How to Choose the Right Apartment for You 

Choosing an apartment is both exciting and hard work. Choosing an apartment that fits your needs and lifestyle requires preparation and effective organization. Start by narrowing your search by determining what apartment features are important. Check online reviews to weed out apartments that aren’t well-maintained or poorly managed.

Amenities

Apartment amenities are unique services and items offered to residents that go beyond what is necessary for a functional living space. These extras can range from in-unit laundry to a rooftop terrace. Some amenities are free, while others come with a separate monthly fee.

Amenities are a huge draw for buyers and renters alike. The top amenities they consider must-haves are in-unit laundry, an elevator and a doorkeeper. Other sought-after perks include outdoor space, a live-in super and high-speed internet.

For renters, pets and keeping cool are major concerns, so they typically seek pet-friendly apartments and air conditioning. In-unit laundry is also highly desirable, while a movie theater room is an excellent entertainment amenity that is easier to find than you might think.

These extras help make a place feel like home and increase satisfaction levels. Apartment amenities are key to creating a sense of community and decreasing turnover rates among apartment tenants.

Location

Apartments in Saratoga are a great option for those who want to avoid the financial commitment of homeownership or who don’t plan to be in one place long-term. In Saratoga Springs, New York, the median monthly rent for apartments is $6,000.

There are 115 available apartments in Saratoga Springs, listed for rent for an average of 50 days. However, it’s important to understand the rental process and your responsibilities as a renter before you sign a lease agreement. When choosing an apartment, consider your lifestyle and what you enjoy doing.

For example, if you love to spend time outdoors, find an apartment near parks or other leisure amenities. You might also prefer a higher walkability rating or easy access to transportation and shopping.

After you’ve narrowed down your apartment search to a few communities, call them and schedule tours. Touring in person is better than looking at photos online because it lets you see the space and experience its vibe. During your time, make notes and compare the amenities to your list of must-haves. 

Budget

Ultimately, it would help if you found an apartment that fits your budget. There are always trade-offs to make. For example, you can find a great location with many amenities, but it may be outside your price range.

You can compromise on a few things or decide to rent with a roommate to help you afford the place you want to live in. Most landlords expect tenants to spend 30 percent of their income on rent. Calculating your expenses beforehand is important so you know what you can realistically afford.

You should also consider recurring fees like credit and background checks, security deposits, and application fees. These will add up quickly; you should consider them when comparing apartments. 

Roommates

You’ll have to decide if you can afford an apartment with roommates, especially if your desired location has a high rental rate. Ask a potential roommate how they handle finances and watch their body language to determine how open they are about their financial situation.

It’s a good idea to talk to apartment community residents to get a firsthand perspective on what life is like living there. They’ll be able to tell you about the quality of the management and maintenance, noise levels and the overall vibe.

You’ll also want to ask about the potential roommate’s lifestyle and entertaining preferences, whether they have guests frequently and how often their romantic partners sleep over at their place. If your lifestyles don’t align, it could lead to arguments and resentment down the line. Ask for a credit and background check to be sure the person is financially responsible and a good roommate.