Holiday Events in Manassas

Posted on December 6, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

It’s official! The holidays are upon us! What do our Arcadia Run residents have planned for the coming weeks? In Manassas, there’s so much fun stuff to do that it can be hard to only choose a few activities! So, we’ve put together a list of classic Manassas events happening over the next week to get our tenants into the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

‘Merry Old Town’ Celebration – 12/6/13
Residents of Manassas know not to miss the “Merry Old Town” celebration in Old Town Manassas starting at 5:30pm! Meet Santa at the Manassas Depot to skate at the Harris Pavilion ice rink and ride around Old Town on a free hayride. Afterwards, head over to The Manassas Museum for their annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy hot cider, cookies, visits with Santa and the annual tree lighting on the Museum lawn.

Danú: Christmas in Ireland – 12/6/13
Want to hear traditional Celtic Christmas music? The award-winning group, Danú, performs traditional Irish music of the season at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at 8:00pm. For more information on how you can purchase tickets for you and your family, visit www.HyltonCenter.org or call 888-945-2468.

A Rippon Lodge Christmas – 12/7/13
Want to discover a little Manassas history with your holiday festivities? You’ll love the candlelight tour of Rippon Lodge to experience holiday celebrations from colonial Virginia. Tours are on the half hour, and they fill up quickly! Be sure to make your reservations early by calling 703-499-9812.

Manassas Chorale: ‘Tis the Season – 12/7/13
The evening following Danú’s performance, there will be two showings of the Manassas Chorale: ‘Tis the Season at the Hylton Center. This is a great show that everyone will enjoy! Find more ticket information at www.HyltonCenter.org.

Winter Wonderland Train Show – 12/11/13 through 12/15/13
Love trains? Then you’ll love the Winter Wonderland Train Show taking place at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory. In lieu of an admission fee, a donation of canned goods or unwrapped toys to benefit SERVE will be accepted. This magical and festive exhibition is open from 5-8pm on weekdays, 10am-5pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Arcadia Run Holiday Party – 12/14/13
Arcadia Run is also hosting a holiday party on December 14. Santa will be paying a special visit to our apartment community, complete with a Santa train for children to ride, free pictures with Santa himself, Christmas carolers and holiday treats provided by R & R Catering. Don’t miss this chance to meet and mingle with your new neighbors and pass along the holiday cheer!

Signs You’ll Be Happier Renting

Posted on December 3, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Despite experts and economists promoting 2013 as the year to buy, there are still many people out there who’d much rather rent instead. While the market is prime for buying a home, it’s also ideal for renting a luxury apartment like one in Arcadia Run.

So, how do you know if you’ll be happier by renting? Here are a few signs that could mean you’re cut out for living the active lifestyle in an apartment community!

Yardwork? No thanks: Let’s be honest, who has time for yardwork these days? Let alone cash on hand for costly home repairs like leaky pipes and flickering lights? By renting, residents can live in an apartment they love without worrying about the maintenance it requires. The responsibility and cost of repairs typically falls on the landlords or leasing companies, not the renter. This makes avoiding yardwork that much sweeter!

The home buying process is exhausting in itself: Buying a home is way more than a simple transaction. There’s paperwork upon paperwork, and possibly a couple of waiting games in between. Until you move your belongings into a house of your choice, just about anything can happen to prevent you from owning it. For those who don’t like this insecurity, or who would rather not deal with confusing paperwork, renting is a much easier option.

You’re not ready to settle down: Whether or not you’re ready to settle into a certain location doesn’t matter – but buying a home is a very permanent decision. What if you don’t like the house as much in five years? What will the market be like then, will you even be able to move out? With renting, residents can maintain their mobility. With this comes more freedom and allows them to keep their options open. And, it’s just nice to know you can easily move if you so please.

You care where your money is: Forget having your money tied up in a new home, renters can do whatever they want with their money! This means having cash on hand for investing in the stock market, starting a business, or having an emergency fund. This ties back into having the freedom and fluidity that homebuyers might not have.

If you find yourself agreeing with any of the signs above, then you very well might be happier renting an apartment. In Manassas, our luxury apartments in Arcadia Run are the premier choice. You can have all you want in a new space without buying a home!

Source: AOL Real Estate

The Rich History of Manassas

Posted on November 26, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Arcadia Run residents know that Manassas has the perfect mix of urban influence and historic charm – with its proximity to Washington, D.C. and quaint Old Town, it’s the ideal combination of old meets new.

But what is it about Manassas that makes it so historic, anyway? Various sites and stories exist, but the following is a list of some of Manassas’s most historically significant sites:

• Manassas National Battlefield Park: Perhaps the most well-known historical attraction in Manassas, the national battlefield park is where the Civil War saw its first major land battle – the name of which would’ve depended on who you asked. The North tended to name battles after nearby rivers, streams and creeks, whereas the South generally named battles after nearby towns or railroad junctions. Hence, the North referred to the battle as The First Battle of Bull Run, referring to nearby Bull Run stream, and the South referred to it as The Battle of First Manassas. This bloody battle in July of 1861 ended in a Confederate victory, and dashed any hopes on either side for a short war. The Union and Confederate forces again clashed on the battlefield here a little over a year later, ending in another Confederate victory at the height of their power.

• Liberia Plantation: The Liberia Plantation was one of the most successful plantations in pre-Civil War Prince William County. During the Civil War, Liberia Plantation served as the headquarters for both Union and Confederate troops – first, as the headquarters for General Pierre Gustave Toutant (aka P.G.T.) Beauregard, a Confederate general who ordered the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. Later, as Union forces advanced, Liberia Plantation became headquarters for Union general Irvin McDowell – a classmate of Beauregard at the U.S. Military Academy.

o Fun fact: When it was built in 1825, the Liberia Plantation was valued at $2,876 – and although this was a significant amount of money for the time period, it certainly doesn’t seem like much today.

• Manassas Junction rail depot: What is now the city of Manassas has its roots in Manassas Junction, the area where the Orange and Alexandria Railroad intersected with the Manassas Gap Railroad. The aforementioned generals Irvin McDowell and P.G.T. Beauregard both realized the strategic importance of Manassas Junction in the Civil War, as it provided the best overall route to the Confederate capital of Richmond, as well as provided access to Washington, D.C. The highly coveted railroad junction resulted in the nearby battles of Bull Run/Manassas.

• Olde Towne Inn: According to local lore – and firsthand accounts from visitors – the Olde Towne Inn in Old Town Manassas is haunted. The staff affectionately refers to the alleged ghost as “Miss Lucy”, who is said to be a spirit from the Civil War-era that plays pranks on visitors in rooms 50, 52, and 54.

• Manassas Industrial School and Jennie Dean Memorial: The Jennie Dean Memorial is a five-acre park commemorating the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth, which originally resided on the land. The Manassas Industrial School was chartered in 1893 by Jennie Dean, a former slave who worked tirelessly to improve education for African American students in Northern Virginia. It took almost a decade to raise the necessary funding for the school, and it remained a private institution until the 1930’s. In 1937, the Fairfax, Fauquier and Prince William County public school systems purchased the land and buildings to create a regional high school for African-American students.

Manassas’ rich history is only a part of the reason it’s one of the best places to live in the Washington, D.C. region. It’s no wonder that so many people are eager to make Manassas’ history a part of their future. And for those apartment hunters who are looking to experience the Manassas in style, our luxury apartments at Arcadia Run are the perfect fit – allowing residents to enjoy modern amenities in one of the most historically significant areas in the state.

SOURCES: Manassascity.org, The History Channel, greatamericanstations.com (The Great American Stations), Potomac Local News, National Park Service

Multifamily Sentiment Remains Positive

Posted on November 25, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently released their Multifamily Production Index (MPI) results for the third quarter of 2013. Using three key elements, the MPI measures builder and developer confidence levels and outlook on current market conditions for apartments and condominiums.

Like other NAHB indices, any reading above 50 suggests a positive sentiment. In the case of MPI in the third quarter, the level was reported at 54. This is the seventh consecutive quarter to produce a positive reading. The three elements contributing to this new level are: the building of low-rent units, the building of market-rate rental units, and the building of for-sale units. Despite variations within these sections from quarter to quarter, the overall outlook remains positive.

W. Dean Henry, CEO of Legacy Partners Residential, a leading real estate investment management firm, agrees that the apartment industry is on the upswing. Henry says, “there are challenges still facing the industry … but the demand for apartments and condos is strong enough for developers to proceed in most markets.”

On top of the positive MPI sentiment, the apartment industry also boasts an improving Multifamily Vacancy Index result. For this index, a lower reading indicates lower vacancies, ultimately a good sign for the multifamily sector. In the third quarter, the level fell two points to 40. And, since 2010, the MVI has been steadily improving and stabilizing at healthy numbers.

Here at Arcadia Run, we’re always excited to see growth in the apartment and multifamily sector! Our newly built apartments are some of the best in the Manassas area and are an excellent example of positive production in the industry. Even better, our apartments define luxury: With features like tall ceilings, vinyl flooring, granite countertops, new carpet and extended windows, these new units could fill up quickly!

And, best of all, Arcadia Run goes above and beyond to provide more than what other apartment communities offer. Here, renters have access to amenities not typically available when renting an apartment. In the next year alone, we’ll be adding a clubhouse, a swimming pool, ball courts, and a jogging trail to our complex! Finally, an apartment community that can keep up with your active lifestyle!

Source:

The National Association of Home Builders

RIS Media

Renting May Boost Employment

Posted on November 19, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

In our current economy, every small step taken to support and strengthen recovery efforts is valuable. Along with the housing market, the apartment industry has had, and continues to have, a huge influence on local and national economies. This industry adds countless jobs and can bring in incredible revenue for the local areas where an apartment community is placed.

And, as we mentioned in our last blog post, by renting, young professionals can maintain their mobility. In the long run, this can help more renters find employment and to easily grow within their career. As you may have guessed, higher employment is always good news for the economy!

In fact, even CNN Money has something to say about it; “encouraging young people to buy a home may be storing up trouble for the future in the shape of higher unemployment.” The possible weakening in employment would be the result of lower levels of mobility, greater commuting times, and fewer new businesses – obstacles that can be avoided when more people choose to rent.

It’s clear that renting has many more advantages and perks when compared to other living options! Aside from living active lifestyles without the stresses of home maintenance, renters might have better job prospects too. In Arcadia Run, residents have access to some of the best and most extensive amenities in Manassas. Our apartments are brand new and are available in a variety of floor plans with plenty of styles to choose from. Residents can join a great community that offers so much, all while enjoying this charming and historic town!

Source: CNN Money

Renting ‘Just Makes Sense’ For Many

Posted on November 13, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home can be very challenging. Economists and industry experts everywhere are pegging this year to be one of the best to buy a home. Conversely, some of the same experts and industry leaders are advocating for the opposite – saying that it’s a prime market for renters. For many, renting just makes sense – financially and logistically. Here’s why:

They don’t want the hassle of homeownership.
Sure, the idea of homeownership may be tantalizing. Before the recession, owning a home nearly guaranteed financial security. Today, it’s considered to be a huge gamble. This stress alone is enough for many to rent instead. And, the risks of buying a home go far beyond financial strains – losing your home can mean losing everything you’ve worked for. This is the very reason why more and more people are choosing to rent. It dodges the risks of buying a home yet allows the tenant to live in a place they love, like Manassas.

They want to stay active.
Arcadia Run might very well be the most active apartment community in Northern Virginia. With amenities that can keep up with our lively residents, and a wide selection of floor plans, our complex is the only choice. And, aside from staying physically active, many choose to rent in order to maintain mobility in their career. Who knows where they’ll be in 10 years, let alone the next 30?

The apartment market is as promising as the housing market.
Many people unfairly label the apartment industry as a fleeting or non-beneficial investment. The truth is, the apartment market has mirrored the housing market almost identically. So as housing has continued its recovery over this year, so has the apartment industry. The planning, building, and renting of an apartment complex, as well as the residents’ use of local businesses, provides an unprecedented financial boost to the economy. In 2011, the apartment industry and its residents, contributed $1.1 trillion to the national economy. They also supported nearly 25.4 million jobs across the country.

While deciding to rent or to buy will always be a hot debate, one of the best places to rent in Northern Virginia is Arcadia Run. Our luxury apartments give renters the most options possible in Manassas and provide stress-free living for countless tenants. With building maintenance, resident amenities, and prime location in a Washington D.C. metro, apartment living couldn’t get any better than this!

Source: The National Multi Housing Council

Home Affordability Sinks Once Again

Posted on November 6, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Living in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area means searching endlessly to find the perfect home or apartment for the perfect price. With an area that is known for its affluence, it can be difficult to find something with a reasonable price tag. To make finding a home even more difficult, improvements in the economy are pushing home affordability down.

While headlines everywhere read how the housing market is prime for buying a home, the fact of the matter is that these same improvements are keeping many people from moving into a place they love. In an article published by NBC News, home affordability has sunken to its lowest in nearly five years. And according to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, affordability has fallen this low because “home price increases easily outpaced income growth.” He also noted that “expected rising mortgage interest rates will further lower affordability in the upcoming months.”

On top of national home affordability, these same issues hit closer to home. In recent survey conducted by the Urban Land Institute, a real estate research group, 89 percent of respondents in the Washington D.C. market felt that the region’s lack of affordable housing was “very severe” or “somewhat severe”. While this news might be unfortunate for some, it’s encouraging to the multi-housing and apartment industries.

In Manassas, many people smartly opt to rent a luxury apartment in Arcadia Run. Renters can easily avoid the stresses and financial strains of the ever-changing housing market by renting instead of buying.

Why shell out money to buy a home, pay for homeowners insurance or put endless work and money into home maintenance when you can have it all included with your monthly rent? In Arcadia Run, residents have many more options than they ever would if buying a home. Between the amenities and variations in floor plans and prices, guests in Arcadia Run have everything they need to live the active lifestyle they desire.

Without the stresses of homeownership, renters can enjoy their time in Arcadia Run and get the most out of their apartment community. They will have access to a planned clubhouse, pool, gym, walking and biking trails, and will live only a few minutes from historic downtown Manassas and Jiffy Lube Live. With so much to look forward to when renting in Arcadia Run, why would you want to live anywhere else?

Source:

NBC News

The Washington Post

Benefits of Renting a Luxury Apartment

Posted on October 31, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Sure, there’s the option to rent a regular apartment, but there’s something special about living in a luxury apartment. Better yet, a luxury apartment in Arcadia Run. You wouldn’t believe the added benefits residents get in our apartments, especially when compared to regular complexes. Here are a few perks of living in Arcadia Run:

Amenities: Many apartment complexes don’t offer amenities. If they do, they’re often outdated and undesirable. In Arcadia Run, our residents are given access to all the best conveniences: A planned pool and clubhouse, fitness center, playground and jogging trail. These could very well be the best amenities offered anywhere in Manassas!

Practicality: Having a combined bed/bath/dining room isn’t the most practical way to live. Some apartment buildings skimp on planning, layout and space in order to save money, but not so in Arcadia. We designed rooms with a distinct separation between private and common areas. Simply put, our apartments are easy to live in and just make sense.

Light: It may seem odd to list light as a luxury item, but many apartments don’t offer adequate windows for natural light. In Arcadia Run, the extended windows allow for plenty of sunlight, keeping your apartment bright and welcoming.

Ceiling Height: Just because it’s an apartment doesn’t mean it can’t have high ceilings! This possibility is often overlooked by other apartment developments, making rooms feel small. Nine-foot ceilings come standard in Arcadia Run, making it that much more luxurious.

Features: Moving into an new apartment that has designer cabinets, full-size washer and dryer, granite countertops, luxury vinyl flooring and other over-the-top features is almost unheard of. And with all of these features in pristine condition, you have one less thing to worry about when moving into your new home!

Location: Of course you’ve heard this before: location is everything. It is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of another desirable feature. In Arcadia Run, residents can have it all! Our location in Manassas has tons of things to do with endless dining, recreation, shopping, and entertainment options – including Jiffy Lube Live! Pair our location with our luxury apartments and you’ve got the perfect place to live.

See? Arcadia Run is synonymous with luxury! And this isn’t just our opinion, it was even written about byForbes.com. For the best renting experience possible, Arcadia Run is the only choice.

11 Things to Do in Manassas

Posted on October 24, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

We already know that Arcadia Run is located in one of the most charming towns in Virginia. But Manassas, VA is also filled with plenty of fun things to do for people with all interests. Whether you’re searching for adventure or a relaxing evening, here are 11 of the many things to do in Manassas:

1. Brush up on your history: If you’re a history buff, you’re in luck. Manassas is completely immersed in American history – there are numerous Civil War sites and historical buildings. You could visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park or any of the buildings listed on the historic registry.

2. Grab a bite to eat: Hungry? Perfect! Manassas has many restaurants like Foster’s Grille and Zabb Thai that are local favorites. Explore the dining scene and find a new favorite dish!

3. The Candy Factory: This historic building, which was once a busy candy factory, now hosts the Center for the Arts. They welcome nearly 15,000 visitors a year and introduce new art to people of all ages.

4. Escape: Stressful week? Visit any of the spas right here in Manassas. You can choose from LaFemme, Escape, Harmony and many more.

5. Go to a play: Vpstart Crow Productions at the Cramer Center is the only professional theatre company in our area. From Shakespeare to contemporary playwrights, Vpstart Crow Productions is one of the best and always puts on a great show.

6. Bull Run Regional Park Shooting Center: With five different shooting games and a Learn-To-Shoot class, newcomers and veterans alike will have a great time at the range.

7. BadWolf Brewing Company: This local brewery focuses on making quality craft beers that appeal to the residents of Manassas. At their brewery, you can bring your own food or order delivery to enjoy with their beer.

8. The Harris Pavilion: This pavilion changes with the seasons: In the spring and summer it’s open for concerts and performances. Then in November, it’s transformed into an open-air ice rink. No matter the season, there’s always something fun to do at the pavilion!

9. Fly: American Aviation Services offers flight lessons with a FAA certified instructor at the Manassas Regional Airport. Students will get to take control of the plane themselves and fly. What a thrill!

10.Race: After flying a plane, why not drive a racecar? TryRacingCars.com has a location in Manassas that allows guests to learn how-to instructions of real life racecar driving.

11.Mary Louise Jackson Amphitheater: Everything from musical performance and international festivals to plays and local entertainment visit this amphitheater to perform. With seating for 750 people, any performance is bound to be a good time.

The Best Time of the Year to Rent

Posted on October 16, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

It’s easy to overlook the importance of the seasons when you’re searching for a new apartment. Could a couple of months really make that much of a difference? While it’s always a great time to start renting in Arcadia Run, here are a few of the pros and cons that come with finding an apartment throughout the different seasons:

Fall

Our current season might very well be the best season to move into a new apartment – and we’re not just saying that! Many landlords experience a lull in activity during the fall, which means that you (the renter) will have a larger selection when looking for a new apartment. Arcadia Run offers many different types of floor plans, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it here!

Winter

Believe it or not, winter has its advantages for renters. While it may be a little chilly trying to move your belongings to a new room, moving in the winter means there will be less competition. Because of the weather, people are not going to be moving as much, nor will they be looking for new apartments to rent. You have a higher chance of finding the perfect room you love, without being rushed.

Spring

So you’ve survived the colder months! The spring can be a very exciting time to look for a new place to live. Temperatures are warming up and many tenants are leaving their apartments to move back home. This is only the beginning of the apartment housing frenzy, renters should move quickly to find the perfect place.

Summer

The months between May and September mark some of the busiest in the apartment industry. Students are leaving their school digs and the accommodating weather makes moving a breeze. Depending on your region, you could have a wider selection of apartments to chose from as people move out. At the same time, there might be a greater demand for apartments because of the recent grads moving into the cities. With so many local schools in the Manassas area, we plan to have another busy summer in 2014!

Any time of the year is the best time to move into an Arcadia Run apartment! Our apartments are some of the best in the market for their quality, size, and amenities. In the next year, our community will continue to grow with a new swimming pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. it won’t take long for these luxury apartments to fill up!