Apartment Trends to Watch for in 2014

Posted on January 20, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Some trends come and go, others are here to stay. This year, renters will be looking for more in their apartments and communities – and Arcadia Run is way ahead of the curve. Our luxury apartments for rent come with features, finishes and amenities that renters didn’t even know they wanted until they found them here!

Granite Countertops: Granite countertops are timeless, there’s no doubt about that. In Arcadia Run, all of our apartments come with oversized kitchens complete with granite countertops. These counters are durable, functional, and beautiful – not many tenants can say they have this luxurious feature in their space!

Convenient Washers & Dryers: In-apartment washer and dryer units will also be a hot commodity this year. Yet another trend Arcadia Run already features in all apartments! Our washer and dryers are full-sized and stacked to save space. We can’t promise the same for other apartment complexes!

Conversation Pieces: As far as décor goes, more people will use a ‘conversation piece’ in their apartment space. This could be a piece of furniture, fixture, or item that is different and special to you. But no pressure; anything you find particular interesting works too! And with a spacious Arcadia Run apartment, tenants have plenty of room to bring in something truly unique.

More Color: Want to add more color to your apartment? Many renters will be utilizing pillows and bold rugs to add a little splash of color to their living rooms and bedrooms. Pillows not only add color, but can also help make any room cozier. Daring and eye-catching rugs also add a touch of personality and can help to separate rooms within your apartment.

Complete Amenities: What’s the fun of living in an amazing apartment community if you can’t enjoy all that it has to offer? Arcadia Run is one of the most complete communities in the Manassas area. This year, we plan to open a fitness center, clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, ball courts and playground. Arcadia Run is truly an incredible place to rent a new apartment!

Plan on moving into an Arcadia Run apartment this year? We can’t wait for new residents to join our luxury apartment community! Who would’ve thought you could have all of this and more in your new apartment space? Check out our features page for even more information on all that we offer at Arcadia Run.

Who Will Drive the Apartment Industry in 2014?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

While the apartment industry felt the effects of the housing crisis, the repercussions were much less severe than other industry sectors. In fact, the industry as a whole benefitted in more ways than one, and emerged from the recession with strong prospects. Most remarkably, the growth is in part to the certain demographics that drive the industry and their continued contributions to the market.

So who are these groups of people, and why will they choose to rent their space in 2014?

Baby Boomers

Not surprisingly, many baby boomers are opting to rent their spaces instead of owning them. Many have decided they want a more secure housing alternative that comes with more features, like community amenities and luxury appliances. Additionally, many are looking to rent apartments because they wish to waive repair and maintenance efforts. When renting an apartment, any repair or maintenance costs typically fall on the landlord, allowing tenants to enjoy their apartment while saving money.

Parents & Families

A tenant trend that’s been extremely prevalent this past year has been an increase in parents with children. It’s easy to see why this could be true in Arcadia Run – our community includes everything a growing family might want or need. With a planned pool, clubhouse and playgrounds, Arcadia Run is every busy parent’s dream. And, with events like our recent Holiday Party, families can connect with their neighbors and create lasting friendships.

Better yet, Manassas is a great town to raise a family. The charming historic district offers so much for residents including seasonal festivals, countless museums, and a thriving downtown scene with family-friendly restaurants.

Young Professionals

Young professionals who are renting their space are seeking to maintain their mobility, and will continue to do so in 2014. Many renters may have the ability to find a leasing option that works best for them, giving them more freedom when choosing a space. With Manassas being the home to major corporations, living and working in this great town is more attainable than ever!

No matter the demographic you fall into, Arcadia Run is one of the best luxury apartment communities in the Manassas area. Our brand-new apartments are available in different floor plans and pricing to match your needs. The included community amenities are some of the best in market and truly seal the deal on this amazing development. This new year brings promise to the apartment industry and we’re excited to welcome new guests to our Arcadia Run community!

Get the Most Out of Your Closet Space

Posted on January 3, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

No matter the size of your apartment or home, it’s always a good idea to do everything you can to get the most out of the storage space. In Arcadia Run, our luxury apartments provide walk-in closets, a feature that is nearly unheard of in other apartment developments. But, even with these massive closets, there are still ways to optimize the space inside.

But, before you begin to reorganize your closet, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

First things first, go through your closet and storage bins to find out what you really need. There’s no reason to keep clothes that no longer fit or that you won’t wear. Donate them, share them with friends, or consign them to free up more room.

Next, pack away anything that’s out of season. Short-sleeved shirts and sundresses may be taking up the space where sweaters and coats could be hanging. Once the season changes, go through your clothing again and restart the process.

After you’ve gone through your items and found what you do and don’t need, the next step is to prioritize items. The things you use the most should be the easiest to get to. These items should be in plain sight and are typically positioned in the middle of your closet. Things you think you will use less often, like shoes you don’t wear everyday, can be placed near the bottom. And, the items that you never use or won’t be wearing until the next season can go to the top.

Dividing your closet, or any other storage space for that matter, in this manner will help you to maintain its neatness. You won’t be digging for lost clothing and when you need something, you’ll know exactly where it is.

A way to create this type of organization is to get creative with shelving units. You might not find the dream unit that fills your closet perfectly, but you can certainly create one using multiple pieces. Different sized and shaped cubbies or boxes will help with prioritizing your items, while keeping everything in proper place.

And finally, if you’re feeling really ambitious, make finding something in your closet even easier by color coordinating the items. This is especially helpful if trying to put together an outfit or looking for a particular colored blouse. However, this takes time and dedication or it will quickly lose order.

Maybe most importantly, closets should be treated just like any other room. By making it a priority to keep it organized, like you would a kitchen or living room, you’ll save yourself time and hassle when looking for clothes. Getting dressed in the morning has never been easier!

Apartment Construction Has One of Fastest Recoveries

Posted on December 18, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

According to IBISWorld, apartment construction in the United States has experienced one of the fastest recoveries within all residential construction industries. Economists are pointing to a decrease in vacancy rates and reasonable rent prices to have contributed to the growth in the multifamily sector.

Industry revenue is expected to have grown at an average rate of 6.9 percent through 2013. Looking forward to 2018, this pace may slow slightly, but still remain on track for a healthy recovery. “Industry revenue is anticipated to increase during this period,” says IBISWorld Industry Analyst Omar Khedr. “Continued migration of the US population toward metropolitan areas will still generate strong demand for industry services.”

The apartment industry seems to benefit from all types of fluctuations in the housing market. When the housing crisis was at its peak just a few years ago, more people chose to rent to avoid the downfalls of homeownership. Now that the overall economy is doing better and improving by the day, the apartment market is also benefitting from a stronger economy!

Arcadia Run is a wonderful example of the growth in the industry, as well as the types of apartment communities that people want to live in. Extensive amenities and an ideal location are only a fraction of the many great things that make Arcadia Run amazing. Our apartments define luxury with 9-foot ceilings, extended windows, new granite countertops, and vinyl flooring. You might not find these features and finishes in any other apartment complex!

But Arcadia Run provides more than luxury apartments – it provides a community, something not typical with new developments. Arcadia Run residents gather together for events like the Fall Festival and the recent Winter Holiday Party. With the future completion of the clubhouse, fitness center and swimming pool, residents will have even more fun activities and events to partake in.

As the economy improves, and the effects are felt throughout the apartment industry, 2014 is a great year to rent a luxury apartment in Arcadia Run!

Source: PRWeb

Manassas Named One Of Best Cities in VA for Job Seekers

Posted on December 11, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Our residents at Arcadia Run already know that Manassas is a great place to live and work, and thanks to a recent ranking by popular consumer advocacy website NerdWallet, the nation knows it now, too.

Nerdwallet recently analyzed 109 major cities in Virginia to find the best for job seekers, and Manassas ranked at an impressive number five. For this analysis, Nerdwallet looked at several key factors: population growth of those 16 years old and older, median household income, and the unemployment rate in the city. Here’s how Manassas stacked up:

• From 2009 to 2011, the population change in Manassas of those 16 years and older was 10.1%. This was the fourth highest population change of the top 10 Virginia cites.
• The median household income for Manassas residents, as of 2011, was $73,091 – substantially higher than the national median household income at that time of $50,502 and the Virginia median of $61,882.
• The 2013 unemployment rate is a relatively low 6.0%

The analysis also pointed out Manassas City Council’s efforts to boost the local economy through Technology Zone, a citywide program that offers incentives to new or expanding businesses. NerdWallet also called attention to the principal employers in the city, including Lockheed Martin, Prince William Health System and Micron Technology.

Economists and consumers alike cheered the recent news that the national unemployment rate in November fell to a five-year low of 7 percent. This is great news for the national economy, which continues to slowly but fairly steadily recover from the recession. Virginia’s statewide unemployment rate in October, the most recent month that data was available, was 5.6% – substantially lower than the national unemployment rate in October of 7.3%.

Manassas isn’t just a great place for those looking for work – it’s a great place for those who want to make the most of where they live, too. With its proximity to Washington, D.C., idyllic downtown and excellent variety of shopping, dining and recreation options, Manassas truly offers the whole package.

For the job seeker in Manassas who also seeks the perfect place to live, Arcadia Run apartments are at the crossroads of luxury and convenience. In addition to its ideal location in Manassas, Arcadia Run offers its residents top-notch features and various amenities. Whether you’re interested in Manassas for its job desirability, for its location, or for its charm, Arcadia Run provides a dream apartment for any renter.

SOUCES: Nerdwallet.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, census.gov

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

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