Here is the situation in a nutshell...
Older low income neighborhood with low to moderate crime problem offers small unit in renovated remodeled crackhouse in an old historc area undergoing gentrification for $250 less per month than my current place. Not terrible but peace of mind enjoyed now would be forfeit.
Current place lease is expiring. Current place offers Gym, pool, spa, green areas, fireplace, detached garage, granite counter tops, plush carpet, washer and dryer in unit, French doors to patio, beautiful trees ect. All of which is about 20% of my gross income.
I say I can do this. Feels fine the first visit. I get the paperwork sign a six month lease all is well with the world right? Despite the payment in full lease break clause (Arizona)
Wrong! Second visit after signing lease potential drug addicts are seen coming out of the backyard using the washer and dryer but live in the house next door. In the back a supposed shed is the house of an illegal elderly woman and her tattooed grandson all of which also need to use the single washer and dryer. The people are nice I guess but seem suspicious as most people living in the hood generally are. I was raised there. I know.
Has all the qualifiers of the hood...ample homeless, liquor stores, payday loans, check
cashing, streets named after founding fathers, church's chicken, rims more valuable than the blue book value of the vehicle they are mounted on, pit bulls in many yards, chain link...you name it.
Point is I got this bright idea this could work for a while as the place is decent and signed off paid deposits and other nonsense. Now with these new discoveries it is just too much for me.
I save nearly 75% of my salary even paying rent where I live and am mad at myself. I have written them a kind letter explaining that I would like to pursue other options as things are not like they were initially communicated which it true. My lease here in this beautiful place is a tough one if I break and a year is the minimum. I was looking for a more flexible option that was still decent and under pressure for time due to this lease expiration. I am not a roomater type and so am forced to hear the brunt of my housing alone.
Sad that clear thinking fails even the financially prudent from time to time and some things just are not worth it. Despite possession being nearly 30 days away, I struggle to see how this will end well for this fellow moustachian. I have a feeling this may be an expensive lesson in contentment.
Any of you have any advice or examples of painful outcomes due to extreme experimentation or changes that you did not anticipate. I doubt I will escape this one unscathed. I am awaiting their response.