Must-Dos When Touring An Apartment Community

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Editor

When you are visiting apartment communities, it’s exciting to know that a new beginning is in your future! While there are some obvious things you will do on your visits, like tour the apartments and amenities, you may forget about other important factors if you feel overwhelmed or too excited during your visit. Because we want you to be fully prepared and certain that Arcadia Run is right for you, take a look at our must-dos when touring an apartment community!

Get to know the features

Before you even arrive at an apartment community, make sure you have a list of what you are looking for in an apartment home. When you tour the model apartment, be sure to ask questions about standard features, the different types of floorplans available, and any policies for the units. Arcadia Run’s apartment homes are among the best in the area, with modern features, appliances, an in-unit washer and dryer, and more storage space than many apartment communities today.

Discover the amenities

We know that an apartment home will probably be the most important thing contributing to your decision, but the amenities are a big factor to consider as well! At Arcadia Run, visitors have been blown away by our modern amenities time and time again, and we know you will be too! Our new amenities include a resort-style pool, ball court, large fitness center, lounges, theater, playground, and so much more! The most important part of discovering the amenities is to be observant so that you have the chance to bring up any questions you may have.

Learn about maintenance

You don’t want to move into an apartment community without knowing that the management has your back when it comes to apartment repairs. No matter how new an apartment building is, there is always the chance that an emergency repair could be needed. At Arcadia Run, we have 24/7, emergency maintenance on call, so you can live worry-free and remain safe in your new apartment home.

Talk to some of the residents

The best way to get to know an apartment community is to speak to residents who already live there! While you are exploring the amenities and beautifully landscaped grounds at Arcadia Run, strike up a conversation. Ask residents to share their favorite things about the community, what kinds of social events take place, how long they have lived there, etc. Our residents here at Arcadia Run are truly some of the best around.

Sit down with the leasing staff

You might feel shy or hesitant to ask questions about the community and apartment homes, but this is what our amazing leasing staff is here for! At Arcadia Run, you can schedule an appointment with any of our leasing staff professionals who are always willing to help with any questions or concerns you may have. Take some time to get to know them and sit down to discuss your wants and needs for things like floor plans, living with a pet, etc.

Learn about conveniences provided

Apartment living is popular because of the amazing conveniences that this lifestyle offers! Arcadia Run goes above and beyond to make sure that living in our new apartment home community means less time worrying and more time enjoying. Some of our conveniences include a school bus stop on site, an open parking policy, easy online rent paying services, a mail concierge, 24-hour cyber café with free printer and coffee bar, and more.

Explore the neighborhood

Sure, you can visit our website and see some of the nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues on a map, but there is nothing like getting to know the area first-hand. Drive around the Gateway Center and Promenade Commons to discover your favorite new stores, or take a quick drive to Downtown Manassas to soak in some history and try a few local eats.

If you’re ready to come visit Arcadia Run and find out why this is the perfect apartment community for you, schedule and appointment online or give us a call!

The Best Websites to Find Affordable Apartment Furniture

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Editor

It’s officially almost summertime, and that means that many of you are moving into a new apartment home here at Arcadia Run! If you are looking to purchase some new furniture for the first time, or need to replace some items that you already have, we are here to share with you some of the best furniture websites out there. Since we are always looking for a deal, and know you are too, we’ve ranked these sites according to affordability and value. Without further ado, let’s jump into our top picks for affordable furniture websites!

Apt2B – This website was started by two young guys who wanted to make furniture shopping for your apartment “as easy as ordering pizza.” On this site, you’ll find simple and modern designs where you can choose a fabric for the majority of sofa and chair options. The company’s fun and real approach to the business is sure to pull you in, and all of the pieces are reasonably priced. As their website states, “furniture is like death and taxes; it’s inevitable,” so why not make it fun?

CB2 – You grew up hearing about how great Crate + Barrel is, but have you met the younger and cooler sibling, CB2? Not only can you find some amazing modern pieces here, but some of the furniture is specifically made for apartment living. CB2 does a great job of understanding how to bring super modern and hip designs to people with all budgets!

Capsule Home – This is the website you go to for a truly fashionable piece of furniture with a surprisingly affordable price tag. As it says on their website, “Capsule produces unique pieces, often with mixed materials and multi-function use that are intended to add dimension to any home.” The pieces here are perfect for apartment homes, and created by individual designers who each have an eye for great style.

Wayfair – You’ve seen the commercials on TV and maybe even gotten their catalog in the mail, but Wayfair is truly one of the best. It is one of the world’s largest online furniture selections and includes other brands like Joss & Main, All Modern, Dwell Studios, and Birch Lane. Depending on your personal home design style, whether you’re classic, modern, eclectic, etc., one of these brands will have the perfect piece of furniture you are looking for!

Overstock – If you’re a bargain shopper, you’ll love this website for their amazing sales! This smart website takes stock of excess inventory from thousands of different retail categories and sells it to customers lower than the recommended manufacturer price. This way, you know you’re getting a good deal. Another benefit to this website is that there are a great deal of customer reviews, meaning you can hear firsthand about which products are the best.

Houzz – This website is a catchall for furniture shopping and those who don’t know what they want. With almost 100 furniture brands all in one place, you can easily find what you are looking for based on price, color, ratings from previous customers, and even sort by room. Houzz is also a great place for apartment inspiration, as you are able to shop directly through photos of rooms designed by pros.

Before you find the perfect furniture, you are going to need to find the perfect apartment home. Contact us today to schedule a tour and find your new apartment home!

Look No Further Than Arcadia Run for Your First Apartment

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Editor

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting time, but sometimes there are unexpected adjustments that you will have to make. When transitioning from a dorm or your parents house into your own place, it is important to decide what conveniences you are willing to give up, and those you can’t live without. We kept our future residents, such as you, in mind when designing our modern apartment homes and amenities so that you would have a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. For an easy transition into your first apartment home, take a look at some reasons below as to why Arcadia Run is the perfect place for you!

Keep up your fitness game

With so many ways to stay in shape here at Arcadia Run, it will be even more convenient to work out than your previous residence! Residents have 24/7 access to the fitness center, summer-long access to our resort-style pool, access to the ball court, and quick access to local parks and trails to explore. However you choose to spend your time maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the resources you need are just steps from your new apartment home.

Don’t leave belongings behind

In many apartments, having enough space is an issue and storage is usually lacking. In every apartment home at Arcadia Run, there are multiple closets so that you don’t have to leave any of your belongings behind when you move in. Plenty of storage space also allows for clutter-free living areas where you can live simply and comfortably.

Furry friends welcome

You shouldn’t have to rule out a great apartment community because they aren’t pet friendly. And guess what? Arcadia Run loves pets! Many of our current residents have pets, and you will constantly see them walking their dogs on our beautifully landscaped grounds. This is just one of the many things that sets us apart from other apartment communities in the Manassas area!

Do laundry on your own time

Maybe your parents aren’t doing your laundry anymore, but at least you won’t have to leave your apartment to get it done! Each of our modern apartment homes has a full size washer and dryer included for the convenience to wash your clothes on your own schedule. You also won’t have to pay extra money to use machines at a Laundromat!

Create & maintain a social life

Even if you already have friends and family in the area, our apartment community is not like a typical one where you never meet your neighbors. Year-round community events, like our upcoming Pool Opening Party, are meant to bring our residents together. It’s easy to hole up in your apartment by yourself and have a movie marathon, but at Arcadia Run, it’s also easy to meet neighbors to invite to your movie night and make it a weekly event.

Maintain luxury

No matter your previous living situation, you won’t have to sacrifice the luxury of a beautiful home when moving to Arcadia Run! Our new apartments feature luxurious finishes and design elements, including granite countertops, and laminate hardwood flooring. No downgrades here!

Stop by Arcadia Run today to learn even more about why this is the perfect apartment community for your FIRST apartment home!

In 2017, Apartment Communities Are Raising The Bar for Apartment Living

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Editor

In today’s world, apartment dwellers are looking for more than just a place to live; they are looking for a lifestyle. To meet the expectations of the modern apartment renter, apartment communities are striving to bring more and more unparalleled features and amenities to their residents. To many, renting an apartment in a community with all of the bells and whistles is far better than owning a home, because of the many benefits and conveniences that go along with renting.

The young generation of recent college grads who prefer renting is growing at a rapid rate, and even seniors are moving towards giving up permanent digs for new and modern apartment homes. Everyone has certain lifestyle needs they want met, and renting fulfills many different needs for different people. Whether it is frequent moving, less upkeep, or a downsized household, modern apartment communities are fitting the bill for many types of households.

Unlike older apartment communities, new establishments like Arcadia Run are identifying common lifestyle needs and wants of today. By identifying these, communities are able to implement both apartment features and community amenities to entice those who seek an easier lifestyle provided by where they live.

New and modern apartment homes offer luxuries other than just living accommodations, like ample storage space and upgraded kitchen features. At Arcadia Run, our apartment homes solve the problem of storage by providing multiple closets in every apartment home, including walk-in closets and a ton of kitchen cabinet space. Our modern designs provide ample outlets to plug in all of your electronics, a personal washer/dryer so you don’t have to leave to do laundry, and an open design to fit a modern lifestyle.

Amenities provided to residents in new apartment communities offer a more active and social lifestyle. Outdoor community amenities like our ball court, playground, resort-style pool, and patio spaces create a universal space where neighbors can meet, relax and socialize. The Clubhouse at Arcadia Run serves as a central hub for community events and a gathering space where residents can work out, watch movies, grab a cocktail, or study.

No matter what age you are, if you are looking for an apartment community that provides a social, active, and convenient lifestyle, look no further than Arcadia Run!

Topiary Treasures That Will Thrive in Your Apartment

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Editor

If you’ve been cursed with a black thumb, but still love the way that plants look in your home, have no fear! You won’t have to worry about killing that beautiful plant your mother in-law gave you when you learn how to make plants thrive in your Arcadia Run apartment home. The trick is learning which plants thrive best indoor, and which plants you should leave at the store. Check out some of our favorite small plants that will add a touch of natural décor to your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Lucky Bamboo

Typically given as a gift to welcome someone to a new home or even a new job, lucky bamboo is remarkably easy to care for! It doesn’t require tons of sunlight, and can last in dim lighting if you forget to pull back the curtains during the day. Just remember to change the water every two to four weeks, and you’ll be living in a totally Zen space with the addition of this lucky bamboo.

Cactus

If you’re looking for a plant that is out of the ordinary and has you dreaming of desert days all year round, invest in some small cacti! Cacti can thrive in a sunny room, but be sure not to place them in areas that get extended amounts of direct sunlight. Be sure to water them once a week while they are growing, but they’ll require less care during cooler months.

Snake Plant

No, we’re not asking you to house actual snakes in your apartment home! One of the most common houseplants, the snake plant is a tough plant that makes it conducive to any living environment. These tall leaves can tolerate dim light, as well as thrive in medium to bright light, making it a nice addition to a desk or end table. Water these plants every so often, but be sure to let the soil dry between waterings.

African Violets

Add a pop of color to your apartment home with the African Violet. Buy a few to scatter around your apartment, and watch as they bloom different shades of purple. All they require is a little water once a week but be sure not to get water on their delicate leaves. African Violets are one of the few flowers that requite little care, making them the perfect plant for your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Peace Lily

As another flowering plant that requires little care, the Peace Lily is great choice for your apartment home. This flower can survive and thrive in any type of lighting, even fluorescent lighting! The Peace Lily will also give you signs for when it is thirsty, as it will droop a little when it needs water. Nothing better than a plant that will talk to you when it needs something! Just be sure not to over hydrate it and let the soil dry between waterings.

Taking care of plants and flowers in your Arcadia Run apartment home doesn’t have to be a chore with these easy options!

Sources: hgtv.com, elledecor.com, apartmenttherapy.com

Your One Stop Spring Cleaning Checklist

Posted on March 14, 2017 by Editor

It’s that time of year again at Arcadia Run: spring-cleaning! The snow has melted (hopefully), the days are getting longer, and warm weather is right around the corner! Spring forward into cleaning your apartment home with our one stop spring cleaning checklist, covering everything from supplies to lists to what to do first (and what not to do). We want to help make spring-cleaning as painless as possible for you, so check out our tips below!

Plan of attack: Make a list of the rooms you want to tackle, and in what order, before you get started. If your roommate is helping, the best idea is to divide and conquer. Assign each person a room and focus on your room before helping someone else with a larger space. If you are cleaning by yourself, give yourself a realistic timeline to get everything done.

Supplies: Figure out the supplies you will need to clean each room and if you need extras. Pick up larger quantities of items that you will get used up faster, such as paper towels. For larger items such as vacuums, determine who will need it the most and let them use it first. Tip: Try to use as many cleaning items as you can before they run out and you need to replace them. If you have small children, be sure to keep all cleaners out of their reach.

One thing at a time: Work your way around each room by focusing on one thing at a time, for example, start with cleaning your stove, then move to the fridge, then cabinets, etc. If you know that you REALLY need to organize your cabinets, start there! Taking care of the item that gives you the most stress right away will make you feel even better about spring-cleaning.

Keep, Toss, Donate: Almost everything you are going through during spring-cleaning, such as clothing, shoes, or even small pieces of decor, can fall under one of these three labels. Clothing items and shoes that you have not worn for the last year can be donated (no, you don’t really need that denim skirt from college) and some miscellaneous clutter can be tossed. Keep things that you know will withstand some wear, but toss those grimy sponges and dish towels that have seen better days. Getting rid of space-eating clutter will leave your apartment home feeling light and organized!

Wash: Now is the time to wash everything, and we mean everything! Wash all of your bedding, including duvet covers and blankets. If you are donating any clothes, be sure to wash those as well. For those who are going an extra step and organizing their closets/drawers, when in doubt, wash it again. If you read our last blog, you may have already washed your dishtowels and bath towels, but if not, don’t forget about your smaller linens!

Disinfect: We won’t get into the gross details about all of the germs that inevitably float around, but they get everywhere, including inside your apartment! Pay special attention to places in your apartment home that you touch often, such as doorknobs, remote controls, faucets, and the refrigerator door handle. Rubbing those down with a disinfectant wipe will reduce your chances of getting sick or breathing in allergens, and no one wants to be sick when spring comes around!

Take your time: Don’t stress about getting everything done at once. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Figure out what you WANT to get done, and do those things first. Save some smaller tasks for later or even another day. Going at your own pace will make cleaning less stressful and give you a chance to do a thorough job, instead of rushing through everything.

These are just a few of our spring-cleaning ideas, and feel free to add yours to our checklist! For more information about our apartment homes, visit Arcadia Run online.

4 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Apartment Home

Posted on March 11, 2017 by Editor

Even though spring-cleaning is right around the corner, there is no need to deep clean your apartment home at Arcadia Run just yet! However, there are a few easy things you can do to freshen up your living area in anticipation of the warmer weather. For those of you who like to get a head start, following some of these easy tips will make you feel more prepared for when you do start your spring-cleaning! Check out some of our favorite ways to refresh your apartment home this spring.

Air it out

Even though it may still be chilly outside, open your windows for just a few minutes in the morning or during the day on the weekends. One of the best times to open your windows is when you are cleaning up or vacuuming. Let some of those dust particles out and let in some fresh air! Shake out rugs outside and try placing them in different places for a quick new look in your apartment home.

Clear the clutter

Were you feeling lazy this winter? Don’t worry – we were too. But now is the time to go through that stack of magazines and post-holiday sales catalogs you stockpiled and save only the ones you are absolutely going to use. Take the holiday cards down off the mantle or fridge and store them away, and clear any excess mail or clutter from your counter spaces. Tip: if you have not used or looked at something in the last month, then it is probably safe to toss or put away.

Let there be light

We know we aren’t the only ones who are happy that it is staying lighter out later in the evenings! Open your curtains and blinds throughout the day and evening to let natural light in as long as possible. If you are feeling more ambitious, change out all of your old light bulbs that have gotten dim during the winter. Be sure to keep light bulbs out of reach if you have small children in your apartment home.

Wash up

Take all the extra linens and cloths, such as dishtowels and blankets, and wash them. Chances are you probably didn’t do this a lot during the winter (no judging here), so now is the perfect time to freshen up your linens! Change out your bathroom towels and hand towels as well, and store winter linens away until next year. Once you start your spring-cleaning, you’ll be able to check this small task off of your list already!

These ideas may seem small, but they will make a big difference in your apartment home! Check out http://www.arcadiarun.com/ for more information about living at Arcadia Run.

Immediately Feel At Home in Your New Apartment

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Editor

Sometimes it can take a while for that ‘brand new’ feeling to go away when you move into a new place. At Arcadia Run, we want you to feel comfortable right away in your new apartment home! We’ve come up with a few easy ways to help ease the transition into a new apartment, and will have you feeling right at home in no time.

Set up your bed

There’s nothing like falling asleep in your own bed after the end of a long day. If you’ve just moved into a new apartment home, your bed should be one of the first things you set up. The familiar feel and look of your pillows and blankets will make your bedroom seem cozy and homey right away. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with a little mid-moving nap!

Easy décor

Don’t worry about decorating your whole apartment right away. If you want to feel more at home, hang up pictures of your friends and family. Seeing friendly faces while you’re busy unpacking the rest of your belongings will make you feel right at home! In addition to photos, pull out those items that have special meaning to you. Whether it’s a jewelry box, your favorite books, or even a tea kettle, you’ll feel more comfortable having those items in sight in your new apartment home.

Get connected

One of the best things to do as you get settled is to have all of your technology needs taken care of. Make sure to call ahead to have your Internet and cable set up for when you move in. There’s nothing better than taking a nice relaxing Netflix break for an hour (or 3) when you’re unpacking! With your Internet set up, you’ll even be able to upload photos to your social media profiles of your new Arcadia Run apartment home.

Explore

The best way to get acquainted with a new apartment and a new area is to go exploring! Head on over to our clubhouse and explore our fitness center, theatre, and dream about future days lounging at the pool. If you ever have questions about where something is located, or the resident conveniences located in the Clubhouse, our leasing team is always around to give you the tour!

Arcadia Run is in a great location right here in Manassas, minutes from Jiffy Lube Live, Manassas Mall, and plenty of dining and shopping options. You’ll feel right at home when you find your new coffee spot, or start hitting our gym every week.

We are so glad that you are now a part of the Arcadia Run community! Check out more of our great amenities by visiting us online.

The Best Dog Breeds to Own in an Apartment Home

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Editor

Unlike many apartment home communities, Arcadia Run allows our residents to have pets, as we want to offer you the best experience possible! If living a fulfilled life includes coming home to your pet everyday, we are excited to let you know that this is possible at Arcadia Run. As many of us already know there are certain dog breeds that are best when living in an apartment home, and we want to share some of them with you below!

Bichon Frise: Ask anyone who owns a Bichon Frise, these dogs are typically the perfect size for an apartment home, and although playful, they do not bark as often as other small breeds.

Maltese: If you want a dog, but don’t want the hassle of cleaning up dog hair, this breed is the perfect fit. Maltese’s do not shed and are very affectionate towards owners, so they make great companions!

Boston Terrier: Because of their compact size, this breed is perfect for apartment living, but they do need plenty of walking, as they are very energetic from time to time.

Havanese: Another small dog, Havanese do not shed and are very snuggly and clingy with owners. Although this breed generally prefers lounging around inside, they are still very playful, but not overly jumpy or yappy.

Chihuahua: Although all of the dogs on our list are quite small, this one takes the cake. With little need for exercise, and a great relationship with their owner, a Chihuahua may be the best dog breed for you!

Pug: If you travel a lot, or are often times away from your apartment home, this would not be the best breed since they can be clingy. A loyal breed, Pugs are quiet, quite lazy, and very small!

Toy Fox Terrier: A very intelligent breed, Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to train and are small enough for any apartment. They love to cuddle and depending on the personality, may not need a ton of regular exercise besides short walks.

Daschund: The cuteness of this breed alone is enough to convince us that they would make a perfect pet for anyone, but their small size helps too. With short legs, it is easy to exercise this dog inside or outside.

French Bulldog: This is another breed that rarely barks unless given a reason to, and they are compact for apartment dwellers. They are very playful and do best with lots of human contact.

Before bringing your dog home to Arcadia Run, be sure to contact our leasing office for more information on specific breed and weight restrictions! Our pet friendly apartment home community is sure to be a great fit for you and your pup, so stop by today for a tour and to get even more information about leasing a brand new apartment home!

Sources: http://dogtime.com

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in Your Arcadia Run Apartment Home

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Editor

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family, and food, and our apartment homes at Arcadia Run are the perfect place to host Thanksgiving dinner, or even a ‘Friendsgiving’ gathering. If you’re stressing about how to clean, cook, and have everything ready in time, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of tips for how to host a stress free Thanksgiving meal at your Arcadia Run apartment home. Check them out below:

Make a Plan

First things first, figure out who will be joining you for Thanksgiving. Once you have a head count, you can start planning the seating arrangements and calculating how much food you will need. Ask that everyone RSVP as soon as possible, so there aren’t any last minute additions.

Divide and Conquer

Between all of the shopping, prepping, and cooking, there will be a lot to do! One of the best ways to reduce stress before everyone comes over is to divvy up the responsibilities. If you’re out at the grocery store, have your roommate start cleaning the apartment. When you get back, you can team up and get everything done in less time!

Less is More

When it comes to decorations, try not to go overboard. You’ll have your hands full with preparing the food and eventually the cleanup, so you don’t want to add to the list of tasks with tons of decorations. Keep it simple and classy with a festive tablecloth, a wreath, or a few seasonal candles scattered throughout your apartment home. A few simple touches can go a long way.

Bring Your Own….

If you’re having more than 3 or 4 people over, it’s completely fine to ask guests to contribute something to the celebration! Make sure you specify what you would like people to bring over, so you don’t end up with 3 cheese platters! Once you’ve made your lists of everything you need, see what you are still missing and ask guests to fill in the gaps. Some easy things for people to bring would be a bottle of wine or champagne, desserts, or appetizers.

Clean As You Go

Thanksgiving dinner is wonderful, but the aftermath can be a hassle, especially if you’re hosting! One way to cut down on the giant pile of dishes after your meal is to clean as much as you can after every course. Once people are done nibbling on appetizers and you’re about to serve dinner, clear and put away all of the appetizers. Remove empty dishes from the table throughout the meal and give them a quick rinse before putting them in the dishwasher. Save the larger dishes, such as the turkey pan, for after dinner.

All of these tips will help reduce your stress when hosting Thanksgiving, but the most important thing to remember is being thankful that you are sharing the day with friends and family. For more information on how you can make Arcadia Run your home, visit us online.