7 Sought-After Apartment Features

Posted on December 21, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Many of today’s renters seek apartments with a number of features and amenities. The unique combination of unit features and community amenities available in an apartment community are what truly differentiates one apartment community from another! Comparing and contrasting apartment features can be stressful, especially if you are unsure about what you want. One key step in the apartment hunting process should be to make a list of apartment features and amenities that are a top-priority for you.

Here are a few of the apartment features and community amenities today’s apartment renters like, love and simply cannot live without, according to a few industry leaders. While on the hunt for your next apartment, be sure to add these sought-after apartment features and amenities to your list:

Walk-In Closet: According to National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and Kingsley’s 2015 Apartment Resident Preference Survey, 89% of those surveyed indicated that walk-in closets were one of the most enticing amenities or features they considered when evaluating rental properties.

In-Unit Washer & Dryer: 87% of those surveyed in NMHC / Kingsley’s 2015 study also indicated that in-unit laundry facilities were a must-have apartment feature. Renters are attracted to the convenience of having their own washer and dryer in their apartment.

Patio or Balcony: Additionally, 87% of the responded to NMHC / Kingsley’s 2015 study indicated that balconies or patios were a must when evaluating and comparing rental properties. Even a small outdoor space can have a positive affect on a renter’s decision.

Package Receiving Services: Apartment communities have seen a dramatic increase in the number of packages delivered for their residents over the past few years, as online shopping has blossomed into a $300 billion industry (according to NMHC.org). In fact, the typical apartment community receives over 100 packages a day! For this reason, it comes as no surprise that many of today’s renters, (72% according to NMHC / Kingsley’s study), are looking for apartments with package receiving services.

Fitness Center: In a recent survey conducted by Landlordology.com on what amenities Gen Y tenants want—83% of those surveyed indicated that community fitness centers or gyms were the amenity or feature they valued the most when comparing and deciding between apartments.

Pool: It should come as no surprise that a community pool made the list of the most sought-after apartment features in 2015! After all, who wouldn’t want to unwind poolside at the end of a long work day? Community pools topped ForRent.com’s recent list of the Top 15 Searched Amenities, and 83% of respondents to NMHC / Kingsley’s 2015 survey indicated that community pools were considered a high-value amenity to them.

Pet Friendly: Last but certainly not least—according to AppFolio, 76% of modern renters own either a cat or a dog. That’s why many of today’s apartments (including Arcadia Run) are pet-friendly!

From the spacious floor plans of our one and two bedroom apartments, and the marvelous modern features that come standard in each and every one of our apartments, to our community’s amazing amenities—there’s no question that you’ll get used to getting more at Arcadia Run!

Schedule an appointment, or stop by to check out our brand new apartments, conveniently located in beautiful, historic Manassas Virginia!

Sources: 2015 NHMC/Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Survey, Landlordology.com, NHMC.org, realtor.com, forrent.com, appfolio.com

Prepare Your Apartment for the Holidays

Posted on December 1, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

If you didn’t already know, the winter holidays are almost here! It can be an overwhelming yet fun time of the year, but sometimes things are forgotten when it comes to preparing your apartment home for guests and colder weather. At Arcadia Run we want you (and your apartment) to be ready to bring on the holidays, so here is a list of “to remembers” for this season!

Add the warmth – When the weather starts to get cold, your breezy summer sheets are not going to cut it. Replace bed linens with warmer sheets, like flannel, or add a fleece blanket to make sure you and your holiday guests will stay warm and comfy at night. Also consider area rugs for places like the hallway, because nothing is worse than walking on hard floors with bare feet in December!

Clean – This may be an obvious step, but it doesn’t just mean doing the dishes! During the summer and fall months, allergens, pollen, and dust can get trapped in things like carpets and curtains, or rest on the tops of surfaces. Do a deep cleaning of your apartment to make sure you start fresh this season!

Get ahead of yourself – If you expect that you will have guests visiting for the holidays, stock up on winter home essentials to make your hosting days easier. Items like extra blankets, hot chocolate or tea, and movies & games will save you some last minute trips to the store.

Convert your wardrobe – There is no need to keep your tank tops and mini skirts hanging in the closet when it is getting cold outside. Because of the abundant storage space in Arcadia Run apartments, you can rotate wardrobes according to the season, and store your flip-flops for warmer days at the pool.

Declutter, then decorate – The first thing that many of us jump to during the holidays is decorating, because let’s face it; it is the most fun part! It is important to declutter your space BEFORE you decorate to avoid making a larger mess than you started with. Visit the new Arcadia Run Clubhouse for some decorating tips and tricks!

Buy winter essentials early – Often times during the thick of the cold months, stores will run out of certain “high demand” seasonal items. These everyday items like lint rollers, static spray, slippers, gift-wrapping supplies, and even calendars will go fast, so get them while you can! And at Arcadia Run, you will have plenty of room to keep everything.

Sources: myhomeideas.com , apartmenttherapy.com

Why Manassas is the Ideal Location to Rent an Apartment

Posted on November 18, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

At Arcadia Run, we could not imagine living in a better location than Manassas in Northern Virginia! With beautiful apartment homes, rich history, amazing local businesses and a central location, you can’t beat the accessibility and convenience of our city. Take a look at the many reasons why Manassas is the ideal location to rent your new apartment home!

One of the Best

WalletHub recently named Manassas one of the best small towns in Virginia! By combining factors like, affordability, economic health, education & health, and quality of life, 1,268 small cities were ranked in WalletHub’s study conducted in October. Our amazing “small city” of Manassas was ranked the 8th best small city in Virginia and #276 overall on the list. The website explains their methodology by saying that living in a small city “creates a sense of greater wealth because of cheaper living cost.”

History

The local culture in Manassas is infused with a rich American history wherever you turn. A very prominent location for important events and battles during the Civil War, Manassas is still home to many historic sites. The Manassas National Battlefield Park, Old Town Manassas, and the Stone Bridge are just a few of our favorite spots to explore!

Convenience

Just minutes from Arcadia Run, is some of the area’s best shopping and dining. From the Manassas Mall, to Bull Run Plaza, and downtown Manassas, there are endless stores and restaurants to visit for your everyday needs! Additionally, Historic Downtown Manassas has weekly events as well as some of our favorite local shopping and dining spots!

Location

Located in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Arcadia Run is a great location for those who want to be close to the city for work or for play! Manassas allows for a suburban lifestyle while still being less than 30 minutes to Dulles International Airport and just 45 minutes to the heart of D.C.

Luxury Apartments

At Arcadia Run, there are brand new apartments and amenities to enjoy! Our luxury apartments for rent include modern features such as granite countertops, 42” designer kitchen cabinets, vinyl “hardwood” flooring, abundant storage space, and a variety of floor plans to choose from.

If we haven’t already convinced you that Arcadia Run is the perfect home for you, visit us today to take a look at our brand new amenities, apartments, and meet with our amazing sales team!

Sources: visitmanassas.org, virginia.org

6 Steps Towards the Perfect Sleep in Your New Bedroom

Posted on October 27, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Everyone has their own strategies for a good night’s sleep, but if you are looking for a few pointers to make your bedroom more sleep friendly, you have come to the right place! Here are 6 more steps towards the perfect sleep in your new bedroom at Arcadia Run:

Make the space serene: Having your room decorated in a pleasing way creates a serene environment to give you a more peaceful sleep. When choosing colors for your room, light colors, especially blue, will benefit your mood and sleep.

Choose a good temperature: Studies have shown that too hot or too cold rooms will disturb your sleep and cause you to toss and turn during the night. The ideal temperature for quality sleep is between 60-67 degrees.

Block the distractions & noise: Your body’s natural sleep cycle can be disturbed by light and noises coming from all of the electronics and other distractions that are in your bedroom. When you go to sleep, keep all of the distractions to a minimum and try not to fall asleep with the television on. If you must be on your phone, computer or tablet, keep the brightness down.

Add calming scents: Certain scents, such as lavender, vanilla, and jasmine have a calming effect on your body, which may help you fall asleep faster. If you are wary about using candles or air fresheners, prepare a nice cup of hot tea with these flavors and for the same calming effect.

Keep it clean: If you tend to have a messy room, you are more likely to have some stress caused by the mess when you go to bed and then again when you wake up. Laundry is one of the top causes of a messy room, so make it a priority to keep up with your laundry routine.

Make a comfortable bed: Everyone has a different idea of what a comfy bed feels like. Finding the most comfortable bed for you is all about trial and error because you might fall asleep faster with a firm mattress than with a soft one, or vice versa. And don’t forget, the same goes for pillows!

Sometimes habits take awhile to change, so if you want to start adjusting your sleeping routines with these awesome steps, you don’t have to rush into it. Take it slow and steadily integrate these as a part of your go-to tricks for a perfect sleep!

Source: http://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a4388/bedroom-sleep-tips/

2015’s 6 Hottest Apartment Amenities

Posted on October 23, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Today’s apartment renters have recently added a number of state-of-the-art amenities to their must-have list—but what are these amenities, and why are they so important? Read on to learn about a few of today’s most sought-after apartment amenities, and how Arcadia Run delivers on the hottest amenities of 2015:

Chic Community Clubhouses: First and foremost, today’s renters are looking for chic, all-encompassing community spaces to interact with their fellow residents. Arcadia Run’s new Clubhouse satisfies this need, while delivering so much more! Our Clubhouse offers renters a number of amenities and spaces our residents here at Arcadia Run have already fallen in love with—from the lounge and bar areas to a 24-Hour Business Center, state-of-the-art computers and more!

Furthermore, these community amenities are set within a clubhouse with a stunning, modern yet rustic design—which recently won the 2015 Great American Living Award for Best Interior Merchandising in a Freestanding Clubhouse! Just one visit and we think you’ll agree—there are just so many reasons to love the new clubhouse at Arcadia Run.

State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers: Fitness facilities have continued to grow more and more popular in recent years, as renters realize the unique appeal of on-site fitness facilities—like fitness centers, basketball courts and more. Many renters continue to rank on-site fitness facilities rather high on their list of priorities while apartment hunting. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by the National Multifamily Housing Council, 84% of today’s renters agree that a top-of-the-line fitness center is one of, if not the most important community amenity of all. This should come as no surprise—the ease and convenience of on-site fitness facilities is a no-brainer!

The on-site fitness facilities at Arcadia Run offer residents state-of-the-art fitness facilities with our brand new Fitness Center and Basketball Court. Our new Fitness Center is sure to impress—as it comes fully-equipped with top-of-the-line fitness equipment with smartphone plug-in’s and audio jacks, along with a few TV’s to let you catch up on your favorite shows while working out. Why spend $50 a month on a gym membership, when you could workout alongside your neighbors, just outside your door?

Cinema-Style Movie Screening Spaces: Looking for yet another way to save a little money? Skip the movie theater and catch a flick in our Community Theater Room! Arcadia Run residents love to take advantage of our community cinema—so just sit back, relax and watch your favorite flick with a few friends!

Stunning Swimming Pools: There’s no question that a community swimming pool is always a huge plus! A community swimming offers residents a great place to hang out and relax with friends and neighbors alike. Our resort-style pool here at Arcadia Run is perfect for just that—a picture-perfect pool to swim a few laps or just escape from the heat!

Resort-Style Outdoor Amenities: Looking to relax poolside without actually setting foot in the water? Kick back, relax and enjoy the fresh air on our Clubhouse Porch! Nowadays, renters are looking for apartments with luxe, outdoor resort-style amenities to unwind and relax. Our Clubhouse Porch here at Arcadia Run comes complete with comfy couches, a cozy fireplace and countless luxe, resort-style finishings to make this space a beloved community amenity year-round!

Fabulous Fire Pits: Today’s renters are always looking to extend their opportunities to take in the fresh air and socialize with the fellow residents—even during the colder months. Unique amenities like the Fire Pit at Arcadia Run is the perfect venue for neighborly bonding and community-wide fun!

For more on the amenities at Arcadia Run, check out Arcadia Run on Facebook, and peruse our Amenities Photo Gallery on our website!

Sources: realtor.com, multifamilyexecutive.com, chicagotribune.com, forbes.com, apartmentguide.com, forrent.com

Apartment Must-Haves

Posted on October 13, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Here at Arcadia Run, we specialize in luxury apartment living and we want our residents to be just as excited about their new apartment home as we are! Whether you are a seasoned apartment renter, or you have found your first apartment home here at Arcadia Run, we are here to help you gather our top picks for apartment must-haves!

Mirrors – These are the miracle workers of interior design. They can rework any space and are so versatile. Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes and styles to choose from, and the best part? They give the illusion of making spaces look larger and more open.

One awesome piece of artwork – Sometimes people think that they need a lot of decorations throughout the apartment, when in reality; all you need is one statement piece in each room, with accessories to compliment it. Think a nice canvas painting, photo collage, or light fixture.

Area rugs – Area rugs are not only comfortable, they help define a space and add some style to any room. Area rugs are great for underneath of a coffee table or in hallways to transition your style from room to room. Check out all of our available floor plans here!

A spot for mail & keys – Any home needs a space for important things so that they don’t get misplaced! Create a spot by the front door to keep mail and put your keys so that you always know where they are. You can use a nice basket, or look into hang-able wall options.

Cleaning supplies – It sounds silly, but you really do need to think about cleaning supplies when moving into an apartment. Luckily, there are so many multipurpose cleaning solutions and products that you can pretty much use throughout your entire apartment. Apartments at Arcadia Run also have lots of storage space, so you can fit all of your cleaning supplies with no problem.

Kitchen gear – Before buying things for your kitchen, think about how much you cook, what types of food you cook, and which kitchen supplies will be versatile for you. It’s also important to keep focused on quality rather than quantity, so you don’t have to re-buy poor quality kitchen utensils that might break. The 42” designer kitchen cabinets in Arcadia Run’s brand new apartment homes will hold everything you need!

First aid — You never know when an accident will happen. If you accidentally cut yourself, fall & scrape your leg, or have no idea where that scratch came from, you are going to want to have medical supplies on hand right away.

A personal touch – This is the most important apartment must-have! Your apartment home at Arcadia Run will be your space and personal oasis. The space should reflect your personal style and living needs. New apartment homes at Arcadia Run already come with amazing features, so the rest is up to you!

Reasons to Love the New Clubhouse at Arcadia Run

Posted on September 30, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

We can’t get enough of the new luxury clubhouse at Arcadia Run! If you haven’t seen the clubhouse and all of the amazing features in it, now is the time to stop by. Take a look at just some reasons to love the new clubhouse here at Arcadia Run!

The amazing interiors

The modern rustic style of the clubhouse gives it a sophisticated look but a warm and welcoming feel. If you are having trouble decorating your new apartment home, stop by the clubhouse for some cool design inspiration!

Another space to socialize

With so many spaces in the clubhouse, there is more than one way to hang out with friends and family. Hold a gathering to watch a football game in one of the lounges or entertain friends in the bar area.

It’s easy to get some work done

With technology being everything these days, we know that our residents value accessibility to it. With state of the art computers in the main lounge, and even a conference room, you have everything you need for a hard days work.

The spacious & modern fitness center

Often gyms feel dirty or cramped and you feel like you can’t get a good workout. Our fitness center is new, clean, and equipped with modern cardio and circuit machines for quality exercise time.

A fireplace on the porch? Yes please!

The porch behind the clubhouse is a great place to relax and watch some television or just chat by the fireplace. It’s good to go out and get some fresh air, even if you are still sitting on a couch.

You can relax or play outside

In the summer months, our residents get to enjoy the resort-style pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas. On either sides of the pool, you will find ball courts, a playground, and even a fire pit!

The theater room

Want the feel of a movie theater without going too far? Great! We had a state of the art theater put into our clubhouse so you can enjoy your own movies on the big screen!

For more information on Arcadia Run, or additional photos of our clubhouse and amenities, visit arcadiarun.com!

Ultimate Moving Checklist

Posted on September 4, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Moving into your new apartment home at Arcadia Run is very exciting but at the same time, moving anywhere can be very stressful if you are unprepared! We have put together the ultimate moving checklist and timeline from the Apartment Guide so you know that you can be ready and less stressed on move-in day!

5-6 weeks before you move

make sure to notify your current landlord that you will be moving out & ask about necessary actions
are you moving everything by yourself?
designate a special folder for moving documents
devise a budget for moving including furniture, moving company fees, food during time of move, etc.
transfer renters insurance
start collecting boxes, packing tape, markers, etc.

3-4 weeks before you move

sort through your things, everyone accumulates clutter now and again
change your mailing address
schedule a transfer or cancel of utilities
do you need a day off of work to move?
arrange any storage you need during moving time
throw away things you will not be putting in storage or taking with you
confirm move in date, moving company, and storage
do you need to clean your apartment before you leave? Schedule a day to clean

1 week before you move

finish packing most of your things – packing by room is easiest for unpacking later
remember how many boxes you have to take inventory – nothing is worse than losing the box with all of your shirts in it
confirm installation of utilities in your new apartment
CLEAN
arrange parking for unloading on moving day

Moving Day

take out trash & last minute things
pack your vehicle
do a twice over through the apartment to make sure you don’t forget anything
turn in your key!

Welcome to your new apartment at Arcadia Run!

do a once over of the apartment to map out where everything will go
clear a path for moving in boxes and furniture (prop open doors, etc.)
bring everything inside!
take inventory… again
start unpacking and place your furniture
relax, you’re home!

Now you are all moved in to your new apartment home and you can start getting used to getting more with the wonderful community and brand new amenities at Arcadia Run!

Source: Apartment Guide

Back to School At Arcadia Run

Posted on August 27, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

It’s that time of year again, there is a crisp feel to the morning air and the kids are getting excited. Of course, its back to school time! At Arcadia Run we want you to be the most prepared that you have ever been for the upcoming school year. Although it is a busy season, you should still enjoy it without the stress! We rounded up some of the important things to remember for back to school:

School supplies– We suggest that you shop through your home first, you never know what stray supplies you have collected throughout the previous school year. Not only does this go for supplies, but your kids might still fit into those jeans from last year.

Prepare your apartment– With lots of storage space in your new apartment home at Arcadia Run, it’s easy to stock up on items you will need later. Dedicate a storage space for things like textbooks, extra supplies, and important school papers to keep yourself organized.

Savor the weather– When the kids are done with their homework, go for a walk, play on the new Arcadia Run playground, or shoot some hoops at our new ball court. Staying active is a great way to keep those young minds stimulated and ready for the challenging classes ahead!

Plan meals– During the weekend, take a few minutes to plan out packed lunches and dinner ideas for the rest of the week. This way you can do grocery shopping on the weekend for stress free cooking during the week.

Get appointments over with– Schedule doctor, dentist, eye & orthodontist appointments as soon as you get the schedule for the school year. This way you can work around extracurricular activities and work with days off to get necessary appointments over with.

We hope that these tips will get you and your family on track for the upcoming school year! Don’t forget to use these last days of summer to take advantage of the new amenities at Arcadia Run!

6 Ways to Beat the End of Summer Heat at Arcadia Run

Posted on August 21, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Everyone know that August and early September can get super hot, especially here in Manassas, VA! We have some great tips on how to beat the heat for the last few weeks of the summer at Arcadia Run!

Outside your apartment

Take a dip in the pool: Our brand new resort style pool is perfect for cooling off! You can swim some laps, dip your feet in, or float around on a raft. No matter what you prefer, our pool is going to be a refreshing escape from the heat.
Go for a hike: Virginia includes some of the most diverse landscapes, from farms to mountains and beaches. Convenient for Arcadia Run residents, Hemlock Overlook Regional Parkis located right here in Manassas! It’s a great place to take a hike through the shade of a forest and discover some of Virginia’s beautiful nature trails.
Watch a movie: Luckily for Arcadia Run residents, we have a brand new theater room in our clubhouse! Grab a group of friends and chill out in the clubhouse as you lounge and watch your favorite flick.

Inside your apartment

Block sunny windows: If staying inside is more your thing to do to avoid the swelter outside, block the sunlight from coming in with curtains or blinds. This will keep your new apartment home nice and cool.
Limit oven use: Although our new apartments here at Arcadia Run are equipped with state of the art kitchen appliances, oven use in any home will contribute to heat. Eat more fresh foods while it’s hot out, like a nice summer salad or sushi, so you’re not cooking (food or yourself) in the heat.
Buy indoor plants: The energy plants need to survive is from sunlight and water, but they also keep the air around themselves cool. The air around plants is cooler because instead of reflecting the energy (heat) in the air, they absorb it.

Sources: forbes.com, alltrails.com