All About the Lifestyle at Arcadia Run

Like any traditional community, Arcadia Run has its own personality, its own heartbeat, and its own atmosphere that makes it so different than the other apartment complexes in the area. In fact, it’s this same attitude and zeal that appeals to our renters – rarely do you find an apartment community quite like ours!

So, what type of lifestyle can renters expect to find when they move into their new Arcadia Run apartment?

Residents Are Active

Arcadia Run was created with the energetic professional in mind.  Our residents want to stay active and get out and explore all that this region has to offer.  At Arcadia Run, a new clubhouse with full fitness center is currently in the works and will be available for residents to enjoy. The clubhouse will feature the latest fitness equipment, a swimming pool, lounge area and more.  This, paired with the ultimate playground we know as Northern Virginia, provides endless ways for residents to stay fit.

Residents Are Social

Arcadia Run itself is a very social community.  With yearly events celebrating various holidays and seasons, getting out and mingling with the newest neighbors is second nature to our residents.   Not to mention, Manassas also offers numerous ways for Arcadia Run families to be social beyond our community.  Between the Manassas Museum, the Ben Lomond Manor House, Signal Bay Water Park, and Manassas National Battlefield Park, weekend activities are as fun as they are educational!

Also a great social event, on the first Friday of each month, participating shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Manassas extend their hours for themed events.  So head downtown, grab a bite to eat, and shop ‘til you drop!

And Lastly, the Residents Here Want to Have Fun!

They don’t want to hang back and watch as life passes them by!  Residents at Arcadia Run are energetic, upbeat, and ready to catch the next performance at Jiffy Lube Live or try the latest restaurant in town.  And when you live in an apartment community like Arcadia Run, living life to the fullest is so easy to do.

When you build a community as great as Arcadia Run, in an equally as great city, the two together are bound to leave lasting impressions.  This unique combination of rich history and modern conveniences helps to set Manassas, as well as Arcadia Run, apart as a wonderful place to call home.  With luxury features including granite countertops, tall ceilings, new carpeting, designer cabinets, updated appliances and more, there’s no doubt you’ll quickly fall in love with the lifestyle at Arcadia Run when you move into your new apartment!

How To Make Your Apartment Pet-friendly

For many pet owners, their furry friends are an integral part of the family, and leaving them behind because they’re moving into a brand new apartment is unthinkable. Luckily for pet owners at Arcadia Run, pets are welcome here!* Whether you’re moving into an apartment with Fido already in tow, or are looking to bring a four-legged companion into your apartment for the first time, there are several steps you can take to ensure your new apartment is pet-friendly. ,

Following these tips will help ensure that your apartment is safe and comfortable for dogs and cats:

· Make sure that common household items that are poisonous to pets are properly stored in a place where your pet cannot gain access to them. If you’re unsure what is and is not harmful to pets, check out the ASPCA’s list of top pet toxins of 2013. One well-known example is antifreeze, the smell and taste of which is particularly appealing for cats and dogs but can be fatal. Make sure all potentially hazardous items are located on a high shelf or in a latched cabinet.

· Check for suffocation hazards. For example, if there are chords for blinds or curtains in your apartment, make sure that they’re kept short or clipped up so that pets can’t choke or chew on them. Also be sure to unplug electrical chords when not in use, and make sure there are no chords in loops so your pet doesn’t get tangled. Also, regularly check spaces that the vacuum cleaner can’t reach, such as under the couch, to make sure that there’s nothing on the floor that your dog or cat could find and try to eat.

· Don’t leave human food out on countertops, and eliminate any “ladder” opportunities for pets to gain access to the countertop from the floor. Take out the trash daily and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to prevent curious pets from rummaging around. Pets getting into the trash can not only cause a mess in your apartment, but can result in serious health outcomes for your pet – grapes, raisins, coffee grinds, chocolate and sugar-free food can all have potentially fatal outcomes for dogs.

·  Indoor plants can add a great touch to any room in an apartment, but before buying one, make sure that it’s safe for your pet. For example, if you have a cat, you’ll want to avoid lilies – they can cause kidney failure in felines. Before buying any indoor plants, check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

· Don’t leave the balcony or patio door open, or windows open without any screens. Having a balcony or patio area can be a great feature for apartment renters – just ask our Arcadia Run residents! – but they can pose danger for unwatched cats and small dogs that could fit through spaces in railings, so make sure you don’t leave the door open.

· Make a separate space for your pet. Carving out a space in your apartment just for your pet will help them feel secure in their new surroundings with a space all their own. If you have a dog, place their dog bed, toys and water source in a comfy corner of your apartment. If you’re going to be away all day, consider a pet fountain to keep the water source fresh.

· Even if your furry friend is housebroken or litter box trained, there’s still a chance of them creating a mess in your apartment from accidents and bringing in muck from outside. Stock up on carpet and floor cleaner for any messiness that may arise.

Ensuring your apartment is pet-friendly will make sure that you and your pets can make the most of your new living space. And Arcadia Run residents who have four-legged roommates can enjoy all the benefits of living in beautiful Manassas with their favorite furry companions!

SOURCE: This Old House, ASPCA

*Please talk to a leasing consultant for information on breed restrictions.

 

Renting Is The Economical Choice In Northern Virginia

In a recent Arcadia Run blog article, we mentioned how renting is often times the more affordable living option, especially in desirable areas that offer the most to residents.  Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal came out with a study that detailed exactly where and how these areas are financially appealing to renters.

Included on the list was the Northern Virginia region, which encompasses the city of Manassas, as well as our Arcadia Run apartments.  Northern Virginia’s recognition by The Wall Street Journal doesn’t surprise many, considering the close proximity to the nation’s capital, various employment opportunities in the region, and the overall friendly atmosphere found throughout the area.  Manassas is no exception to these accolades either: boasting several hubs for employment, family-oriented communities and endless dining and entertainment options.

According to the article, “renters don’t pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance or maintenance costs,” which contributes to the financial benefits of renting.  When compared to other living options, these can add up to substantial savings.  With this newest data, it’s also suggested that renting has become more appealing for reasons other than financial – families might be choosing to rent their space for increased mobility, included amenities, and to live a metropolitan lifestyle.

There’s no doubt this area is growing in popularity among renters. When you opt to rent your apartment, it doesn’t take long to realize the incredible benefits of this lifestyle.  And with the opportunity to rent an apartment like the ones available at Arcadia Run, the choice is obvious!

With one- and two-bedroom apartments in varying floor plans available at Arcadia Run, there really is something for every individual or family.  All apartments are built for convenient and comfortable living – with granite countertops, designer cabinets, extended windows, new updated appliances, luxury vinyl flooring and brand new carpeting.  In the future, Arcadia Run also plans to add luxury amenities to the community, including a swimming pool, clubhouse and fitness center.  With world-class features and the latest in apartment appliances and design, who wouldn’t want to live at Arcadia Run?

For more information on our apartments, take a look at the floor plans that are currently available.  Stay tuned for more news in the future!

Source: The Wall Street Journal

 

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

Decorating Tips for Your Apartment Living Room

Every room in an Arcadia Run apartment offers the modern features that you’d expect from a newly built apartment – and so much more! The spacious living room spaces in Arcadia Run apartments are particularly impressive – opening up to the beautiful kitchen, the living room is also accessible to the patio or balcony and offers plenty of natural light, making it an excellent spot to entertainment or relax. Switching up the décor of your apartment living area in a fun way to make the most out of this beautiful space and add a unique touch all your own. Read on for some tips to decorate your apartment living room:

·  Painted furniture: If you’re looking for a fun do-it-yourself project, consider painting end tables and other pieces of furniture for your apartment living room. Painted furniture can add a pop of color to a room without having to paint the walls. And it’s easier than you’d think! Check out these tips from HGTV on how to paint furniture.

· Area rugs: Placing a light-colored rug in your apartment living room is a great tactic to brighten up the space, create more depth in the room and add visual interest. And with so many different patterns and colors to choose from, you’re sure to find an area rug that fits your personal style.

· Mirror, mirror: The use of mirrors is a popular tactic to make the most out of a room’s natural light. Arcadia Run apartment living rooms have plenty of natural light coming in from the balcony or patio door, and placing decorative mirrors can not only amplify this natural light, but also provide another avenue for the expression of your personal style!

· Pillows galore: Throw pillows for your couch and chairs are a great way to dress up your living room area. There are plenty of color, texture and pattern options out there for fun throw pillows, so you’re bound to find some that you love. Pillows are a great way to show off your personal style while also livening up a space and tying together the color scheme.

· Lots of lights: Creative lighting is one of the most dramatic ways to transform the appearance of a room. Using both table lamps and floor lamps ensures you have plenty of light, and is yet another opportunity to infuse your personal style in your apartment living room. Consider lamps with more than one setting, so they can be dimmed and create a cozy feel when needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using mismatched table lamps that are of varying heights for more of a funky feel.

· Curtains: Hanging curtains in your living area is another way to create a sense of depth and dimension and create visual interest. The door to the balcony or patio in Arcadia Run apartments offer a great space to hang the curtains of your choice!

· Think round shapes: Since apartment living rooms are usually rectangular or box-like in shape, consider using pillows and furniture with rounded and curved shapes and patterns. This adds a fun and exciting dynamic to the room and keeps it from being too monotone.

· Television focal point: For a focus on entertainment, make the TV the focal point of your living space. Hang paneled artwork behind the television to bring attention to the area, and consider skirting the entertainment unit to hid cables.

Whichever new luxury apartment floor plan Arcadia Residents choose, they have a spacious living room area as a blank canvas for their decorating. And with all the other incredible features and amenities available for Arcadia Run residents – not to mention our ideal location in Manassas – a newly decorated living space certainly isn’t the only thing that residents love about Arcadia Run!

SOURCE: Better Homes and Gardens, HGTV

Renting: Mobility for Tenants

Renting offers so many incredible benefits for both young professionals and families alike.  But maybe the most prominent of these benefits could be that renters are able to maintain their mobility.  To many, this appeals more to their lifestyle and to their priorities when looking for a new space.

With incredible new apartment communities like Arcadia Run, it just makes sense for many to rent.  Renters can easily find an apartment with the perfect amount of space they desire, at a price point that works for them.  At Arcadia Run, we offer both one and two bedroom apartments in varying floor plans.  And in the future, we plan to add even more buildings, growing our unique apartment community further.

To truly set Arcadia Run apart as ‘the full package’, we’ll also be adding upscale amenities, including a new clubhouse, swimming pool, and fitness center, to our community all within the year.  These additions will unquestionably enhance the value of living at Arcadia Run, and will bring even more interested renters to our apartments.

But who says just because you’re renting your apartment means you can’t get everything you want? Our new luxury apartments for rent offer more to residents with extended windows, tall ceilings, new carpeting, granite countertops, designer cabinets, and updated appliances.  Not only that, but you’ll find an abounding sense of community in our development as well, with residents eager to meet and mingle with their newest neighbors.  With events like holiday parties and fall festivals, living at Arcadia Run is the full experience.  Pair these perks with our favorable location and Arcadia Run is the all-around best option when renting!

When you rent at Arcadia Run, you’re not only moving into an incredible, beautifully designed apartment, but you’re embracing an active lifestyle and community that is rarely found in other apartment developments.  Our residents enjoy the various attractions Manassas has to offer, and love living in luxurious, newly built apartments.  In many ways, living at Arcadia Run gives renters more freedom to do the things they really enjoy.

If you find that renting falls more in line with your lifestyle, we’re happy to welcome you to our Arcadia Run community!

May Events in Manassas!

Curious as to what’s happening in Manassas this May?  At Arcadia Run, we cater to the active lifestyle – and we know our residents enjoy all that this region, and this town, has to offer.  So we’ve gathered a few events to attend around this area this May that promise to entertain!

First Friday Spring Gallery Walk: May 1, 5:00pm

The first Friday of May will be the Gallery Walk in Historic Downtown Manassas.  Merchants and shop owners will be displaying the artworks of local and featured artists.  With the warm weather, this is a fun and relaxed Manassas tradition to partake in – stroll along and shop or just enjoy the views!

Historic Home Bike Tour: May 10, 9:00am

The Manassas Museum is leading a unique bike tour featuring several historic homes and sites in the Manassas area.  The tour begins at the museum and travels about 4 miles over the course of two hours.  This family friendly event is a great activity that promotes both history and health! Tickets can be purchased through the museum.

Manassas Ballet Theatre: Sleeping Beauty: May 17, 5:30pm

Visit the Hylton Performing Arts Center when they present Sleeping Beauty, a classic tale of good versus evil.  This ballet is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat, with enchanting choreography and excellent stage displays.  For ticket information, visit the Hylton Center website.

Ben Lomond Antique Rose Garden and Tea: May 24, 1:00pm-3:00pm

What better way to welcome the spring season than a tea party in one of the region’s largest antique rose gardens? Admission includes tea, refreshments, and a discussion on roses and spring flowers. Space is limited and reservations are required – this is an event everyone wants to go to!  Contact the Ben Lomond Historic Site & Old Rose Garden for more ticket information.

1st Annual Mid-County Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show: May 31, 8:00am

The last weekend in May, the Prince William Veterans Farm Club will be hosting this inaugural car show at the Prince William County Fairgrounds.  The event features fun, food, and eye-catching vehicles from all over the region.  Registration begins at 8:00am, followed by a judging at noon.  With live music, antique cars, moon bounces, and food and beverage options, this event is a great weekend activity!

Don’t forget to visit the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market every Saturday in parking lot B, West Street.  This farmer’s market has been voted one of the best in the area by Prince William Living magazine – it’s definitely worth a visit!

Most Popular Features In Apartments That Renters Love

If you’ve ever lived in a new apartment, you know that it pays to be picky. Even if it takes you awhile, finding the perfect apartment with all the features you love can certainly be worth the time. Though not every apartment renter has the same exact preferences, the following are features that renters generally desire. Do any of the following popular apartment features sound familiar to you?:

· Modern: Modern features in apartments are key for many renters. Homeowners may enjoy the charm of an older home, but there’s usually not much charm to be found in old, outdated apartments. Thankfully, our Arcadia Run residents are able to enjoy the benefits of our new construction apartments with modern features, such as granite kitchen counters, pendant lighting and ceramic tile in the bathrooms

· Location, location, location: Like any type of real estate, one of the most dominant factors when searching for an apartment is its location. Renters will cross off even the most beautiful apartment units from their list if it’s not close to their ideal location. For many of our Arcadia Run residents, our location in beautiful Manassas was a strong factor in their apartment choice. Close enough to enjoy all the benefits of our nation’s capital but far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, our location in the D.C. metro is ideal.

· Flowing floor plan: There’s no doubt about it – renters love an open floor plan that allows for the most efficient use of space! The kitchen area flowing into the living room area is particularly attractive for both renters and homeowners, as it’s great for entertaining. Our Arcadia Run residents are able to take full advantage of this open floor plan in their apartments, as their modern kitchens open up to their spacious living areas.

· Convenient access to laundry: One of the last things that apartment residents want to deal with is lugging their laundry up and down the stairs and to the nearest Laundromat. It’s important for many renters to have access to an on-site laundry facility, but at Arcadia Run, we take it one step further with full-size washer and dryers in every apartment.

· Parking: Access to a parking spot is clearly a huge factor for renters with cars. The cost of parking when living in an apartment can be truly staggering, especially if you’re in the middle of the city. But parking may be even more important for renters in the suburbs or the metro areas of cities, since they likely don’t have the same access to public transportation as city dwellers do. We’re glad that we can offer the convenience of an open parking policy to our Arcadia Run residents, making parking for residents and guests a breeze!

· Outside area: For renters, one main attraction of an apartment could be the lack of a yard, which means no time or money spent on lawn maintenance. However, many renters may still want at least some outdoor space with minimal maintenance required, and that’s where balconies and patios come into play. Arcadia Run residents are able to sit outside and enjoy beautiful Manassas with their outdoor spaces, and we’re glad we’re able to offer this opportunity to them!

The Arcadia Run apartments offer the best of apartment living – just ask our residents, who all enjoy all the above features of an ideal apartment! And we’re continuing to expand our new apartment community, which means that even more residents will be able to experience all the incredible features available in our Manassas apartments for rent.

 

Staying Organized in Your Apartment

While spring-cleaning is meant to be refreshing, relaxing, and ultimately prepare you for the warmer months, the process can leave your apartment in disarray.  And that’s okay!  This is the perfect time to reset and restructure the way you organize your new luxury apartment – or for some, start organizing all together!

Here are a few of our best tips to help you get and stay tidy this spring season:

What Do You Really Need?

It might be difficult, but the first thing you can do to cut back on clutter is to determine what you really need and what’s less-than-critical.  How often do you use that Belgium waffle maker?  Or those slippers you’ve worn once?  Items like these, while tempting, can stack up quickly and take up valuable space in your apartment.

One for One

Getting something new?  Get rid of something old first.  This will keep clutter in check and prevent you from having multiple variations of the same item.  And, it gives you an opportunity to let go of a few items that have been collecting dust.  If you haven’t used it in over a year, it might be time to get rid of it!

Invest in Storage Materials

Why not splurge and buy a few quality storage items?  They’ll last longer and are typically more appealing than their discounted counterparts.  This will allow you to use them without shame in your living room or bathroom, and enjoy them for years to come.  Anything from cubbies to decorative storage bins and boxes are great choices for an apartment.

Designated Spaces

Have a designated space, bowl, shelf or hook for everything you can think of.  A special place to put mail, your keys, or even a basket to put shoes in by the front door will all aid in keeping the clutter to a minimum.  It will also be easy for everyone in the household to adhere to, keeping your new apartment tidy, even with guests.

Daily Maintenance

And of course, no space will stay organized for long without regular upkeep! Utilizing your new organizational techniques on a daily basis will help to keep your entire apartment tidy.  All it takes is a little effort every day to keep your space clean, comfortable and organized!

And there you have it!  Organization in an apartment is made easy with just a few simple techniques.  But best of all, it’s made even easier at Arcadia Run.  Our floor plans expertly utilize space, creating roomy and open apartments – making organization that much simpler!