Must-Dos When Touring An Apartment Community

When you are visiting apartment communities, it’s exciting to know that a new beginning is in your future! While there are some obvious things you will do on your visits, like tour the apartments and amenities, you may forget about other important factors if you feel overwhelmed or too excited during your visit. Because we want you to be fully prepared and certain that Arcadia Run is right for you, take a look at our must-dos when touring an apartment community!

Get to know the features

Before you even arrive at an apartment community, make sure you have a list of what you are looking for in an apartment home. When you tour the model apartment, be sure to ask questions about standard features, the different types of floorplans available, and any policies for the units. Arcadia Run’s apartment homes are among the best in the area, with modern features, appliances, an in-unit washer and dryer, and more storage space than many apartment communities today.

Discover the amenities

We know that an apartment home will probably be the most important thing contributing to your decision, but the amenities are a big factor to consider as well! At Arcadia Run, visitors have been blown away by our modern amenities time and time again, and we know you will be too! Our new amenities include a resort-style pool, ball court, large fitness center, lounges, theater, playground, and so much more! The most important part of discovering the amenities is to be observant so that you have the chance to bring up any questions you may have.

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Learn about maintenance

You don’t want to move into an apartment community without knowing that the management has your back when it comes to apartment repairs. No matter how new an apartment building is, there is always the chance that an emergency repair could be needed. At Arcadia Run, we have 24/7, emergency maintenance on call, so you can live worry-free and remain safe in your new apartment home.

Talk to some of the residents

The best way to get to know an apartment community is to speak to residents who already live there! While you are exploring the amenities and beautifully landscaped grounds at Arcadia Run, strike up a conversation. Ask residents to share their favorite things about the community, what kinds of social events take place, how long they have lived there, etc. Our residents here at Arcadia Run are truly some of the best around.

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Sit down with the leasing staff

You might feel shy or hesitant to ask questions about the community and apartment homes, but this is what our amazing leasing staff is here for! At Arcadia Run, you can schedule an appointment with any of our leasing staff professionals who are always willing to help with any questions or concerns you may have. Take some time to get to know them and sit down to discuss your wants and needs for things like floor plans, living with a pet, etc.

Learn about conveniences provided

Apartment living is popular because of the amazing conveniences that this lifestyle offers! Arcadia Run goes above and beyond to make sure that living in our new apartment home community means less time worrying and more time enjoying. Some of our conveniences include a school bus stop on site, an open parking policy, easy online rent paying services, a mail concierge, 24-hour cyber café with free printer and coffee bar, and more.

Explore the neighborhood

Sure, you can visit our website and see some of the nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues on a map, but there is nothing like getting to know the area first-hand. Drive around the Gateway Center and Promenade Commons to discover your favorite new stores, or take a quick drive to Downtown Manassas to soak in some history and try a few local eats.

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If you’re ready to come visit Arcadia Run and find out why this is the perfect apartment community for you, schedule and appointment online or give us a call!

The 2016 Renter: An In Depth Look

At Arcadia Run, residents have to “get used to getting more” everyday. Our new apartment home community has many amenities and features that are important factors for renters when it comes time to choose their new apartment home. Luxury apartment features include granite countertops, laminate “hardwood” flooring, designer kitchen cabinets, lots of storage space, and more, while our BRAND NEW amenities really take the cake. The Clubhouse at Arcadia Run holds our resort-style pool, modern business center, fitness center, leasing office, lounge, and more! Check out how Arcadia Run stacks up against the needs of 2016’s renter in the infographic below:

Reasons to Rent in Manassas

In terms of features and amenities, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than Arcadia Run. It offers a variety of floorplans that are sure to suit anyone’s needs, many desirable features and amenities such as a fitness center and a resort-style swimming pool. One thing that is overlooked about this community is its location. Located in Prince William County, Manassas is a city that features the best of both worlds. It offers you the feel of a small town while also being close enough to provide a taste of big city life. If you’re looking to rent, Manassas has many things that make it a great place to live.

The city of Manassas is in a great location if you’re looking to commute. It’s just 30 miles away from Washington D.C. and the rest of northern Virginia, meaning you’re close enough to drive into the area for work. There’s also a VRE (Virginia Railway Express) station, allowing you to skip your drive and take the train, whether you are going down to Fredericksburg or heading up to D.C.

Manassas is one of the most historic cities in Virginia. It was the site of the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the Civil War. There are representations of this history and other civil war era battles all over the city. You can find out about the long history of the city at the Manassas Museum, which hosts permanent and temporary exhibits and award-winning videos within its 7,000 square-foot walls. You can also find a piece of more current history at the Manassas Train Depot. Built in 1914, the depot hosts the Manassas Visitor Center along with being a stop for Amtrak and VRE trains.In historic downtown, you’ll find a great variety of shops filled with locally-made products such as jewelry, music, books, crafts and more. You’ll also find many restaurants that offer varied cuisine from around the world, from Portuguese food to sports bars. You can also visit one of their local breweries and grab a craft beer with your friends or neighbors.

If you’re looking for something active, the city features 12 different parks and recreations facilities for you to experience. Whether you want to go for a swim, walk your dog or play a game of basketball, you’ll find a fun activity to participate in.Manassas has a lot to offer anyone looking for the small-town charm with a big-city feel. If you’re interested in finding out more about Arcadia Run, please check out our website.

Sources: visitmanassas.org, manassascity.org, manassasparkcommunitycenter.com

Which Generations Are Shifting to Renting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE: MainStreet.com, The Atlantic

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

 

Signs You’ll Be Happier Renting

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

Renting – The New American Dream?

Years ago, the American Dream included owning a house in the suburbs, among other old-school ideals. However through unstable markets and changing mindsets, the dream has transformed into something new. The new American Dream includes renting, urban living, and revolves around consumer convenience.

Even though many people can afford to buy a house, they are opting to rent their homes instead. Residents can avoid costs for maintenance, homeowner’s taxes, and other housing burdens by renting. Many apartment complexes, Arcadia Run included, take care of maintenance costs for you, making your living experience that much better.

This allows tenants to spend their extra money elsewhere.  They can save up for a new car or put more money away for savings.  Rent is also typically cheaper than mortgage payments, allowing residents to save even more money. Many homeowners will put any extra cash they have straight back into their home.  But with how the housing market has been in the past, if they lose the house, they’ll also lose all the money and hard work they invested into it.

With renting comes the security and reassurance that you won’t be losing your house or be drowning in mortgage payments.  More and more people are seeing this lifestyle as more desirable (who wouldn’t?) than going through the process of owning a home.  Not to mention, more people want to live in environments where they are close to everything they need.  When buried in the suburbs, homeowners have to drive to virtually everywhere they go.  Renting in Arcadia Run allows tenants to walk to many places like the gym and other apartment amenities.  It’s also close to downtown historic Manassas, a huge venue for fun and activities.

Renting allows residents to live the American Dream to the fullest, without worrying about mortgages, interest rates, or even foreclosures.  And, it helps them to pocket the extra money they save, allowing them to splurge on themselves and their families more often.  The American Dream isn’t gone; it has only changed to become more relevant and universally accepted today. Arcadia Run apartments make it easy to choose this lifestyle over any other.  Our residents are active, living life to the fullest, and achieving the American Dream every day.