We're now about 6 weeks into our latest bi-annual move. There is currently a glut of new apartment communities in our area, and they all have some generous incentives designed to entice you to move. Ours is an urban-style 4-story block of buildings with some amazing amenities.
Immediately off the lobby is a community room with various game tables, a conversation area, and a kitchen with a machine what spits out fancy Starbucks coffees.
Of course it has the obligatory pool....
...and gym (with a yoga studio upstairs).
How about a small theater, available first-come-first-serve for private screenings?
They ticked my hot-button box with a number of gas grills that they keep spotlessly clean.
Jax, however, has figured out what the Paw Spa is for, and he is NOT impressed.
If you somehow don't have a computer (who doesn't have a computer these days?) they offer a business center with 5 Macs, 5 PC's, and printers.
Inside there are four elevators, the hallways are wide, carpeted, and climate controlled...and VERY quiet. Outside the landscaping is very nice, a greenbelt is just across the street, and a walking trail is just a block north. Best of all, I don't have to maintain ANY of it! *happy dance*
...even the mail room is kept spotless.
They've also ticked my "I like my cars safely out of the weather" box, too.
I wondered why we had so many electric cars (EV's) in the garage. When I found 2 electric charging stations it all made sense.
As for our apartment itself...our first attempt at downsizing was still too large. We began to buy more "stuff" again, which defeated the whole purpose of downsizing. On the next try I undershot the mark...we were seriously cramped. This time, though, I think I found the sweet spot. The kitchen is more than adequate (just out of the picture is K's "coffee bar"), as is storage space.
At Kelly's insistence we opted for the "indoor plumbing" package.
It's still only one bedroom / one bath, but with lots of counter space, double lavs, a large soaking tub and a separate shower, too, we're very comfortable. I even managed to swing a covered top floor balcony, with enough room for a couple of chairs and small tables, and a TV that only receives football games. *wink*
Downsizing doesn't allow for a "man cave", but I did manage to squeeze in for myself a "man corner". It works fine. :) Kelly has her own "chick space", too.
Oh, and Jax staked out his claim also.
For those who have kids at home, lots of out-of-town company, heirloom furniture they're married to, etc, this would be an impossible way to live. All things considered though, for us, I feel we've made a good move. Cheers!
S