clue that will take you to the next piece of information.

If you ever wondered who has lived in your apartment before you, quit guessing: get out there or get online and ask questions! Follow the clues to peel away layers of history and put your own place in that apartment space in context.

Apache is functioning normally

June 3, 2023 by Brett Tams

For many American families, everything that’s really important in home life takes place in the kitchen.

At Apartment Guide, we know that renters want kitchens they can both enjoy spending time in and also put to work for their cooking efforts.

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What are the great apartment kitchen amenities people want and need most?

Stainless steel appliances, dishwashers and microwaves are important, but extra amenities like a kitchen island and granite countertops can make a kitchen more useful and elegant.

We’ve combed our apartment listings to find the metro areas with the most tricked-out kitchens.

Top Ten Metros for Kitchen Amenities

1. Chicago
2. San Antonio
3. Los Angeles
4. Washington, D.C.
5. New York
6. Salt Lake City
7. Phoenix
8. Baltimore
9. Seattle
10. Dallas

The Mansions at Canyon Springs, San Antonio, TX

Editor’s note: Friday 2:50 pm, October 4, 2013
The infographic has been updated to list metro areas with all kitchen amenities. An earlier version of the infographic listed metro areas with stainless steel appliances, or dishwashers, or microwaves, or island kitchens.