It’s that time of year: time to decide if I’m moving. My complex left a note saying my rent is going up $80/month to $1600 upon renewal early next year. (After last year’s nearly $300/mo increase.)
So what do I do? Let’s think about this.
It’s that time of year: time to decide if I’m moving. My complex left a note saying my rent is going up $80/month to $1600 upon renewal early next year. (After last year’s nearly $300/mo increase.)
So what do I do? Let’s think about this.
Hard to see but thought I was coming home to a haze in my apartment. Opened patio door and just saw the haze even more. (Hard to see on video.)
AlWith the possibility of having to move yet again around the corner, I’ve taken the preemptive measure of looking for a new place. A lot has changed since my last search. So, what do I have to worry about this time?
Where as the last time I was searching for a place, it was important I found a place closer to work as the drive from my brother’s apartment on the north side of Austin. (I work on the south side near the airport.) This time around, things are a little more up in the air.
What is for certain is that I would much rather get a place for myself. I’ve lived with someone for the last several years and I feel it’s time I get a place on my own. There’s nothing wrong with roommates and I’d consider one again but it’d have to be a perfect match. And you really don’t know that unless you’ve been around someone for a long time.
The next decision I’ve been wondering about is do I continue to live on the south side of town? South Austin isn’t cheap, especially 1 bedroom apartments. But it’s close to work. And that’s a big plus. But do I trade that for a cheaper place that’s nice but requires a longer drive?
After batting around what to do in my head left and right, I think I’m going to stay in South Austin. In fact, I have my eye on two different places.
In addition to being close to work, both places are located next to Little Texas Station. This means I can easily hop the MetroRapid to the Palmer Center, Downtown, the Domain, Tech Ridge, and all other points north instead of having to drive.
The other is the possibility of Google Fiber. I had put this on the back burner because I had to put other priorities first, such as washer/dryers (or at least connectors) and a bathroom separate from the bedroom first. Even then, Fiber won’t start construction for a good while still. But both of these places have the possibility of this happening, so there’s a plus.
So where am I looking? Number 1 on the list is the Retreat at North Bluff. These apartments are hidden away just south of Little Texas between Congress and 35. I like that it’s kind of hidden away from everywhere but still close to things as well. The price and space provided is reasonable and it appears that units include a washer and dryer. And, finally, they’re signed up for Google Fiber.
If that doesn’t work, the next on the list is Austin City Lights tucked between Stassney and Little Texas. I love the layout of the smallest floorplan they have. Having an island in the kitchen is something I’ve always wanted. The bedroom already has a desk built in. Although they’re not signed up for Google Fiber, they are in a qualified fiberhood.
Now, are there any vacancies at these places? No idea. I really hope so because they seem nice. I’ll have to visit them still to be sure these are the places I want to live. And, finally, I’ll still need to have backups in case these are no-go’s.
So that’s the plan so far. As I said, I gotta keep looking for backups but these two places are at the top of the list. Now, if anyone knows of someone who can get me deals on these places, I’m all ears.
In the event that something strange doesn’t happen, I get to spend the next month and a half trying to research, visit, and decide on a place to live. This isn’t exactly an easy task as I have some really tough requirements to fulfill to meet my needs.
1 bed / 1 bath minimum – After living with my brother for a while in what is essentially a studio apartment, I know I need a bit more space and separation between rooms. The more space, the better. (I’ll even take a 2/1 if the price is right. Would be nice to have a guest room/office.)
South Austin – My new job is located across the highway from the airport. I’m currently staying with my brother in north Austin. In good traffic, it’ll take 30-40 minutes to get to work. After looking at Google’s Typical Traffic maps, getting back will definitely take longer. Even at 30 minutes, that’s WAY more time than I want to be spending in my car. This means moving to the other side of town.
Near Specific Bus Routes – If I don’t want to drive, another option would be to take the bus instead. There is a major downside to this method as well: 2 hour ride. But I like having the option of riding the bus instead of driving, not just to get to work but other places as well, such as downtown. So I’d like to have a place that’s near one of the following routes:
The nice thing about these three routes is that they all connect to the South Congress Transit Center, meaning I can get to work, downtown, and other places along the 801 or 803 (via downtown or Westgate) Rapid routes.
Approximately 600 square feet or more – As I noted above, I know that I need space. My bro’s place is about 520 square feet. My last apartment was 670 square feet. It was nice and big for my needs so having that much space would be nice but can try to meet somewhere in the middle if need be.
Approximately $900 or less per month – The above requirements alone are probably going to make this price point really tough to meet. I’ve been doing a bit of looking around already and it can be possible but it’ll take some work. Right now, I’m just using sites like Truila and Zillow to compare prices. There might be better deals out there hiding. How knows.
Low crime – This one is just obvious. Considering that I’d like to have the option to ride the bus, being in an area where I don’t have to worry about walking outside (or even to/from my car and apartment) would help reduce any level or worrying I might have. It’s something that many would like to have I’m sure.
BONUS: Google Fiber – Google Fiber is being lit up in South Austin in December. Needless to say, this is something that is very much wanted. BUT it’ll only be available at specific complexes. Google has released a map showing where it’ll be available. If I were a complex, this would be a major selling point. Hopefully I can get a place that has it.
In the end, I might have to get an apartment hunter to help me find just the right place. More importantly, maybe they’ll have a better chance at finding a good deal that I will using public websites and tools. And more power to them if they can pull off matching my needs. We’ll see how things go.