Post # 1
Member
784 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: September 2016 - Simsbury 1820 House
My Fiance and I are moving into our first apartment together Sept. 1. The area we’re looking is a slightly difficult market, but not the worst ever. We have two top locations that are very nice (more townhouse/condo style) and a back-up complex that is more “dorm like” (FI likes to call it that.) It has hallways of apartments rather than individual doors outside. Fiance thinks this would make the apartment seem less “homely.” I’m torn. Our top two is a stretch that one will be available and the other may or may not. It’s kind of a toss up at this point. We will be signing a year lease and the wedding is next September so wherever we move we will be staying 2 years. I kind of like the back-up complex. They have a good deal of availaibility (500 apartments total) and some nice amenties like a fitness room and pool. Any advice from people who have stayed in more apartment complex/dorm style places? Did you find it more difficult to make it feel like a home?
Post # 2
Member
5954 posts
Bee Keeper
SomethingBlue1009: Hmmm… without seeing it and knowing more details I’m not sure. I’ve lived in both. I did NOT like the dorm-like one because any noise from people talking all the way down the hallway seemed to echo into my apartment. Doors slamming, kids running up and down the halls in inclement weather. Do you live where it snows? 2 years is quite a commitment!
Post # 3
Member
784 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: September 2016 - Simsbury 1820 House
RedHeadKel: I do live where it snows. New England for you! I had one friend that lived in the same complex previously for a year during college and liked it a lot.
Post # 4
Member
2680 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: September 2012 - Southern California
We live in an apartment complex with a hallway that is covered, but is still outdoors (I hope that makes sense) and you can hear every.single.neighbor close their door. Not to sound like a stalker, but my next door neighbor leaves every morning at 6:40am haha. With that said though, on the inside you wouldn’t know it was a measley apartment. We have high ceilings, wood floor, and things like that. A home is what you make it! Good luck 🙂
Post # 5
Member
7903 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I am a homebody, so with time, anywhere can create that sentimental feeling of home. You’ll make wonderful memories of your home in no time!
As for meeting your neighbors, using the complex amenities can be a good way to meet people. Some apartment complexes have seasonal get-togethers so that tenants can get to know each other.
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