Apartment Living Archives - Hanover Mortgages

Apache is functioning normally

May 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

As you begin your search for a new apartment, your wish list is probably full of features and amenities that you just can’t live without. Great location, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances – the works.

But have you given any thought to where your particular unit will be located? Does it matter if it’s on the bottom floor, the top or somewhere in between? If you’re not sure, it’s time to start thinking about it. Each level has its perks and some apartment communities let you choose your own unit. If you are ever granted that luxury, we’ve got some great reasons you should indulge in top floor living!

It’s toasty. Did you pay attention in science class? If so, then you already know that heat rises. So all those units below you with their heat cranked up will only make your place warmer. Keep your heat down low and let your neighbors keep you comfortable throughout the winter. Additionally, top floor units usually also get more sunlight, which is yet another source of free heat for you. Now that’s hot! This also means it will be hotter in the summer months, so consider investing in good curtains, fans, and other ways to keep cool.
It’s peaceful. One of the downsides of apartment living is having noisy neighbors above you and hearing a lot of street noise. People outside and your upstairs neighbors must get paid to make as much noise as they possibly can, right? But if you’re already on the top floor, problem solved! Cars honking, traffic noises, foot stomping, running kids, pets and creaky floors are not your concern. It also means any noise you make is less likely to bother people, just don’t push it too much. Enjoy it!
It’s private. Lower floors experience lots of foot traffic. People are constantly passing by to access the stairs, elevator, lobby, management office and to enter and exit the building. Up top, you’re more isolated.
It’s beautiful. Now this totally depends on the apartment community, but many of them offer great views of the city, often on a balcony patio, – skyscrapers, parks, water and snow-capped mountains – a perk you cannot experience down on lower floors. We’re looking at you NYC, San Francisco and Chicago.
It’s healthier (for your neighbors). Do you happen to smoke cigarettes? If so, there’s no neighbors above you to deal with your second-hand smoke. Just like heat, smoke travels upward as well. It’s sure to bother anyone who lives above you. As such, living on the top floor allows you to be a good, considerate neighbor.

Have you ever lived on the top floor? What was it like?

Photo by Emily Baruffaldi on Unsplash

Apache is functioning normally

May 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

By Steve Harper and Elizabeth Beasley, Apartment Guide contributor

Renting — while never really out of style — is trendy again!

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The National Association of Home Builders predicts that a preference for renting among young people is driving the building of many more new apartment buildings in the next couple of years. The state of the housing market, among other factors, seems to be leading more people to choose renting in the near future.

Are you ready for a reality check on the state of renting?

Urban upswing
Housing trends work hand-in-hand with renting trends, of course. As reported in Forbes, there should be more supply and demand for urban apartments this year. Trulia’s Chief Economist Jed Kolko indicates that, because families are starting to buy homes again, single-family rentals — typically suburban — will be less in demand, accompanied by a rise in rentals in the heart of a city. These urban rentals will be occupied mostly by young adults who are moving out of their parents’ homes, starting careers and renting apartments close to work downtown.

If you are looking for a place in the city, you might run into some competition — or a lot of new friends, depending on how you look at it!

High demand means lower affordability
The good news is that comfortable, convenient apartments in cities are on the rise. The bad news: these apartments are becoming more expensive.

Multifamily Executive cites a Harvard report pointing out that demand for rentals is increasing, allowing prices to go up. Downsized incomes are creating slimmer budget margins for many renters. Currently, the average renter is spending somewhere between 30 and 50 percent of his or her income on rent, the report indicates.

Staying aware of lesser affordability is a good thing, so you can make the most of your housing dollar. Aim for paying 30 percent, or less, of your paycheck, and you’ll be better able to stay in budget as rents increase over time.

Second-tier cities are tops
For years, the top rental markets were the cities that never sleep, like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But 2014 real estate trends show that smaller, savvy cities are becoming popular with real estate developers and investors. Think Portland, Dallas, Austin, San Jose and Houston. Wherever you find startups and new industries thriving, you’ll likely find a second-tier rental market that’s booming.

Move over, Millennials
Here’s one of the more surprising projections. Baby Boomers will begin to surpass Millennials in the rental market.

Of course, young adults still account for a large chunk of the renting population. According to renting rates revealed by the 2013 Current Population Survey, 25-34-year-olds will likely make up 31 percent of rental growth over the next ten years. But did you know that renters aged 65 and older might well make up a whopping 52 percent of growth for the same time period?

To understand the findings of this research conducted by the National Multi Housing Council, consider that the sheer size of the Boom generation means that there are more people potentially making a life transition from home ownership to renting — many downsizing to seek an adventurous retirement in the city, rather than the suburbs. There are only slightly more Millennials than Baby Boomers in the U.S. today, but there will be more people over the age of 65 who may, if trends hold, become renters over the next ten years.

While it can be argued that living side by side is a great way for the two generations to grow wise and stay youthful together, this represents a potentially significant change in the rental landscape, nonetheless.

For more on renting trends, take a look at these topical posts:

Which Cities Will See the Greatest Rent Increase in 2014?

What’s the Most Expensive Town in the U.S.? The Answer May Surprise You

Americans on the Move: Latest Census Discoveries

Apartment Guide’s Top 9 Decor Trends for 2014

The Rent vs. Buy Debate: Gen Y Weighs In

5 Economic Factors that Favor the Perma-Renter

Photo credit: Shutterstock / arek_malang

Apache is functioning normally

May 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you want a sanctuary, not just an apartment-you need the extra touches that make it feel like home. At 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, the Polinger team has thought of everything. From sweeping views of Washington, D.C. to illuminating woodburning fireplaces to elegantly designed kitchens and bathrooms; … [Read more…]

Apache is functioning normally

May 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

Love is in the air … not just for smitten couples and star-crossed lovers, but for ordinary people who have fallen head over heels for their apartments.

For some, apartment living isn’t a stepping stone towards buying a home; it’s a way of life. We asked our readers to tell us exactly what they love about renting, and here’s what they had to say.

For this Madison, WI resident, apartment living hits all the right notes.

Why Do You Love Apartment Living? Our Readers Weigh In

For others, it’s the simple conveniences that make apartment living special, and a great view goes a long way toward making an apartment feel like home.

Why I Love Apartment Living

The other residents of an apartment community can make a big difference in everyone’s quality of life. But in the end, it’s the simple things that make an apartment home sweet home.

Why I Love Apartment Living

Looking for inspiration to make your apartment a place you love to call yours? We’ve got plenty of ideas on the AG Blog!

love apt living gif

Thanks to all our Facebook fans that responded! Now it’s your turn – what do you love about apartment living?

Photo credits: Shutterstock / laura.h; Facebook

Apache is functioning normally

May 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

By Steve Harper and Cathy Poley, Apartment Guide contributor

Does the thought of parking in your apartment community make you wish for a chauffeured car service?

Have you ever decided not to leave your apartment because you dreaded having to find a space when you got back?

Though easy parking is an amenity some apartment dwellers take for granted, other residents face a challenge parking at or even near home. So, until you can get that anti-matter transfer device you’ve been assembling in the back room up and running, you’re stuck with the everyday nuisance of finding a spot, every day — and sometimes more than once.

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Parking well is an art and a science… well, no, it’s mostly luck, but a bit of planning and forward thinking just might steady your odds. With these tips, we’ll try to stack the proverbial parking deck in your favor!

Dedicated lot parking: attempted organization, or free-for-all?
If your apartment community offers lot or deck parking that is management-owned, consider yourself lucky — especially if an assigned space comes with your apartment unit. In most cases, however, parking is generally first-come, first-parked. Even if your apartment community has a dedicated lot, you may find that there are more cars to park there than available spaces.

The tighter the parking challenge, the more crucial it is to follow apartment parking etiquette. If your apartment community has assigned parking spaces, stick to your assigned space! Even if another space or a visitor space might be closer to your apartment, you really must play by the rules. Think “getting along,” rather than survival of the quickest.

Now, if someone makes a habit of consistently parking in your assigned space, it is likely within your right to tell someone about it on the management team. (Be friendly!)

Those without assigned parking may well find themselves playing parking roulette. If parking is a daily challenge, try avoiding moving your car during peak hours. See if you can shift your work hours to get you back home to your apartment a little earlier, for instance, allowing you to grab a prime parking space. If you notice the parking lot fills up at a certain time, run your errands at off-hours so you can more easily grab a spot when you get back.

Is this dirty-pool parking? You decide. The more challenging the situation, the more critical the creativity.

Though it might be tempting to risk parking in a tow-away zone, avoid giving in. Eventually, you’ll return to find your car towed — and a hefty fine attached to its escape.

Parking on the street… every car for itself!
Many of the same strategies listed here apply to finding a safe street space for your vehicle. In addition to these tips, it’s important to know your city’s or neighborhood’s parking rules and regulations. Parking in a certain area might be o.k. overnight, for example, but you might have to move your car during daytime hours. Pay close attention to posted signs as they will often tell you exactly what you need to know.

Garage parking… you pay to park…
Another option if your apartment community does not have a parking lot is to rent space in a parking garage. Costs for garages vary, so shop around to ensure you are getting a reasonable price for the area in which you’re parking. Make sure the garage is situated in a safe area from which you’ll feel comfortable walking to your apartment.

Other solutions to parking challenges
Here are some other approaches to make parking a second thought, rather than a primary stressor:

Carpool with other residents in your apartment community. (It’s fun and friendly.)
Ditch your car in favor of mass transit, riding a bicycle, or walking. (You’ll experience more of your city on foot.)
Select an apartment community which offers valet parking service. Then, you will never have to worry about finding a space yourself. (You lucky person!)

Photo credit: Shutterstock / jokerpro

Apache is functioning normally

May 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Ahoy to all you local-source-loving, sustainable-seeking, dedicated foodie enthusiasts!

As you well know, the ship has sailed on boring dining. A resurgence in the experience of eating well is waiting to be found in great restaurants across the nation – likely in your city!

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When your cravings dictate a trip outside your apartment kitchen, you know you’re going to spend some dough, however.

If you’re going to splurge on cuisine, how can you ensure you’ll enjoy a worthwhile meal? We’ll help you make the most of your on-the-town budget with these considerations and tips.

Good eating to you!

Foodie, know thyself
Start by knowing the types of dining experience you enjoy.

Do you want to like to discover the newest places and eat on the cutting edge of your city’s dining scene? Do you tend to stick to a set of favorite spots that you enjoy giving your repeat business?

When you know what you want out of a restaurant experience, it’s easier to get the most for your money. Don’t visit a joint that your instincts tell you won’t make you happy you attended.

The informed foodie
If you want to be in the know, you’ll need intel. This means finding and keeping up with a few favorite online sources for dining information.

Larger metros likely have dedicated local or even neighborhood publications. I live and eat in Atlanta, and, here, I follow Creative Loafing’s Omnivore blog, Eater Atlanta, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s food blog, among others.

On a national scale, Eater is a great resource for feature articles about restaurants and cutting-edge dining trends. The site also discusses issues facing diners. This is a highly-entertaining site about all things foodie. (Note that 27 North American cities have pages dedicated to local content!)

Sites like Urbanspoon and Yelp focus on keeping diners connected and informed about restaurants in their area. These sites use foodie-created reviews and ratings to cite the most popular places to dine. Be aware that visitors to these sites submit their own opinions, so read each with a grain of salt. A preponderance of opinion is likely more helpful than any single review.

Tips to stretch your foodie dollar
Ok, so how does the enterprising gourmand eat what he wants without breaking the bank?

For starters (get it?), eat ONLY what you want; don’t succumb to an up-sell.

Restaurants exist to serve you, but have their own agendas, too. Namely, they want to convince you to spend as much as possible on your evening’s indulgence. Keep in mind that you get to decide which combinations of appetizer, entrée, dessert, and drinks you prefer. Unless a restaurant runs a dedicated prix fixe menu – where you pay a fixed price for a certain number of courses – the run of the menu is yours: order as much or as little as you like.

Planning ahead can help you be more careful about what you order. With the Web, you can gather information about a restaurant you’d like to visit. Many places share their menus online for your casual perusal. You can even pick out what you think you’d like to order before the meal — and calculate the likely bill total in advance. It’s powerful to be prepared (and kind of fun to begin your fantasies about a great meal ahead of time!)

Share your experience — and learn from others’
You may feel inclined to add your own voice to the din of public opinion. When you weigh in on with personal comments on a dining experience, you help others discover a great evening out, as well. Why not share your foodie cred with other enthusiasts online?

Feedback you both give and get from other informed diners not only helps everyone enjoy the best of a city’s culinary landscape, it likely helps each diner feel, in the end, that the money spent was well worth the experience.

Of course, there are the usual suspects of social media (Facebook and Twitter,) but also consider more food-specific outlets. In ten cities around the country, Savored.com even helps diners find kindred eaters to go out together for a meal.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Cvetanovski

Apache is functioning normally

May 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Would you be worried about noise, traffic, or unwanted media attention?

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Mr. Bieber has engaged in some questionable activities, suggesting — for some, at least – a possibility of less than neighborly behavior. There was the report of an alleged egging of a neighbor’s home in Los Angeles, and also claims that Bieber has allegedly driven a car unsafely. A petition to deport Bieber from the United States has received over 269,000 signatures.

An informal poll conducted by the author among a few friends revealed varied opinions about hypothetically having Bieber as a neighbor:

“I’d move.”

“I’d worry for my safety, and take measures to protect myself.”

“I’d want to help and mother him.”

“I’d be thrilled to get close to the ‘celebrity life.’”

“I’d ignore or tolerate the extra attention…to a point.”

“I’d prefer Jennifer Lawrence.”

What challenges might a celebrity presence bring to a neighborhood? Any fringe benefits, perhaps?

Would you move if a celebrity became your neighbor?

Here at Apartment Guide, we thought the situation merited some thought on the nature of the neighbor relationship.

Good Neighbor Tips What is good neighbor behavior?

Good neighbors are respectful: they pay attention to loud music or other unreasonably distracting behavior which might annoy their neighbors.
Good neighbors are good pet parents. They control their pets so that neighbors don’t have to interact with them, if they would prefer not to.
Good neighbors follow parking and garbage disposal guidelines in the community.
Good neighbors don’t engage in unsafe behavior at home.
Good neighbors are tolerant of differences between people. They realize when personal prejudices might affect how they treat a neighbor.
Good neighbors watch out for each other. They’re aware of what’s going on in the neighborhood.
Good neighbors follow the Golden Rule: behave toward others as you would have others behave toward you!

Photo credit: JStone / Shutterstock.com

Apache is functioning normally

May 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Considering a move to a larger apartment? Wondering if you can afford a second bedroom?

We wondered the same thing and decided to look at our data to see what metro areas had the biggest percentage rent increase from one bedroom to two bedrooms.

In metros with at least 50 apartment listings, we looked at the lowest-price one bedroom and two bedroom apartment units to determine the average percentage increase between the two inside the same community. We included only apartment listings for which there were both one and two bedroom offerings located on the same property.

The Top Ten

1 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	34%
2 San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX	32%
3 Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX	32%
4 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX	30%
5 New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA	29%
6 Tulsa, OK	28%
7 New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA	28%
8 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	28%
9 Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO	26%
10 Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI	26%

They say everything’s bigger in Texas…

If you live in one of four major metros in Texas, there’s a premium on that extra bedroom. In fact, they were the top four on our list. These four Texas areas are the only ones on our list with 30% or greater increases between average one and two bedroom apartment rental rates.

The CBS affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth recently attributed the booming rental market to high-paying jobs for younger people. According to national market analysis manager for MPF Research, Jay Parsons, “the apartment market key segment is the folks between the ages of 20 to 34-year-olds, and that segment has grown in DFW (Dallas and Fort Worth) by about 8-percent in the past five years,” helping the rental market there reach a more than 94-percent occupancy rate.

This growth in apartment demand may help explain why Dallas/Fort Worth tops our list. On average, it costs 34% more to rent a two bedroom apartment than a one bedroom in this rental market.

Where you might opt to move up

What about the other end of the spectrum?

It is least expensive, on average, to make the same move in these spots:

Birmingham-Hoover, AL	16%
Reno-Sparks, NV	16%
Columbus, GA-AL	16%
Akron, OH	16%
Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC	16%
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL	16%
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC	15%
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA	15%
Fayetteville, NC	13%
Fresno, CA	12%

In Reno, renting a two bedroom apartment is less of a gamble!

Metros that fall somewhere in the middle

Several major markets fall more to the middle range, in our look at the data.

Portland, Oregon – arguably as hip a city as Austin – costs less on average to make the switch from one to two bedrooms.
For a time last year, Nashville, Tennessee, had the highest percentage rent growth in the nation. But renting a two bedroom apartment in the city is only, on average, 22% more expensive than renting a one bedroom – a more reasonable difference than in about 25 other metro areas on our list.
Major metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and the Washington, D.C., area are not at the top of this list, despite their popularity — and relatively high rent rates.

Methodology: In 2014, in CBSAs (Core Based Statistical Areas, also commonly referred to as metros) with at least 50 apartment listings on ApartmentGuide.com, we looked at the lowest-price one bedroom and two bedroom apartment units to determine the average percentage increase between the two inside the same community. We included only apartment listings for which there were both one and two bedroom offerings located on the same property.

Apache is functioning normally

May 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

When you think of Seattle, chances are you think of rain, coffee, grunge music and the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. That’s all good, but when you visit or move to The Emerald City, there’s much more you need to know. How is day-to-day life? Where can you work and play? What charming hideaways to meet with friends or escape the drizzle might you miss?

In other words, what are the hottest neighborhoods in Seattle? We rank them according to how often they’re searched on ApartmentGuide.com and how many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other social hotspots are located in each. Which of these neighborhoods could you see yourself in?

With bookstores and coffee shops dotting the sidewalks and the Puget Sound forming its western border, Ballard is the top-searched Seattle neighborhood on ApartmentGuide.com – and it’s not hard to see why. This historic part of town has a unique charm and all sorts of attractions for all kinds of people. Boaters and windsurfers are active in the waves, while those who prefer the indoors can be found browsing bookstores, sipping coffee or enjoying the Nordic Heritage Museum. Ballard also maintains its historic charm through the Ballard Historical Society, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to preserving the character of the neighborhood.

One of the largest and most heavily populated areas of Seattle, Capitol Hill is closely associated with music – specifically the grunge era of the early ‘90s. Just east of the city’s business district, Capitol Hill features all kind of residences, from studio apartments to stately mansions. If you like to shop, attend concerts or enjoy a pint of beer, you can find it in Capitol Hill. The neighborhood is also home to some of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, including the original Starbucks and Top Pot Doughnuts. Also well-known as a gay-friendly area, Capitol Hill is where the party happens – no matter what kind of party you prefer.

Just across Lake Union from Capitol Hill is Queen Anne, named for the highest hill in the city. It’s where you’ll find skate parks, 12 historic houses, the Pacific Science Center, a monorail, the scenic Kerry Park, and Seattle’s most famous landmark, the Space Needle. Bookworms will love the Queen Anne branch of the Seattle Public Library, which was renovated in 2007 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And if you love locally grown produce, you’ll fit right in here – the Queen Anne farmer’s market operates weekly from June through October.

Known to locals as “the U District,” you don’t have to be a college student to find something to love about this neighborhood. In addition to the University of Washington, you’ll find many walking and biking trails, all sorts of taverns and brewpubs, and an annual street fair every May. Popular landmarks include the Blue Moon Tavern, which has been in operation since 1934, and Big Time, Seattle’s original brewpub.

West Seattle is surrounded by water on three sides – the Puget Sound to the west, Elliott Bay to the north and the Duwamish Waterway to the east. Of note is Alki Beach Park, the West Seattle Golf Course, and Lincoln Park. High Point is one of the most famous areas of West Seattle, named because it encompasses the highest point in the city: the intersection of 35^th Avenue and Myrtle Street, at 520 feet above sea level. The annual Seafair festival celebrates Seattle’s marine and boating pastimes. West Seattle is also the home of a few famous residents, including Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder.

Home of the iconic Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, CenturyLink Field and the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Downtown area is also known as the central business district – but it feels like more play than work. The shopping area coincides with the main financial district (which seems apt). The nearby Seattle Central Library is an architectural wonder, in addition to a great library.

An umbrella term that encompasses the neighborhoods of Olympic Hills, Victory Heights, Pinehurst, Maple Leaf and Matthews Beach, North Seattle is where you’ll find Jackson Park Golf Course, Victory Creek Park, and the Thornton Creek natural area. Nature lovers will be captivated by the area’s mature evergreens. It’s famously easy to get around this area by mass transit.

Just to the west is Northgate, which has seen a lot of commercial and residential development in recent years. The Northgate Mall has been recently renovated, and the area also has a new park, library and community center. Residents should expect to see similar development in the coming years.

Nestled between Queen Anne and Capitol Hill is where you’ll find South Lake Union, so named because it sits at the south end of Lake Union. This is the home of the Amazon Campus and the Center for Wooden Boats. It’s also the center of healthcare facilities in Seattle, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Just to the east of Ballard is Green Lake, a neighborhood named for the body of water in its center. It’s easy to get to the Downtown neighborhood from Green Lake via Interstate 5. But there are plenty more reasons to live in Green Lake – the people here love to get outside and enjoy the lake or grab a drink at one of the many local pubs.

What’s your favorite Seattle neighborhood?

Apache is functioning normally

May 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

All right, let’s get this out of the way, right up front.

Dining alone in a restaurant is neither a shameful thing nor an experience to avoid.

Maybe you’ve had an experience like Jason Segel in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” Sometimes a server does make a fuss, but, really, most are happy you’re there — if you are happy to be there, yourself.

There’s an art to the solo dine. In the right frame of mind and with reasonable expectations, a solo diner can have a delicious experience.

It helps if you like to eat, of course.

These tidbits should help the reluctant learn from my own mistakes. Know thyself, dear diner, and feel free to enjoy a great meal, regardless of situational solitude!

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Solo Dining 101
Ok, so the moment finds you hungry, sans social engagement. What to do?

Let’s start with a basic tenet: you’ve got to dispel any insecurity you might have about your right to eat alone.

American culture is a little crazy about food. As a result of what we’ve been taught, some of us feel self-conscious about enjoying eating, especially in public. But the fact is, we’ve all done it.

Confidence is key, here. If you find yourself wondering whether others in a restaurant are looking at you or judging your presence, remember they’re really more interested in the cannelloni.

Location, location, loca…
Where you choose to sit in a restaurant has perhaps the greatest impact on whether you’ll enjoy your solo dining experience.

It’s up to you to share your seating preference: want to be situated in eaves-dropping distance of an interesting-looking group of folks? Prefer to pass the time in a more secluded area? Unless the joint is really jumping, any friendly establishment should be happy to accommodate your pleasant request.

Don’t feel that you have to dress to match the furniture. Whatever you’re wearing is just fine.

Read the restaurant
Ah, this is important. I like to know a little bit about a place before I go there, just so there are no unpleasant surprises.

When you know the details – like how much the food costs, or that there will likely be patrons dressed to the nines – you can adjust your expectations. I’m not saying you should feel compelled to conform, but know the general guidelines. The point of the solo dine is for you to enjoy yourself.

Your meal on mobile (or, the smartphone connection)
Here’s a call: to eat while connected, or no?

A meal alone certainly gives you a chance to catch up on emails, fave websites, and memes you’ve yet to have the time to embrace. Or you might want to cherish a few moments to yourself, entirely disconnected from the grind.

When I’m feeling digitally social in these situations, I like to philosophize by text with a friend who likely won’t respond right away. (Do you have those, too?) I might describe the scene, the people, the food. It’s sort of like talking to myself in the presence of another, online. I’ll hear what my friend has to say later, but, for now, I just want to put my impressions out there — and I want to enjoy the food.

What if you want to be social?
Just because you arrive alone to a hip eatery doesn’t necessarily mean you wish to stay that way. Again, it’s up to you to signal your intentions.

Your body language tells the tale about whether you want to engage with other diners. A seat taken at the bar is a reasonable give-away, too.

The Staff and the Solo Diner
Servers are generally friendly to those dining alone; ones who are frustrated about the desire for a larger table (and tip) really only spite themselves, if they take these feelings out on the solo diner. I choose to be super-nice to servers, but I tip based on the bill and the quality of service received — generally no more merely because I happen to be eating alone.

Here’s a man who knows what he likes. Sweet…or is it savory?

Enjoying a food scene with friends is one of the great pleasures in life, but there’s no rule that says it’s the only way to experience a restaurant. Go ahead, muster up your courage: “table for one, please.”

Photo credits: Shutterstock / Rovenko Photo, Tyler Olson, Tanya Uralova, Nejron Photo