Author: gottarunrunrun

De-Stress Your Move With These Helpful Tips!

De-Stress Your Move With These Helpful Tips!
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

Moving into a newly built apartment with Arcadia Run?  Welcome to the neighborhood! We’re so excited to see more happy tenants enjoying all that Arcadia Run and surrounding Manassas, Virginia has to offer.

But, we know the stress from the actual move sometimes puts a damper on the whole  experience.  So here are a few of our best moving tips to help make your transition to Arcadia Run a breeze!

Color Coordinate

Behold, the power of color coordination!  Organizing your boxes by their contents alone can get tricky, so instead, organize them by room.  All the living room items in one box, all the kitchen items in another and so on.  Make sure to assign each room a color and mark the boxes with the coordinating color.  When it comes to physically carrying the boxes inside, it’ll be easy to place them where they belong and continue the moving process.

Pack Strategically

After moving all of your belongings to your new space, it might be a few days before you can actually sort through and arrange everything to your liking.  For this reason, it’s important to pack your everyday items, like toiletries and clothing, in a place that’s easy to access.  This way, you’ll be able to live comfortably until you’re completely settled in.

Keep a Task List

In general, it’s always a good idea to keep a checklist of all the things that need to be done before, during and after your move.  It can be difficult to keep track of all the different things that need to be done, and in which order.  Most importantly, make sure to follow through with even the tiniest of tasks.  Scrambling to file paperwork with the local post office last minute could add unwanted stress to the moving process.

Good Will

When packing up your belongings, you might find you have several items that you no longer use or need.  So why not save yourself some time and donate or sell them before packing up and moving?  You’ll find moving much easier with less boxes to lug around!

Do you have any moving tips or routines of your own?  Share them with us on Facebook,  we’d love to hear how all of our residents make their move to Arcadia Run the fun experience we know it to be!

Bring the Holidays To Your Luxury Apartment Home at Arcadia Run

Bring the Holidays To Your Luxury Apartment Home at Arcadia Run
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

Decorating your space for the holidays is so much more fun when living in a newly built, luxury apartment at Arcadia Run.  Bright, open rooms with plenty of natural light lend themselves to all types of decorations, allowing you to have the Pinterest-worthy  you dream of.

Speaking of all that natural light, why not use decorations that will really glimmer when hit with the sun? This year, metallic silvers and golds are popular and easy to find.  They’re also ideal for just about every holiday imaginable and can be carried over into New Year’s celebrations.  Who doesn’t love a versatile decoration?

If you want to decorate your apartment to the nines, but don’t feel like sacrificing space for a tree or extra holiday feature, then table décor may be your answer!  A menorah or tiny Christmas tree look great on a festive table.  But if you really want to have that tall tree, you can always opt for a half-tree or quarter-sized tree available at various craft stores.  Half the size but all the cheer!

When most people think of garland, their mind jumps to the natural evergreen that both looks and smells great.  And while natural evergreen is a classic choice, it’s not for everyone.  DIY garland made with sparkly tassels, colorful yarns, dried fruit and endless other options look great in any apartment – garland goes a long way with minimal effort!

Want even more coziness in your luxury space?  Go ahead and bring the smells of the season right into your apartment home.  With seasonal potpourri, star anise and cinnamon, along with a kitchen busy with the tastiest treats, filling your home with the nostalgic scents of the holidays is so easy to do.

This time of year, we get inundated with holiday cards from our friends and family.  A great way to display these is to hang them on a ribbon or arrange them in a wreath – great for decoration and to adore all those you love.

What’s on your apartment wish list this holiday season?  Whichever it might be, Arcadia Run delivers!  With granite countertops, extended windows, upgraded kitchen appliances, luxury vinyl flooring, and Phase 2 now offering even more floor plans to potential residents, we’ve got it all!

“No Nails” Apartment Decor

“No Nails” Apartment Decor
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

As any renter knows, decorating a new apartment can be tricky, especially when trying to avoid damage to the walls.  Luckily, tenants have so many more options these days – the possibilities are endless!

Stand-Alone Shelving

Additional shelving is one of the biggest needs for renters.  And what better space to utilize than an open wall?  Instead of installing shelves directly to the wall (which is a tricky process), opt for a stand-alone shelving unit instead.  These can provide even more surfaces for your belongings and are available in various styles.  Not to mention, they are much easier to manage when rearranging your living space!

Temporary Hooks

If you’d like to take advantage of wall space on a smaller scale, temporary hooks may be your answer.  They can be easily mounted and removed, giving you flexibility when styling your walls.  With several sizes and colors, temporary hooks are ideal for everything from hanging a painting to holding your keys.

Putty

Wall putty isn’t just for teachers anymore! Once a difficult product to come by, putty is now a convenient way to hang prints and posters on any wall – without damaging the paint or drywall.

Wall Stickers

Wall decorations have certainly come a long way! These days, renters can find elaborate wall stickers – in various styles, patterns and colors – at any home décor store. They can be applied to empty wall space and easily removed if need be. These temporary self-adhesive designs are ideal to brighten up and personalize any space.

With these helpful tips, we’re confident your new luxury apartment at Arcadia Run will be beautifully styled to your tastes!

Still looking for that perfect space?  Phase II at Arcadia Run is now available for leasing.  With even more stunning models to choose from, our tenants will have to get used to living in one of the greatest new apartment communities in Manassas, Virginia!

Cozy Apartment Trends This Winter

Cozy Apartment Trends This Winter
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

When the temperatures drop, it’s a great excuse to cozy up and stay warm inside your new luxury apartment at Arcadia Run.  And we can’t blame you!  With high-quality carpeting, a beautifully designed kitchen perfect for cooking up your favorite seasonal treats, energy efficient windows keeping your space warm, and plenty of room to bring in comfy furniture, a night indoors certainly looks appealing.

This fall and winter, there are several trends with staying power that are so much fun to incorporate in a new apartment home.  Here are a few of our favorites!

False Candles

False candles are the ideal solution for those who want the glowing feel of lit candles, but without the fire risk they present.  With incredibly realistic products available, the difference will barely be noticeable.  Arrange candles of different heights like this for a warm and dreamy atmosphere.

Shag Rug

Yes, you read that correctly, shag is making a comeback!  And we’re sure glad it is, because it can bring a whole new level of warmth-under-foot to any apartment.  Many retailers out there are now selling eye-catching designs at reasonable prices, making this a great option for any resident.  Take a look at this rug we pinned – how cool!

Plenty of Pillows

Don’t be afraid to bring in several pillows to adorn your couch, chairs or bed.  Pillows are not only great for tying home décor themes together, but also for curling up to watch a movie.  Incorporating different designs and colors like this is a popular trend this winter season, and for good reason!

Switch Up Your Bedding

If you’ve slept with lighter bedding all spring and summer long, now’s the time to mix it up.  A big fluffy comforter will keep you warm at night – but might make it impossible to get up in the morning.  With looks similar to this bedding design, how could we not spend all day in bed?

Layers

And lastly, many of these apartment winter trends tie into one major theme: layering.  Layering pillows, with blankets, with more pillows is the way to make a new apartment incredibly warm and cozy this season!

Getting the Most From Your Apartment Community

Getting the Most From Your Apartment Community
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

With all there is to enjoy at Arcadia Run, we want to make certain that our residents take full advantage of the many perks that come with living in a new apartment community like ours.  It’s not just above-average apartment designs that bring new residents to Arcadia Run – it’s the whole package!

So, here are a few ways to get the absolute most from living in our active, on-the-go apartment community:

Join in Seasonal Events

Arcadia Run offers many seasonal events for residents to partake in.  These include the Fall Festival (check out the photos from our recent event!), the Taste of Prince William Block Party, and more.  Having fun alongside great neighbors is a wonderful way for growing families and young professionals to reap all the benefits of a buzzing apartment community!

Meet Your Newest Neighbors

What fun would living in an apartment community like Arcadia Run be if you didn’t befriend the latest neighbors on your floor?  Immersing yourself in any new setting helps to make transitions easier – and more fun.  Go ahead and introduce yourself, you might find that many of your neighbors at Arcadia Run are just like you!

Decorate Your Way

Moving into a luxury apartment at Arcadia Run gives tenants a blank canvas.  Our newly built apartments with expansive windows, open floor plans and upscale features and finishes set the perfect scene to create an apartment home that is uniquely yours.  Bring in your favorite furniture, along with your best throw pillows and place settings to feel right at home.

Enjoy the Amenities

In no time at all, Arcadia Run will also feature even more amenities for residents to enjoy.  The clubhouse development, which is currently in progress, will include a resort-style pool, fitness club and more.  Ball courts, a jogging trail and a playground will also add to the exclusive amenities available to residents.  We can’t wait for these extraordinary new features to make their debut!

Our studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes are ideal for all types of renters, and with Phase 2 now available for leasing, we can offer even more options for future tenants.  With all there is to enjoy and experience right here at Arcadia Run, as well as the entire Manassas area, our residents get exactly what they’re looking for with our apartment community!

Neighborly Love at Arcadia Run

Neighborly Love at Arcadia Run
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

Living at Arcadia Run has many, many benefits.  Aside from our new luxury apartment homes with the latest features and finishes available, and our masterfully planned community that only continues to grow, residents at Arcadia Run also have great neighbors – each other!

Our residents choose Arcadia Run for the same reasons: to live among like-minded professionals, families, retirees, and students that appreciate a luxury apartment in a bustling town with so much to do.  And of course, those who want an apartment community that can keep up! Without a doubt, these shared mindsets help make the newest neighbors fast friends. And, according to Apartment Guide, one of our favorite sources for all-things-apartment-living, these are a few of the reasons why you should get to know your lovely neighbors at Arcadia Run:

Borrowing:

Ever been in the middle of a recipe when you realize you’re short on one ingredient?  Believe us, you’re not the first, but if you’ve kept in touch with your neighbors, chances are they’ll be happy to help you out.  It’s a part of being a good neighbor!

Murphy’s Law:

Murphy’s Law says that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. A flat tire, lost keys or a missing pet can all be easily remedied with a little help from your neighbor!

Pet Sitting: 

Arcadia Run is a pet friendly development, so it wouldn’t be uncommon for your neighbor to love your furry friend as much as you do.  If you ever have to go out of town last minute, a pet-loving neighbor might not mind watching over your pet for the weekend. That’s the beauty of a community!

Babysitting:

Aside from easily finding a pet-sitter, living in an apartment community also opens up a huge resource for potential babysitters.  If you and your partner want a night out on the town – without the kids – knowing your neighbors on a personal level will certainly give you more options.

Party Time:

Who doesn’t love a good party?  If you’re planning on having company one night, or looking for a few more to play a card game, you’ll have plenty of friends nearby to include!

Cooperative Efforts:

Lastly, when you know your neighbors on a personal level, it’s easy to team together and accomplish something great.  That might be organizing carpools to work, starting a dinner club, or initiative efforts in the greater Manassas area.

Here at Arcadia Run, we provide even more ways for residents to grow their friendships with each other.  Seasonal events, like the Annual Taste of Prince William County or the annual Fall Festival, are great ways for the entire Arcadia Run community to get together and have a good time.

Who wouldn’t want to join a welcoming apartment community like Arcadia Run?  And now, there are even more options for potential tenants.  Phase II is now leasing, adding to our already diverse selection of luxury apartment designs.  Take a look at floor plans here – we can’t wait to welcome you to the neighborhood!

Source: Apartment Guide 

Small-Town Charm & Big-City Opportunity

Small-Town Charm & Big-City Opportunity
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

You know what the best part of living in Manassas, Virginia is?  (Besides living in a new luxury apartment home at Arcadia Run, that is!)

It’s that this area has so much to offer residents, while still managing to maintain its small-town charm that won our hearts over in the first place – certainly a rare find in today’s apartment market!

Small-Town Charms

  • Farmer’s Markets – who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market every weekend? With the freshest produce from the region’s local farmers, these pop-up markets are a cherished part of anyone’s weekend routine.  The next one opens on October 16th at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion; only a few more weekends left before the market closes its doors for the winter!
  • Historic downtown Manassas has all the draws of a town incorporated in 1873.  Architecture reminiscent of yesteryear, historic sites, interesting museums and so much more.
  • More small town fun comes in the form of community events at the Harris Pavilion, exhibits at the James & Marion Payne Memorial Railroad Heritage Gallery, and tours of the Old Courthouse!

Big-City Opportunities

  • Manassas is an ideal town to live in because of the various opportunities available for residents.  Employers among the likes of Micron and Lockheed Martin offer employment in our town, pushing this area forward as one for development.
  • And, not only is Manassas itself a major hub for employment, but living here gives residents access to the entire DC Metro area, where the job opportunities are virtually endless.  Close to I-66 and the Virginia Railway Express, Arcadia Run is in a prime location for commuters!

Living in a new, luxury apartment at Arcadia Run just makes sense.  And, when you can live in an extraordinary town like Manassas, the choice is a no-brainer!  Take a look at our newest apartment models available for leasing, part of Phase II of Arcadia Run.  Complete with granite countertops, updated appliances, luxury features and finishes, and plans for extraordinary community amenities, Arcadia Run is the place to be!

Spotlight On: Education in Manassas (Part II)

Spotlight On: Education in Manassas (Part II)
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

Arcadia Run apartments have a number of benefits to offer their residents—one of which is its ideal location in Manassas, VA. Manassas is part of Prince William County, which was recently named one of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance . Prince William County was awarded this honor as it offers an array of educational opportunities for its residents, ranging from excellent preschool and kindergarden programs to exceptional high school and college educations. The top notch primary and secondary schools and continued education opportunities in Prince William County factored into America’s Promise Alliance’s decision for this award. 

There are a number of opportunities to continue one’s education in Prince William County—be it through one of Prince William County School’s Adult Education Programs, pursuing a degree at the local George Mason University campus or enrolling in courses at Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas or Woodbridge Campus. 

Prince William County School’s Adult Education Division in Manassas offers support to the community in a number of ways. This office is home to a number of study aids intended for the GED exam in addition to teaching basic computer skills, housing english as a second language sessions, offering support in math, reading and writing.

Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge and Manassas Campuses offers a variety of distinctive academic programs and degrees to continue one’s education including business management, fine arts, massage therapy, and photography. The Woodbridge campus sits on 109 acres with 11,000+ students enrolled each year, and Manassas campus has over 10,000 students enrolled each year.

George Mason University’s Prince William campus was established in Manassas in 1997. GMU’s Prince William campus is home to over 4,000 students and sits on 134 acres with state of the art facilities laboratories, libraries and buildings for the arts among others. The Prince William campus was GMU’s third Northern Virginia campus—providing convenient university access for residents in the area. Academic programs available at GMU’s Prince William campus include: Nursing, Systems Biology, Science, and Recreation, Health & Tourism.

The continued education offerings in the greater Manassas area are substantial both in quantity and scope. One could improve their computer skills with a class through the Adult Education Division of Prince William County Schools, supplement their knowledge in photography through a course at one of Northern Virginia Community College’s campuses, or work towards a degree in Recreation, Health & Tourism at George Mason University’s Prince Williams campus. The top notch primary and secondary institutions, in addition to the continued education opportunities in the Manassas area are two of many reasons Arcadia Run’s location is so attractive. Come out to Manassas to check out Arcadia Run’s luxury apartments today!

Sources

Spotlight On: Education in Manassas (Part I)

Spotlight On: Education in Manassas (Part I)
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

When deciding between homes, a major factor for some families are the condition and caliber of schools in the area. However, this is not an issue for residents of Arcadia Run as the development is located in Manassas, VA—a city in the Brentsville School District which is part of the Prince William County School (PWCS) System. In addition to the local public school offerings, Manassas is also home to a number of private institutions. 

Prince William County was recently named one of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance. This title was awarded to Prince William County as it offers a wide array of educational options ranging from preschool and kindergarden, to high school and college.

The Prince William County School System educates 83,802 students annually in 93 locations across the county. Though the county is rather large, all 10 of PWCS’s high schools continue to be ranked in the top 7% of 27,000 high schools nationwide according to Newsweek and The Washington Post. Each PWCS high school offers specialty programs that are open to students across the county, regardless of their district. PWCS have received the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence three years in a row, in addition to 40 of their schools named Schools of Excellence and leading the nation in the implementation and use of technology in schools—receiving a top-ten ranking for four years in a row. A number of individuals on the PWCS staff have been awarded a number of honors including a principle who received The Washington Post 2013 Distingushed Educational Leadership Award and a teacher who received The Washington Post 2013 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

In addition to the aforementioned academic awards, 66 PWCS have earned the Governor’s Award for Nutrition and Fitness in 2012. This award honors and rewards schools that encourage healthy habits and implement best practices in physical activity, nutrition and overall health. Through promoting student health by encouraging healthy habits and providing healthy breakfast, lunch and vending machine options in schools. PWCS creates healthy environments in their schools and educates their students on the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle—essential life skills for any successful student.

Not only does Prince William County have award-winning public schools, but it is also home to 49 private schools with over 5,000 enrolled students. Of these 49 Prince William County private schools, 49% of them are religiously affiliated. According to Northern Virginia Magazine, The Top Private Elementary Schools in Manassas include two Christian schools—Emmanuel Christian School and Manassas Christian School and All Saints Catholic School. One of All Saints Catholic School’s teachers recently received the 2014 “Distinguished Leader Award” from the National Catholic Education Association, and in 2010 was recognize as a top school in the state of Virginia by the John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

The high caliber of education offered in Prince William County is just one more reason why choosing a new apartment home at Arcadia Run has been the clear choice for so many families. Check out Arcadia Run’s apartment listings today!

Sources

Reasons Autumn is the Best Season to Move Into a New Apartment

Reasons Autumn is the Best Season to Move Into a New Apartment
Posted on by gottarunrunrun

Autumn is our favorite season here at Arcadia Run for a number of reasons. Simply put, everything is prettier in autumn. The novelties of fall and winter are still fresh and exciting, but the temperature hasn’t dropped to the winter norm yet. Autumn is the season best known for apple picking, pumpkin carving, hot apple cider and scenic drives through beautiful fall foliage. Not only is autumn a great time to partake in your favorite fall activities, it is also the best time of year to move into a new apartment! Below are a few reasons we believe autumn is the best season to move into a new apartment.

1. Perfect moving weather—a happy medium.

Everyone enjoys a sunny summer day, but most change their tune when the temperature starts hitting the mid-90’s. Summer is the best season to visit the beach or go sailing for the day, but heat and humidity make moving a miserable experience this time of year.

Most enjoy cuddling up next to their fireplace with a mug of hot apple cider, but few look forward to trekking through the snow to work to slipping on black ice when they walk up their front steps. Winter is not the best time to move either, with freezing cold temperatures and dangers like black ice and snow.

Though spring tends to be a medium of summer and winter, moving during this season tends to lead to more packing. Some are still wearing their heavy winter clothes or haven’t had time to pack their winter favorites away yet.

With crisp fall mornings and cool evenings, autumn is the best season for moving—it is a happy medium between summer and winter! By mid-autumn most are about to break out their sweaters and coats they packed away earlier in the summer once more. Why not move before breaking those boxes of cold weather clothes out again?

2. Save money on utilities.

Autumn tends to be the season with the mildest weather, which means you can turn off your air conditioning and enjoy the fall weather, which will help reduce your electric bill! While the weather is mild, take advantage of the climate and open your windows before the temperature starts to drop. Apartments generally use less water, power and gas than houses, which can save you money on your utility bills if you choose to lease an apartment in place of purchasing a house.

3. Snow Shoveling & Other Services

Are you the type of person who avoids mowing the lawn every month? Someone who enjoys watching the snowfall but dreads shoveling out the driveway and icing the path to your front door? Most apartment communities provide these services. While homeowners are pulling weeds or clearing their driveways and sidewalks of snow, apartment residents can relax, as Arcadia Run takes care of all of that for them.

4. Enjoy the fall festivities!

Autumn in most areas involves road trips to fall festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Manassas, VA is fortunate to have a number of fall-related events in the local area including the local farmers market—open every Thursday, fall festivals and spooky spirited tours. These events are yet another reason autumn is the best season to move into this area—there is so much going on!

The greater Manassas area has a number of fall events to enjoy including the Manassas Fall Jubilee and Oktoberfest.

Manassas 32nd Annual Fall Jubilee

Saturday, October 4th 10:00am-5:00pm

Manassas, VA

This year’s Manassas Fall Jubilee is free to the public and includes live music and entertainment for children and adults, over 100 craft and community booths, a pumpkin patch, wine tastings, and much more! Check out their website for more information.

4th Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday October 18th 11:00am-5:00pm

Haymarket, VA

Haymarket’s Annual Oktoberfest features music, pumpkin decorating, an assortment of German foods, draught beers and a Halloween costume contest. This event features over 100 booths and last year had over 10,000 attendees! For more information on Haymarket’s Annual Oktoberfest, visit their website.

As Manassas is a town known for its rich Civil War history, the town’s Spirit of Manassas tour is not one to pass up. The Spirit of Manassas tour series is led by the Manassas Museum through the streets of historic downtown Manassas, with many spooky stories and strange happenings from the past and present in the area. For more information on these Manassas tradition, visit their website.

The winter holidays are a very busy time for most; autumn is also the best season to move into a new apartment because it gives you time to move and get settled into your new apartment before the holidays. You’ll be ready to host family and friends in your new Arcadia Run apartment by Thanksgiving! Arcadia Run’s oversized kitchens are perfect to cook dinner for the whole family this holiday season. Fall is the best season to move into a new apartment, check out Arcadia Run’s available apartments for lease today!

Sources

http://enlightenme.com/top-10-rent-apartments/ 

http://www.realtor.com/advice/top-10-reasons-to-rent-rather-than-own/

http://renters.apartments.com/top-10-reasons-to-rent

http://www.virginiaapples.org/events/index.html