Making the Most of Your Apartment Space

When you think of apartment living, you may think of cramped quarters with barely enough room to walk – but fortunately for our Arcadia Run residents, our spacious apartments offer ample room for comfortable living. Even so, you wouldn’t decorate or stage any apartment in the same way you would a single-family home, as there’s typically less space in an apartment. If you’ve found yourself stumped on the best way to maximize your apartment space, follow the tips below!:

· Look for multi-functional furniture: For example, an ottoman that also serves as storage, or a table that doubles as a desk and a dining room table. Eliminating excess furniture from your apartment means a less cluttered, more open feel.

· Shelves, shelves, shelves: Shelves are a great way to make the most an area without taking up floor space, and they’re not just for the living area. Placing shelving on kitchen and bathroom walls gives extra storage space and makes for less cluttered counters. You can even opt for shelving above your bed, in lieu of a headboard, for extra storage in the bedroom, eliminating the need for a nightstand.
· Think minimalist: The last thing you want in your apartment is large, clunky furniture, so employ minimalist, lightweight furniture instead. This doesn’t mean it has to be boring – look for furniture in fun colors to give a pop of color to the room.

· Utilize vertical space: Decorating to make full use of the vertical space in your apartment draws the eye upward, and creates the illusion of high ceilings and a larger room. For example, bookcases and curtains that are floor to ceiling, hanging long artwork above furniture, and shelves placed high on the walls are great ways to utilize your vertical space.

· Look under the bed: Underneath your bed is a great place for storage, and it doesn’t have be cluttered. There are bins specifically made for this space to keep everything organized and under control. If you’re finding there’s not quite enough room under the bed, look into getting bed risers to expand the space.

· Re-evaluate what’s really necessary: Every so often, take a good look at your possessions – and question what you’re really using and what you really need. Books you’ll never read are taking up valuable shelf space, and you only need so many sets of towels. Donate what you don’t need to free up extra space and feel good about a good deed! Jenna Mahoney, author of “Small Apartment Hacks,” suggests going through and getting rid of anything you don’t use in the usual rotation every three months.

The bottom line: it’s all about maximizing space. And at Arcadia Run, that space is full of incredible features such as oversized kitchens, granite counters and nine foot ceilings. With the combination of these features, our ideal location in Manassas, VA and your expert decorating techniques, you’ll have the apartment you’ve always dreamed of!

SOURCE: House Beautiful, ForRent.com, Forbes, Birchbox

How To Tell When an Apartment is “The One”

As the old saying goes, “when you know, you know!” And, according to Apartment Guide, a popular website that provides articles and tips for renters, there are a few definitive ways to know if an apartment is ‘The One’ for you and your family.

1. It’s close to your heart, and everything you need.
The absolute first thing that should influence a renter one way or another is the location of a potential apartment. Or, as Apartment Guide puts it, “the perfect apartment doesn’t feel like a ball and chain.” Is it close to everything you love? How long would your commute be? Is there enough to do in the area? These are all questions renters should ask themselves, and at Arcadia Run, they’ll know they’ve found the perfect place. Manassas is so close to all the fun – Manassas is the fun! Just take a look at our Neighborhood page for dining, recreation, shopping and entertainment options in the area.

2. It’s low-maintenance.
Apartment Guide also stresses that a new space should be relatively low maintenance. If you find yourself constantly calling the maintenance crew or are making your own home repairs, then you aren’t exactly reaping the benefits of renting in the first place. At Arcadia Run, all of our units are newly built and with the best quality. Renters know they are getting truly luxurious apartments that are easy and fun to live in!

3. It’s a looker.
When searching for a new apartment, the attractiveness and design of the space should be an important element. At Arcadia Run, all of the included features and finishes go far above the standard of other apartment complexes. With granite countertops, designer cabinets, vinyl ‘hardwood’ flooring and so much more, this is the best of apartment living!

4. It has nice neighbors.
What good is a nice apartment without a nice apartment community? While this might not be at the top of everyone’s list, having a warm and welcoming community, or not having one, can certainly make or break a decision, especially if you have a family. At Arcadia Run, neighbors are friendly and connected. Community events like the Winter Holiday Party and the Fall Festival are held right here at Arcadia Run and open to families of all ages!

As you can see, Arcadia Run has everything anyone is looking for in a new apartment: the central location close to all of the greatest things Manassas has to offer; the low maintenance designs that make for easy living; the attractive interiors with updated appliances and other luxurious features; and the growing apartment community that is so sought after by renters. Who knew you could have all of this with one apartment? Arcadia Run is ‘The One’!

Source: Apartment Guide

Apartment Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

It might seem like an easy task, but believe it or not, there can be many pitfalls to apartment hunting.  There are so many things to consider before signing a lease, and renters should settle for nothing less than their ideal apartment – at least, residents at Arcadia Run didn’t!

So, want to avoid a few of the major mistakes that apartment hunters make?  Take a look!

Forgetting to View the Apartment

It’s easy to do – it’s in the town you want to live in and the price is just right, so you sign a lease!  But without seeing the apartment yourself, how can you really know you want to live there? With Arcadia Run, our detailed website provides everything there is to know about our brand new apartments in Manassas, Virginia.  You can even view floor plans and photography right from your computer.  Want to come in and see an apartment for yourself? You can drop us a line here!

Not Researching the Surrounding Town

Where your future apartment is located is just as important as the apartment itself. You’ll want plenty of things to do and places to go all within a short distance to your new home.  Luckily, Manassas, home to Arcadia Run, is filled with all types of experiences.  Take a look at our map to find dining, recreation, shopping and entertainment options nearby!

Considering the Building’s Age

In our opinion, a new apartment building is always better! Arcadia Run continues to grow with new, fully modernized apartments. When you move in, you can expect luxury features like vinyl hardwood flooring, pristine carpeting, designer cabinetry, granite countertops and updated appliances.  Spacious and roomy floor plans, along with extended windows and nine-foot ceilings, offer apartments that are easy and fun to live in.  You won’t find the same dedication to comfortable living anywhere else!

Beyond the Apartments?

It’s easy to fall in love with an apartment that seems perfect – but does it really have everything you need?  Apartment buildings today should come with more benefits beyond luxury units.  At Arcadia Run, we offer amenities that only make living here more fun.  With plans for a swimming pool, fitness center, and community clubhouse, you’ll have to get used to having it all with Arcadia Run!

What Makes It A Home?

And lastly, don’t forget to find an apartment that fits you and your family’s lifestyle. At Arcadia Run, we’re not just a new apartment building; we’re a community. With events happening year-round, you will quickly become acquainted with your newest neighbors & begin lasting friendships!

Things All Renters Should Know

InsideNova.com, a Northern Virginia news source, recently published an article detailing exactly what renters should know before they embark on their apartment search.  The tips and tricks disclosed in the feature are particularly helpful to renters in Northern Virginia, especially after The Wall Street Journal wrote how it is more economical to rent in our region, when compared to other living options.

Aside from encouraging renters to be prepared for credit checks and approval processes, as well as be aware of their budget, InsideNova also offers a few irrefutable tips that anyone can benefit from.

Thoroughly walk-through: Potential renters are encouraged to conduct a walk-through before moving in, so they can check the status of the appliances and of the overall apartment.  At Arcadia Run, all of our apartments are completely brand new, with new appliances, new carpeting, new designer cabinets and new granite countertops.  You won’t find the same dedication to design and livability anywhere else!

Make good use of space: Something that every renter is familiar with is a lack of space and storage.  InsideNova suggests using dual-purpose home décor to aid in organizing your apartment, while also making it feel like home.  This is a great suggestion, no matter where you live, and can make the transition to apartment life easier.  But at Arcadia Run, our tenants won’t be short on space.  With extra closets and spacious apartment designs, both our 1- and 2-bedroom units are roomy and ready for new renters!

Consider the amenities: One of the most significant points mentioned on the list was how to measure the importance of amenities versus other factors, like location.  InsideNova suggests that renters find what’s truly necessary for their lifestyles, and compromise if that means finding an apartment in a better location.

At Arcadia Run, our renters won’t need to sacrifice one for the other!  Our apartment community will be introducing new neighborhood features in the future, including a swimming pool and clubhouse.  And Manassas, home to our Arcadia Run apartments, is a busy town with plenty of entertainment options (like Jiffy Lube Live!) and things to do.  Employment opportunities are also prevalent in the area, and the favorable proximity to Washington D.C. make it that much more desirable.  This means residents really can get it all – a great location, great amenities, and a great apartment – when they move to Arcadia Run!

Source: InsideNova.com, The Wall Street Journal

What Do Apartment Tenants Really Want?

Finding the perfect apartment can certainly be an overwhelming task – there are many factors to consider, and the idea of the “perfect unit” varies from tenant to tenant. However, there are several factors that many apartment hunters look for in their future residence. The following are some of the most popular factors that future tenants strive to find in their new apartments:

· Location, location, location. You’ve likely heard all about the importance of location when looking for a real estate property. When searching for any type of property, location is often the biggest factor, and apartment hunting is no exception. At Arcadia Run, it’s no wonder tenants love where they live – located in Manassas, our location offers the perfect mix of urban convenience and historic charm. Proximity to Washington, D.C. allows for convenience to the best our nation’s capital has to offer, and being removed from the hustle and bustle of the city means that our residents can take full advantage of beautiful and historic Manassas.

· Ample closet space. Closet space is particularly important for apartment tenants since apartments usually don’t offer as much square footage as single-family detached homes. This means that a little extra closet space can go a long way. Thankfully for Arcadia Run residents, our units offer great closets, some of which are walk-in units.

·  Plenty of natural light. There’s no doubt that natural light can do wonders to brighten up a room, allowing it to feel warmer, inviting and spacious. The extended windows in our Arcadia Run apartments offer a great source of natural light, and this spacious feeling is further amplified by our high nine-foot ceilings and open floor plans.

·  Great kitchen. The kitchen is often the focal point of any residence – it’s where friends and family can meet to spend quality time together and where memories are often made. For many apartment tenants, the size and layout of the kitchen is vital to their decision of where to live, since they’ll want to make the most of this important space. In our Arcadia Run floor plans, we’ve carefully planned for the kitchen to open up to the living and dining space – ideal for entertaining and allowing friends and family to gather and spend time together. In our kitchens, you’ll find granite counters and 42” designer cabinets, which allows our tenants to spend time in this space with style.

·  On-site washer and dryer. The last thing that apartment tenants want to deal with is the inconvenience of dragging their laundry to an off-site laundromat. Even if there is a central laundry location on the site of an apartment complex, tenants who don’t live on the first floor are still inconvenienced. That’s why Arcadia Run offers full-size washers and dryers in all of our units – so that all of our residents can experience the convenience of doing their laundry in the privacy of their own units.

· Outdoor space. For those who aren’t interested in landscaping or lawn maintenance but still want to have some sort of outdoor space, an apartment with a balcony can be a perfect fit. Balconies allow tenants to enjoy nice weather and have an additional space for entertaining, but don’t require the upkeep that lawns do. At Arcadia Run, our units include balconies or patios so that our residents can enjoy the beautiful Manassas area within the convenience of their own units.

· Modern feel. When future tenants are searching for the perfect apartment, the overall look and feel of the unit and building is important. A modern feel to an apartment is understandably important for many tenants – who wants to live in a unit that feels old and outdated? All of the previously mentioned high-quality features of our Arcadia Run apartments give an overall impression of modernity and high style, a great feature to our beautiful units.

Arcadia Run apartments truly offer everything that apartment hunters in the Washington, D.C. metro area could hope to have in their new living arrangements – just ask our tenants! Everything we’ve done in our Arcadia Run apartments has been designed to maximize convenience with beautiful design, and we’re proud to offer brand new apartments that go above and beyond in satisfying our residents.

SOURCE: apartmenttherapy.com

How To Decorate A Warm Living Space In Your New Apartment

It’s been a frigid January throughout much of the nation, and the northern Virginia area is no exception. Manassas, where our community of Arcadia Run resides, has certainly seen its fair share of low temperatures and snowfall over the past several weeks. If you’d like to limit venturing into the cold and are interested in switching up the décor in your brand new Arcadia Run apartment, we’ve got the perfect solution. With a few simple changes, you can make your apartment living space appear warmer, inviting and more cozy – making it a welcome reprieve from the cold temperatures outside. Below are some helpful hints in making an enjoyable warm living space in your apartment:

Lighting

Both natural and artificial light is important in creating a warm atmosphere in your living space. Utilize your natural lights by using window treatments that provide some level of transparency, allowing the natural light to enter the room. The extended windows and large sliding glass doors in our Arcadia Run apartments offer an excellent source of natural light that help create the appearance of a warmer living space. Artificial light can be utilized through lamps with dark-colored lampshades, which help to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

Color scheme

If the color scheme of your apartment living space is in the cool blue or grey family, winter could be a good time to switch it up. Blue and grey-based colors can make a room appear cooler, and switching to a color scheme based in warmer colors can be the perfect solution to create a cozier space. Consider rich colors such as yellow, orange, red, brown and beige, and use different shades of these colors to create a “warm” feeling in the room. Implement your new color scheme throughout the room using different fabrics and accessories.   

Accessories

Keeping your new warm color scheme in mind, choose differing fabrics and textures for the decorative elements in the room. Softer-looking textures and fabrics often make the room appear warm and inviting – think wool, velvet, suede and heavy cotton, as opposed to shiner fabrics such as silk. Adding new pillows with soft fabrics and textures to your couch or armchair is an easy and fun way to make your space appear more warm and inviting. A large area rug can really tie the room together while adding an additional layer of comfort, even for spaces such as Arcadia Run apartments that already have plush carpet.

Candles of different colors, textures and heights can also be a great touch in your living space to create a feeling of warmth, especially if they’re lit. Another idea is to use decorative accessories made of a dark wood to add a warm feeling. A tall bookcase filled with all of your favorite books can add a certain level of coziness and warmth – and provides the additional benefit of easy access when you want to curl up on your couch with a good read! Personal touches – such as favorite books, unique accessories or picture frames – make the room appear lived in and cozy.

Plants

Plants are a great and easy way to create the feeling of a warm and inviting living space. Even if you don’t have much of a green thumb, there are plenty of plants that don’t require much maintenance – a few examples are the Boston fern, African violet or peace lily. Make sure you place your plants by your natural source of light to keep them healthy, and check with a professional to make sure you know how to correctly care for your plant.

Redecorating your living space can be a fun project, and when you’re done, you’ll have a warm and inviting space to spend your time in during the chilly months. Arcadia Run residents already have a lot to love about their apartments – including oversized kitchens with granite counters, nine-foot ceilings and extended windows – but a cozy living space is definitely a great addition. And when you’re done with your beautiful and inviting new living space, you can have all of your new Arcadia Run neighbors over to show off how great your new space looks!

SOURCE: apartmentguide.comhouzz.comtelegraph.uk.com

 

Best Restaurants in Manassas

For those who love to cook, living at Arcadia Run offers the ideal situation, with our beautiful, expansive kitchens that include granite counters and designer cabinets. As it turns out, if you’re not a natural-born chef, Arcadia Run apartments are perfect for you, too, because of our great location. Our apartments are conveniently located in Manassas, VA and there are endless high-quality and delicious dining options nearby to satisfy every taste bud.

So whether you just want to take a break from cooking every night, or you find your bliss in exploring new restaurants, the following list of Manassas restaurants can be helpful to you. Your new favorite restaurant in Manassas might be included on the list below, which is organized by cuisine type and include some of the highest-rated restaurants on Google and Yelp (all ratings are out of a possible 5). They’re all within a quick drive of our community, making them convenient destinations, even on last-minute notice. So find your new favorite Manassas restaurant, and bon apetit!

Greek & Middle Eastern

– Katerina’s Greek Cuisine

·      Google Review: 4.7; Yelp Review 4.5

·      Address: 9212 Center Street, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 4.8 miles, 11 minutes

·      Overview: A popular destination in Old Town Manassas, Katerina’s serves authentic Greek cuisine that receives rave reviews online. According to online reviews, it can get crowded from all of the loyal patrons, so be sure to make a reservation.

– Famous Kabob

·      Yelp Review: 4.5; Google Review 4.0

·      Address:  9685 Liberia Avenue, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 9 miles, 13 minutes

·      Overview: Don’t let the modest interior fool you! According to online reviews, Famous Kabob offers – not surprisingly – delicious kabobs, as well as other options such as gyros, wraps, and other dishes with an Afghan influence. For added convenience, you can place your order online and carry out.

Deli & Italian

-The Deli Depot

·      Yelp Review: 4.5; Google Review: 4.4

·      Address: 8961 Center Street, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 5.1 miles, 12 minutes

·      Overview: Available for dine-in, carry out and delivery, The Deli Depot offers classic New York style sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, soups, salads, and various side orders, as well as a full breakfast menu. According to online reviews, this Old Town staple not only has great food, but wonderful service as well.

– “A Deli” Italian Food

·      Google Review: 4.6; Yelp Review: 4.5

·      Address: 10384 Portsmouth Road, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 3.1 miles, 7 minutes

·      Overview: This deli’s website states that it’s “simply the best,” and from the looks of online reviews, customers agree. Online reviews rave about the oversized and delicious Italian subs.

– Tony’s New York Pizza

·      Google Review: 4.5; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 9108 Mathis Avenue, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 5.6 miles, 12 minutes

·      Overview: A family-owned and operated restaurant, Tony’s features New York style thin crust pizza and other Italian favorites. Online reviewers love the fresh, quality ingredients used, the Italian subs, and of course, the pizza.

Vietnamese & Thai

– Pho 234

·      Google Review: 4.4; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 10376 Festival Lane, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 3.2 miles, 7 minutes

·      Overview: For those who aren’t familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, pho is a popular type of Vietnamese soup made from beef or chicken stock with rice noodles and thinly sliced meat. Judging from online reviews, Pho 234 offers outstanding pho, as well as other classic Vietnamese dishes.

– Zabb Thai Restaurant

·      Google Review: 4.4; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 11010 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 2.2 miles, 5 minutes

·      Overview: Zabb Thai offers thai food for dining in, take out and delivery, with an extensive menu and well-decorated interior, according to online reviewers. Popular dishes, according to online reviewers, are the salt chili pork and green curry.

– Siam Classic

·      Google Review: 4.5; Yelp Review: 4.5

·      Address: 9403 East Street, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 5.0 miles, 12 minutes

·      Overview: Another popular Thai restaurant in the area, Siam Classic is located in Old Town Manassas and, according to online reviewers, offers authentic Thai food for a great price. For those who enjoy a little kick, you can order your dish on a scale of 1 – 10 for spiciness.

Latin American

– Cuna del Sol

·      Google Review: 4.5; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 7779 Sudley Road, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 2.5 miles, 6 minutes

·      Overview: If you go to Cuna del Sol, prepare to try authentic Guatemalan food, which can offer an exciting culinary experience for those who have never had it. There are also some Mexican and American offerings on the menu, however, for those who don’t quite know what to order. Online reviewers rave about the full-flavored meals and the additional bonus of a bakery.

– El Mirador Restaurant

·      Yelp Review: 4.5

·      Address: 7839 Sudley Road, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 2.7 miles, 6 minutes

Overview: Although el Mirador didn’t have a Google review, the reviews on Yelp had very high praise for this Salvadoran restaurant. Online reviewers describe the food as authentic, fresh and flavorful. From online reviews, a customer favorite seems to be the pupusas – corn tortillas filled with a combination of cheese, meats and refried beans.

Arcadia Run residents know that the Manassas area has a lot to offer, and the restaurant selection is certainly no exception. Whatever type of food you’re in the mood for, there’s sure to be a great restaurant in Manassas to satisfy your craving. The variety of destinations in Manassas – whether it’s to eat, shop or be entertained – is just one of the reasons that it’s such an interesting and exciting D.C. suburb. Just ask our Arcadia Run residents, and they’ll tell you – Manassas is a great place to live in the Northern Virginia area!

 

SOURCE: Google Reviews, Yelp.com