5 Signs Renting Is For You

Posted on March 27, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Anyone in search of a new place to live will have to make the choice of whether to rent or buy their home. Buying a home has it’s own appeal but today’s market conditions are making a great case for Renting an apartment. While the age-old debate of buy vs. rent can’t be settled in one article, hopefully these points will guide you in making your decision.

You Are Investment Minded

It used to be a sound part of any retirement plan to buy a home with the intent to downsize later to add to your nest egg. But this strategy is quite a bit riskier in today’s market where home values can just as easily go down as they can go up.

Some believe the downside to renting is you will never obtain the valuable asset of a home after paying off a mortgage. However, as a renter you can take the down payment you would have put down on a house into a more sure investment.

And while the mortgage you pay may be less than rent, your actual expenses as a homeowner may be more when you factor in things like property tax, insurance and maintenance. Experts say these expenses can add around 3% to the cost of your home annually—money that could be invested wisely instead.

Your Life Is A Little Unpredictable

According to the New York Times, it takes at least five years of paying a mortgage before the monthly savings catch up to extra cost of your monthly rent. Most experts believe in the “5-year rule,” which is if there is a chance you will be moving again in 5 years, then you should stick to renting.

If you have a job that is unpredictable or if you feel you are in an unstable job market, then it probably makes more sense to rent. Also, if you want the freedom in the future to look for jobs outside of your current city, then renting is an easier way to keep that option open.

You Have A Busy Schedule

Owning a home not only requires an investment of money, but often requires your time to maintain the home. This may not be an issue for some, but for those with busier schedules it’s a point worth considering.

The benefit to renting, especially for a busy professional, is the fact that it’s the landlord’s responsibility to handle costly and time-consuming maintenance issues. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes from not being financially responsible for surprise maintenance issues that are inevitable with any home.

You Want to Grow Your Family

This goes back to the 5-year rule. If you are growing your family it’s important to consider if you will outgrow your space over the next few years. Moving expenses, down payments and closing costs can really add up especially when moving multiple times in a span of just a few years.

You’re Not Particularly Handy

This one may be a little difficult for some of us to admit, but it’s important to consider what we can and can’t do ourselves before investing in a home. Consider the expense of the maintenance you can do yourself as well as the cost of hiring professionals to do what you can’t.

While the decision to rent or buy will depend on your individual situation, hopefully you now have a little more insight to make the best choice for you. Check out the new modern apartment homes in Manassas, VA we have available at Arcadia Run.

SOURCES: NYtimes.com, USnews.com, WSJ.com

Why Apartment Living is Perfect for Millennials

Posted on March 26, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

At Arcadia Run, we can attest to the fact that apartment living can be a great choice for consumers in all stages of life. Whether you’re single or have a family, in the city or in the suburbs, apartment living can make sense for many people in many different situations. But there are plenty of reasons why renting is the perfect choice for millennials in particular, including the following:

Flexibility: The flexibility of renting an apartment is ideal for millennials who don’t want to be tied down to one particular area. Once a lease is up, renters have the option to renew – or to pick up and move to a different area, city or state! The ease of renting and the flexibility offered by short-term leases are key factors in the attractiveness of renting for many millennials.

Financial freedom: Many millennials aren’t willing or able to taken on a mortgage for a home, especially when many members of this generation are busy paying back student loans while also trying to put away money into savings. An apartment can be particularly appealing when there’s the option to split the rent with a roommate (or a few roommates)!

Modern living: Many apartments offer the modern lifestyle that millennials crave. One factor in modern living is the apartment building itself, and at Arcadia Run, you’ll find modern apartment features such as over-sized kitchens, granite kitchen countertops and extended windows. Amenities are another factor that can make apartments modern, and at Arcadia Run, millennials are sure to love the resort-style swimming pool, fitness center and clubhouse coming to Arcadia Run this year!

Less stress and less maintenance: if something breaks in your apartment, you don’t have to worry about the stress of replacing or fixing it – you just call the front desk! This ease of maintenance that apartments offer is perfect for on-the-go millennials who don’t have the time to deal with these issues that often arise when owning a home.

Perfect amount of space: Single family homes can often have way too much interior (and exterior) space for busy millennials to keep up with. And unused space translates into more cleaning – and who really wants to clean space they don’t even use? Many modern apartment buildings, such as Arcadia Run, offer units that are spacious enough to live very comfortably, but they’re not unnecessarily large either.

Millennials who are interested in taking advantage of all the benefits of apartment living in beautiful Manassas, VA, don’t need to look any further than Arcadia Run! Our spacious, modern apartments units are offered in several floor plans, so you’re bound to find the perfect unit for your needs and lifestyle!

SOURCES: ForRent.com

Overcoming Challenges When Moving With Kids

Posted on March 6, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Moving should be an exciting venture – you’re going to have a new place to decorate, a new town to explore and new neighbors-soon-to-be-friends to meet. But oftentimes, the reality of moving overshadows the excitement, especially when facing the struggles of moving with kids.

Apartment Guide recently compiled a short list of guidelines to help make moving with kids a painless experience – here are a few tips to help ease the transition!

Include Family in the Search
Including your children in the apartment search and bringing them along for tours will help brighten their spirits about moving in the first place. If they help pick your new digs, chances are they’ll feel right at home when you do move.

Explore
When moving to any new location, it’s always fun to explore and see what your new hometown has in store. Kids will be especially pleased to learn that Manassas VA, home to Arcadia Run, has so many fun things to do – from playgrounds and parks, to kid zones and community events!

Find the Positives
It can be difficult for kids to move; it could mean leaving their friends, their school and their room they’ve grown to love. But this doesn’t mean they won’t make new friends, love their new school and have a room that’s even better than their old one! Accentuate the positive points to moving – and when you choose Arcadia Run, there are several!

Keep the Favorites Close
Pack your kid’s favorite stuffed animal or nighttime story last so it’s nearby if you need it. Chances are you won’t be able to unpack every box on your first night in the new place, so it’s important to have the necessities easily accessible.

Don’t Shy Away from Childcare
When the day comes to physically move your belongings from place A to place B, it might help to find childcare for your children. It’ll make your job of coordinating the move a little easier and you’ll be able to tackle the hectic process with little distraction.

Host a Small Get-Together
Once you get settled, Apartment Guide suggests throwing a small get-together with your children’s friends, as well as any other children you’ve met in your new apartment community. This help shows your kids that moving doesn’t mean leaving your old friends behind; it simply means you have more opportunities grow your existing circle of friends!

With these tips, moving your family to a new apartment can be the fun adventure you’re hoping for. And, with the opening of our Phase 2, we’re so excited to welcome new families to Arcadia Run!

Source: Apartment Guide

How Off-Season Apartment Hunting Can Benefit Renters

Posted on February 12, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

It’s true – many renters believe there is an ‘off’ and ‘on’ season when it comes to finding a new apartment to call home. And while that’s true to some extent, it doesn’t necessarily mean ‘off’ season isn’t the time to land that dream apartment.

The winter months are typically considered the ‘off-season’, and believe it or not, there are several benefits to apartment shopping this time of year!

Less Competition:

When searching for a new apartment home during the winter, when most of your fellow renters aren’t, much of the competition that’s present during the spring and summer is eliminated. Less competition in general gives you a better chance of finding that perfect apartment!

Less Pressure:

And, with fewer renters hitting the market, there will be less pressure to move quickly. While an opportunity might not last forever, you could have a little more breathing room and the luxury to take your time. But believe us, once you see our new apartments at Arcadia Run, you won’t want to waste another minute searching anywhere else!

Better Selection:

Also because of reduced competition, renters may find they have more selection when it comes to choosing their next space. Here at Arcadia Run, we take great pride in offering several apartment home floor plans, giving our tenants the best variety any season of the year!

Get In Early:

Come spring, when other tenants are just starting their search, you’ll already be comfortably living in the apartment community of your choice! Who wouldn’t enjoy that?

Truly, any time of the year has its own benefits when apartment hunting, but not all as unique as the winter. So take advantage of the season and choose a new apartment home at Arcadia Run. Phase 2 of our community is now leasing, offering tenants with an incredible selection of newly built, luxury apartments.

Get used to getting more with Arcadia Run – granite countertops, luxury ‘hardwood’ vinyl flooring, upgraded kitchen appliances, extended windows, plans for outstanding community amenities and so much more!

De-Stress Your Move With These Helpful Tips!

Posted on December 17, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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

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

Color Coordinate

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

Pack Strategically

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

Keep a Task List

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

Good Will

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

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

“No Nails” Apartment Decor

Posted on December 5, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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

Stand-Alone Shelving

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

Temporary Hooks

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

Putty

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

Wall Stickers

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

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

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

Cozy Apartment Trends This Winter

Posted on November 24, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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

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

False Candles

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

Shag Rug

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

Plenty of Pillows

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

Switch Up Your Bedding

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

Layers

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

Neighborly Love at Arcadia Run

Posted on October 28, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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

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

Borrowing:

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

Murphy’s Law:

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

Pet Sitting:

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

Babysitting:

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

Party Time:

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

Cooperative Efforts:

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

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

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

Source: Apartment Guide

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

Posted on September 29, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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

1. Perfect moving weather—a happy medium.

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

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

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

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

2. Save money on utilities.

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

3. Snow Shoveling & Other Services

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

4. Enjoy the fall festivities!

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

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

Manassas 32^nd Annual Fall Jubilee

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

Manassas, VA

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

4^th Annual Oktoberfest

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

Haymarket, VA

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

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

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

Sources

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

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

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

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

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!