Currently looking at 2 units today in an apartment complex I realllly like. I think I will end up leasing there, possibly today.
Unit 1 - Studio
-Price - 1,150
-625 square feet
-Bedroom is actually partially closed off which is good--there isn't a door but the entrance is partly blocked off
-Bedroom has weird design-wall you would put the bed on has a teeny closet in both corners of the wall. The space in between doesn't even allow for a full size headboard (translation: bed is going to be situated awkwardly in that room...I don't even know yet if I could even put a queen in there)
-Rest of living space is pretty small for 625 square feet but doable
-Closet space is extremely limited - it will be tough to figure out how I won't have at least a few boxes sitting out in plain sight. I might be able to get rid of enough stuff not to worry about this, but it is a big concern. The closet in the bedroom will only fit about half of what's in my current closet at best.
-Note: Unit was going for ~1,300 about 5 week ago. Price has dropped as it's been sitting but I think someone may snatch it up soon as the 2 other competing properties in this neighborhood are charging $1230 for a 500 sq ft studio and the other is charging $1315 for a 496 square foot studio.
Unit 2 - 1 Bedroom
-Price - 1, 250
-741 square feet
-Major plus here is that it's a one bedroom obviously
-Major minus here is that it's facing construction of a brand new apartment complex. Upon visiting and standing on the balcony, me and the leasing consultant were literally talking to the construction workers outside doing their work. Now, upon closing the doors I was surprised not to hear much of anything inside so I think the soundproofing is very good here. Also, for the unit that is currently vacant/for rent...it is not the same unit I viewed. It's actually on the other end of the street where yesterday the leasing consultant said over the phone most of the work is finished/not being worked on (at least right now).
-Note: Unit was going for 1,400 5 weeks ago. Other 2 similar properties close to this building have similar 1 bedrooms starting in the 1500s/1600s.
Things to consider:
-I'm currently putting away 1,000/month towards a house downpayment. I can continue doing this if I choose either unit.
-I work from home. Noise factors 'do' have to be considered. I also am very sensitive to noise. Although I did notice it's moreso noise inside buildings I have the most issues with (from roommates/neighbors next door or above me). I've actually in the past been able to tune out outside things I thought would be an issue like a train next door or construction - I did this often living in Chicago.
-I do worry a tad bit about not being able to furnish the 1 bedroom with much of anything. I have no furniture and am starting from scratch there. In the studio, a couch and a small bed would fill up the place. In the one bedroom it will seem a bit emptier. I do kinda like how I won't be tempted to buy much of anything due to spacing in the studio though.
-I 'may' move once this lease is up 16 months later into a condo.
-Again, I work from home--I don't need more space and have lived in studios before, but not when working from home. It would be nice to have more space as I'm home every.single.day.all.day. and since moving back to Atlanta and starting a house downpayment fund I do not go out much at all if it's not something free or close to being free.
I didn't want to go over 1200 BUT...I'm moving in walking distance to everything that I currently Uber to (I don't have a car). I mean, pretty much everywhere that I do go is right there within very close proximity to each other including the grocery store and gym (plus now I can walk to the train if need be). After watching the rates in this building and 2 others near it for about 6 weeks now I think I've finally found a good deal on these 2 so I will need to act fast as units there get leased quickly throughout the weekend.
They're both being held for me today until I can get in later today and make a decision.