Apartment Cleaning Shortcuts

Posted on September 24, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Cleaning your apartment can feel like a never-ending task. Luckily, finding a way to keep your space clean with minimal time and effort is easy to do by using these shortcuts provided by Apartment Guide!

Do A Little Each Day:

If you are like many busy people, you simply do not have time to give your entire apartment the thorough cleaning it demands each week. It can take hours to vacuum, mop, dust and scrub every surface of your space at one time. However, if you regularly devote 15 minutes per day to a specific task, you can keep your apartment looking great. For example, make an effort to vacuum on Mondays, clean the bathrooms on Tuesdays and so on.

Show the Kitchen Some Love

The kitchen may be among the most visible and most used rooms in your apartment, so it deserves regular attention. The good news is that at Arcadia Run, our kitchens feature granite countertops, updated appliances, designer cabinetry and luxury vinyl flooring – all surfaces that are easy to clean. Next time you’re waiting for food to cook or water to boil, consider sweeping the floor, loading the dishwasher or wiping the counters down. You’ll have a clean kitchen before dinner’s ready!

Tackle the Microwave

Microwaves are unfortunately prone to splatters. Ideally, you will simply wipe up the mess while it is still wet and easy to remove. However, if you leave the mess sitting there, it can harden and even become caked on with repeated use of the microwave. Rather than spend your time scrubbing the microwave, simply microwave a bowl with a half-water, half-vinegar mixture on high for five minutes. The steam will loosen the debris so that you can easily wipe it away.

Wipe Down Your Bathroom

The bathroom can easily accumulate mess, especially since many of us are in a rush most mornings. Few people have time to clean the bathroom every day, but the mess from using this space can quickly turn into an unsightly problem. Consider wiping down the sink daily, before you leave in the morning and before bed at night. It only takes a few seconds and will keep the area spotless between cleaning days.

Just by their nature, older apartments can be difficult to clean. But at Arcadia Run, this is never a worry for our residents! Our apartment buildings are brand new, and with Phase 2 now leasing, there are even more luxury apartments to call home! So rest assured, by employing these simple ‘shortcuts’ in your weekly routine, your space at Arcadia Run will stay looking its best!

Must-Have Apartment Essentials

Posted on September 5, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

With Phase 2 of Arcadia Run in the works, it’ll only be a matter of time before we start welcoming our newest residents. And whether this is the first apartment you’ve ever lived in or the fifth, there is a set of ‘apartment essentials’ that all renters should have in their arsenal:

A Vacuum

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy vacuum – you just need to find one that suits you and your new apartment best. Opt out of this essential and you could be faced with a dingy apartment and no way to clean it!

Spices & Herbs

Appropriately stocking your pantry is the fastest way to feel comfortable in your new kitchen. If you love to cook, you’ll need all the everyday seasonings like garlic, salt, pepper, cinnamon and so on. This might take some time to build the perfect collection, but you’ll love having every spice right when you need it.

Cooking Supplies

Speaking of spending time in the kitchen, it might be important to bring utensils and tools you can actually use to cook with when you move! If you cook regularly, it’s not a bad idea to invest in sturdier, more expensive items that will last.

Tool Box/First Aid

Despite them being necessities, items like these are easy to overlook when planning a move. Aside from it just being a good idea to have both a small tool kit and a stocked first aid kit nearby, you’ll be thankful to have them handy if when you need them.

Storage Bins & Hangers

Space is a precious commodity no matter where you live. Luckily for residents at Arcadia Run, space is plentiful – many apartment units even feature walk-in closets! Regardless of the amount of space you have in your new place, it’s important to have an efficient way to store off-season clothing and other items.

Your Favorite Things

Like we mentioned in our last article, Making a New Apartment Your Home, having a few sentimental pieces in your new apartment will make you feel right at home in no time. Having your favorite blanket to curl up with on your perfectly broken-in couch are essentials in our book!

The tall ceilings, granite countertops, designer cabinetry and bright and spacious floor plans in our new luxury apartment homes at Arcadia Run make any transition easier. Manassas, home to our apartment complex, is teeming with community events and things to do, so making new friends with your neighbors isn’t hard to do! Take a look at the units available – make sure to check out the apartments we’re pre-leasing for Phase 2!

Making a New Apartment Your Home

Posted on August 22, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

So you’ve moved into your new apartment at Arcadia Run – now what? Time to make it your home! New carpeting, luxury vinyl flooring, granite countertops, designer cabinetry, updated appliances, and bright and open floor plans set the perfect stage for you to personalize and get comfortable in your new space.

Here are a few ways to turn your new apartment into your home!

Use Color

When decorating, stay true to your own style but don’t be afraid to embrace bright colors and bold statements. Not ready to buy a bright red couch? Pick a color and use it as an accent instead. Red pillows or a throw blanket can go a long way in making your new apartment uniquely yours!

Be Mindful of Lighting

Thanks to extended windows, residents at Arcadia Run have an abundance of natural light in their apartment homes. Other renters in other complexes, however, aren’t always so lucky. Lighting makes a huge difference when trying to make a new space cozy and welcoming!

Art & Pictures

An easy way to immediately make an apartment feel like home is to bring in pictures and sentimental décor, especially if you had these displayed in your previous home. Being surrounded by your favorite pictures of family and friends keeps those closest to your heart close by!

Meet Your Neighbors

Here at Arcadia Run, our residents have great relationships not only with each other, but with the community as a whole. Events like the Fall Festival or Taste of Prince William Block Party bring everyone together to mingle, socialize and have fun. And, aside from making friends, meeting your neighbors brings you closer to feeling right at home in your new apartment.

And lastly, Love Where You Live!

Loving where you live is the easiest way to make a new space quickly feel like home. At Arcadia Run, it’s not hard to do! We have it all: beautiful apartment homes, an ideal location, and a welcoming community. So take a look at the spaces available at Arcadia Run – we’re now pre-leasing for Phase 2!

Apartment Design That Makes Sense

Posted on August 14, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

According to Apartment Therapy, good design is necessary in just about every aspect of our lives – our living spaces included. Design does, and always will, play a huge role in determining whether or not a living space is a fit for any individual. And while personal preferences differ, smart apartment design boils down to one concept: design that makes sense will always reign supreme.

At Arcadia Run, we have had the advantage of designing and building an entirely new apartment community from the ground up. Without a doubt, this means our new apartment homes have been expertly planned with today’s standards and advancements. Residents at Arcadia Run can benefit from an apartment home that simply provides more than what other apartment complexes can offer.

At Arcadia Run, residents will quickly fall in love with the intuitive floor plans in our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. These units expertly utilize space to create a home that’s easy and fun to live in. Features and finishes exclusive to Arcadia Run include tall ceilings, extended windows, walk-in closets in select units, luxury vinyl, granite countertops, updated appliances, over-sized kitchens, new Shaw carpeting, designer cabinetry and so much more. You won’t find the same dedication to beautiful and convenient design anywhere else!

But the smart design doesn’t end with our stunning apartment homes – the entire Arcadia Run community is set to be the luxury apartment community in Manassas. With plans for a resort-style swimming pool, as well as a resident clubhouse with fitness center and more, living at Arcadia Run will feel like a retreat in of itself!

“When something is both beautiful and functional, it earns a place in our lives, and becomes a part of our experience,” notes Apartment Therapy, and we couldn’t agree more! The Arcadia Run community has its own culture, its very own neighborhood feel that makes it so sought after by young professionals and families alike. Who wouldn’t want to move into a community that has it all?

And now, with pre-leasing available for Phase 2, even more happy residents will soon be enjoying all that the Arcadia Run community has to offer. Take a look at the units we currently have available!

Source: Apartment Therapy

New iPhone App Just for Manassas!

Posted on August 13, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

You hear it time and time again when talking about real estate – location, location, location! Luckily for our Arcadia Run residents, the location of our new luxury apartments in Manassas is perfect for those who want to be in the D.C metro. Our residents enjoy not only proximity to the nation’s capital, but also the charming and historic city of Manassas!

And now it’s even easier for local residents to enjoy all the best that our city has to offer, with the release of an iPhone app just for Manassas! The app, developed by city council member Ian Lovejoy, is called “Your Manassas”, and it’s a comprehensive resource for residents and visitors alike. You can do the following on the “Your Manassas” app:

· Find information about city events, dining and shopping.

· Report concerns, such as potholes, about the city. The issues reported through the “report a concern” feature go directly to city staff.

· Access the Manassas city news feed

· Find a directory of city contacts and commonly used phone numbers

· Access the city Facebook page

· Sign up to receive push notifications to stay updated on city events

According to Lovejoy, the app is the first of its kind in Virginia, and operates at zero taxpayer expense. It’s an exciting new resource to experience the best that Manassas has to offer, and Arcadia Run residents know that there’s certainly a lot to love about Manassas! Whether you’re strolling the quaint streets downtown, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many excellent local restaurants, or learning more about our nation’s history through various historic sites in the area, there’s never a shortage of excitement and fun for all ages in Manassas!

In addition to being ideally located in the county seat of Prince William County, Arcadia Run offers so many more benefits to residents. Our newly built luxury apartments make living in Manassas even more enjoyable! Oversized kitchens, granite kitchen counters, nine foot ceilings, 42” designer kitchen cabinets, balconies or patios and extended windows are just a few of the apartment features Arcadia Run residents have to look forward to. Arcadia Run, the most exciting new apartment complex in the area, allows residents to enjoy all Manassas has to offer in luxury and style!

SOURCE: InsideNOVA.com

Back-To-School Checklist

Posted on July 31, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Back to school season is upon us! It may still be summer, but schools are busy readying for the upcoming school year – and parents at Arcadia Run are too! This weekend is perfect time to do so, as it’s Virginia’s back-to-school tax holiday. From August 1^st to the 3^rd, there will be special tax benefits for Virginian residents; clothes, shoes and school supplies will be tax exempt for shoppers!

To get ready for back-to-school shopping this upcoming weekend, here is a definitive checklist for our Arcadia Run residents:

Clothing – It’s true that children grow unbelievably fast, meaning they’ll quickly outgrow last year’s school wardrobe. In Manassas, there are so many places to shop and find new clothes for the school year. Try to think ahead – what will your child need during the cooler months? Think jeans, jackets and socks!

New Shoes – Just like clothing, growing children will quickly grow out of their school shoes. While it might be warm for another month or so, and tempting to wear sandals for as long as possible, it’s important to take advantage of the tax holiday and buy a new pair of closed-toed shoes. These will come in handy when the temperatures drop!

School Supplies – Depending on the grade your child is entering, they may need different school supplies. Most schools will supply a list of necessary items each student will require during their year. But whether in pre-school or a senior in high school, this tax-free weekend is the perfect time to stock up for the months ahead.

Backpack – It’s easy to forget the backpack, but it is a crucial school supply! Most students can reuse the same one for many years, but there will come a time when they’ll need a new one. If this is the case, this weekend is the ideal time to find one that will last!

And, while these might not be things you’ll get done during the tax holiday, they are still important to start considering before the school year begins:

Lunches – It doesn’t hurt to have a few lunch ideas in mind. Planning meals ahead of time will help to maintain a budget and keep lunchtime exciting.

Books – The older your child gets, the more books they’ll need for the school year. Most public schools provide the textbooks, but private schools will not. It’s important to factor this into your costs!

Schedule – Figuring out a schedule early on will save you and your family precious time in the morning. Getting the kids fed and ready to go, getting them to the bus stop, and still arriving to your work on time requires expert coordination. But we have confidence our Arcadia Run residents will get it down pat!

Arcadia Run is ideal for families for many reasons, one of them being access to excellent education. And, when living in a newly built luxury apartment, getting ready for the school year is even more exciting! For more information on the back-to-school tax holiday in August, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation website.

Which Generations Are Shifting to Renting?

Posted on July 30, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Renting is a popular choice for many Americans, and for many different reasons. But according to personal finance site MainStreet.com, there are two generations that have particularly been turning to renting in recent years instead of homeownership – millennials and older Americans. For various reasons, renting is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to owning a home and paying a mortgage for these generations, allowing them to achieve the lifestyle they crave.

Millennials are being drawn more and more to renting for the following reasons, according to the Main Street article:

· A “transient lifestyle”: Renting allows for millennials to have the freedom in their location that they desire. Millennials may not be ready to settle down and put down their roots in any one particular area, and for those who prefer this lifestyle, apartments are the clear winner for a place to call home. For millennials interested in living in the D.C. metro – the nation’s capital is the most popular city in the country for millennials, after all, according to an article from The Atlantic – Arcadia Run offers the perfect opportunity to explore beautiful Manassas, located in Virginia’s Prince William County.

· Less risk: Renting is the perfect choice for millennials who aren’t willing to take on the risks associated with mortgages quite yet.

· Tougher lending requirements for homes: Tight lending standards for homes might not be an issue for non-millennials, but members of Generation Y might have a tougher time meeting these requirements – making renting an apartment look all that more attractive.

It’s no secret that millennials have increasingly turned to renting over recent years – but may what come as more of a surprise is that older Americans are, too. The Main Street article lists the following as reasons why renting has become more popular with older Americans:

· Less upkeep: Older Americans who are empty-nesters are drawn to the lower maintenance and less space that apartments offer when compared to single family homes. Downsizing to an apartment means less time and money spent on upkeep and maintenance– something that older Americans continue to value.

· Amenity-rich lifestyle: Many rental communities offer a wealth of amenities available for renters, the convenience of which is extremely attractive for older Americans. At Arcadia Run, renters don’t only have an excellent location and beautiful apartments to enjoy, but also can look forward to various amenities – including a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, ball courts, playground and jogging trail – coming soon!

· Perfect for the in-between stage: Apartment renting is a great solution for older Americans who want a temporary place to stay while they figure out their next move – for example, a permanent move closer to children or grandchildren. An added bonus is the ability to explore a new and exciting area, such as the D.C. metro, while renting an apartment in this in-between stage.

It appears that renting has certainly become more popular for both millennials and older Americans recently, but at Arcadia Run, it’s clear that our Manassas apartments for rent have an undeniable appeal for renters of all ages. Whether it’s the location, the apartment features, the spacious layouts or a combination of these factors, there’s a lot to love for renters of every generation at Arcadia Run!

SOURCE: MainStreet.com, The Atlantic

How To Tell When an Apartment is “The One”

Posted on July 24, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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

Posted on July 3, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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!

9 Summer Activities in Manassas

Posted on June 24, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Manassas, Virginia, which is home to our Arcadia Run apartments, is also home to an abundance of activities and events throughout the year. This summer has only just begun but there are already so many fun things lined up for the weeks ahead. Take a look!

1. Visit the Farmer’s Market – One of the greatest perks to the warmer weather is the regular farmer’s market with fresh produce! The Harris Pavilion hosts a Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 7:30am to 1:00pm. Stop by and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables for the entire week!

2. Catch an Outdoor Concert – With Jiffy Lube Live right around the corner, catching an outdoor summer concert is more convenient than ever. Take a look at this summer’s line up; with so many different artists, there’s bound to be a performance you’ll love!

3. First Fridays – On the first Friday of every month, participating shops in Historic Downtown Manassas extend their hours and offer themed specials for patrons. Shopping around downtown Manassas on a relaxing summer evening is a great way to unwind after the week.

4. Explore Culinary Attractions – Manassas has such a broad spectrum of attractions – exquisite dining options being one of them. This summer, why not stroll around and discover a new favorite restaurant in town? Take a look at this map to see what dining, and other attractions, are nearby Arcadia Run.

5. Manassas National Battlefield Park – If you live in Manassas but have yet to visit the Manassas Battlefield Park, you are long overdue! This famous historic site is worth visiting – especially on a beautiful summer day.

6. Get Crafty – With sites like Pinterest, it’s easy to feel crafty from time to time. Take a look at our DIY Projects for the Home Board for a little inspiration!

7. Visit the Waterpark – Right here in Manassas is the SplashDown Waterpark, perfect for those exceptionally hot days. It wouldn’t be summer vacation without a visit to the waterpark!

8. Bike Manassas – On the 2^nd Saturday of every month, join a bike tour that will take you around Manassas to showcase different historic sites around the city. The tour runs about 8 miles and is appropriate for everyone over 12. With the beautiful weather, this is a great excuse to get outside and explore Manassas in a unique way.

9. Fourth of July Fireworks – And finally, celebrate Independence Day with the City of Manassas at the Old Town Manassas Train Depot & Museum Lawn. With live music, an apple pie baking contest, a watermelon eating contest, carnival attractions, and of course, fireworks, this will be a fun summer event for everyone. More details can be found here!