Category: Apartment Hunting

Christmas Tree disposal tips

Green Ways to Dispose of Live Christmas Trees

Christmas is over. The halls are undecked.  So what do you do with your Christmas tree? If it’s artificial, then simply pack it back up and store it until next season. Disposing of a live tree is a little more complicated. First, burning your Christmas tree can be problematic, since the sap is highly flammable.  Throwing your tree in the dumpster and let the municipal or private trash service deal with it may be an issue because your trash service may not pick up Christmas trees with the regular trash pickup. Check with your building support staff to see if there are special pickup days for Christmas trees. 

Here are some environmentally friendly ideas for disposing of your Christmas tree:

Donate the tree to a nature habitat. Wildlife and birds can use the discarded tree as shelter and the tree will biodegrade in its natural surroundings, thus enriching the soil around it.

Donate the tree to an area lake. Leftover Christmas trees can be submerged in lakes or ponds. They provide shelter and safety for fish and any algae that grow will serve as a food source for underwater life.

Donate the tree to your town or city. In some cities, the public works department will collect discarded Christmas trees. The trees are mulched and used in municipal parks, gardens, and median planters.

Donate the tree to a community garden. This is a great way to get rid of your tree and help feed your community. At the public allotment, the trees will be mulched and used to feed herb, fruit, and vegetable crops that can feed those living in food deserts.

Consider purchasing a live potted fir tree. You can find these at nurseries. Simply take care of the tree like you would any plant. After the season, you can donate it to a Christmas tree farm, park, or forestry service for replanting.

You can still enjoy the splendor and delightful fragrance of a fresh Christmas tree during the holidays, especially if you have a plan on what to do with it after all the festivities have concluded. By being sensitive about live Christmas tree disposal, you can complete the cycle by giving back to nature.

Celebrate This Christmas in a new VC Apartment

Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, where you place it is what really matters. When you live in a Vision Community, you have the freedom to make your space your own, and that includes decorating your apartment to celebrate the holidays.  

If you are looking for a new apartment, be sure to put a VC community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Getting to Know Your Neighbors

The Importance of Knowing Your Neighbors

One of the advantages of apartment living is that you have an automatic built-in network of neighbors, and possibly, friends. Where to begin? Many times, the ice is broken for you, as your new neighbors may reach out to introduce themselves and welcome you. You can also reach out to people you encounter in common areas like by the mailbox, in the elevator, or in other shared spaces like the coffee bar or fitness center. Simply greet the person, introduce themselves, and if you have questions about the apartment community, ask them. Most people enjoy an informal chat and you can pick up valuable information about your new surroundings; as a bonus, you may make a new friend.

Even if you crave privacy, it’s still a good idea to get to know the people who live around you. Here are a few reasons why:

Safety in numbers. Having trusted allies in your building can be helpful if there is a problem tenant whose actions are disturbing the peace of several residents. That way, you have a unified front to present to the apartment manager. As well, just having somebody looking out for you and vice versa goes a long way in promoting safety.

Source of assistance and support. Have you run out of a key ingredient for a recipe or need something simple like a Band-aid? It may sound clichéd, but it happens. It’s nice to know that you can pop next door or across the hall to borrow what you need and save a trip to the store for a single item. Or maybe you need a hand in assembling a piece of IKEA furniture with 1,000+ parts. That’s what a good neighbor is for.

Pet care and package pickup. It’s great to have a trusted neighbor to look after your pet if you go out of town. They can also take care of your houseplants and pick up any online deliveries that arrive while you’re away.

Companionship. It’s nice to have a close friend who’s next door or on the floor above you. You have built-in companionship to watch a big game, binge-watch your favorite show together, or go out to dinner.

Obviously, use good judgment, but give people the benefit of the doubt. If you pick up uncomfortable vibes from someone or they seem standoffish to you, that doesn’t mean they are a bad person or dangerous. They could be having a bad day or just not interested in making new friends at the moment. Meeting your neighbors and making new friends in an apartment complex takes a bit of work and ingenuity, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

We are Vision Communities

Community is in our name. At Vision Communities, we work hard to create the space and amenities to give you community spaces to connect with others. Your apartment is your own cozy space, but our coffee bars, gyms, dog parks and other common areas are designed to help you meet and make friends within the complex.

If you are looking for a new apartment, be sure to put a VC community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Moving From a House to an Apartment

There are a number of reasons why you may be moving from a house to an apartment. Perhaps you’re an empty nester. Maybe you’re downsizing. You could be a recent college graduate who shared a house with roommates. Regardless of the reason, it is a big adjustment. What you may be giving up in space and privacy, you will recoup with no maintenance hassles, a smaller space to keep clean and organized, and the numerous perks that go with apartment living. On the other hand, you’ll need to adjust or readjust to communal living with shared spaces and in some instances, a higher noise level, especially if you’re relocating from a suburb to an apartment in the city. If you’ve decided to make the transition, here are some steps to getting prepared.

Measure the floor space in your new apartment. If possible, see if your new landlord will let you get into the unit or an empty one with an identical layout, so you can take photos and measurements. This intel will be invaluable in helping you decide what you need to pack, purge, or purchase.

Get organized. Take inventory of what you own and if/how it will fit into the floor plan of your new apartment. Be intentional. If you haven’t worn it or used it for a long time, get rid of it. If the item is broken beyond reasonable repair, stained, ripped, outdated, etc., then throw it away. The rest? Have a garage sale, and what you don’t sell, you can donate to charity. If you’re not in a hurry to move, you can sell belongings that you no longer need or want online.

Think about storage. One downside of apartment living is that you don’t have an attic, basement, or garage for storage. Most apartments have some type of onsite storage units, but those are limited in size. When shopping for furniture and décor, choose items that can double as storage, such as a cool antique trunk that can double as a coffee table or ottomans that you can open and stash stuff inside of.

Once you’ve completed the move, you can settle into your new apartment and take advantage of all it has to offer. Check out the pool area, clubhouse, fitness center, and other amenities. A bonus is that you may meet some of your new neighbors in the process. Since you won’t be spending your free time mowing the yard, raking leaves, or shoveling snow, you can enjoy all of the benefits apartment living has to offer.

Explore Vision Communities in Central Ohio

If you are looking to make a move to a new apartment, Vision Communities has floor plans and amenities that you will enjoy. Our state of the art communities provide luxury apartments that give you space to make your own.

If you are exploring apartment options, be sure to put a Vision Community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Renter’s Insurance 101

If you’re apartment hunting or getting ready to sign a lease, you have probably discovered that landlords require you to carry renter’s insurance and it’s usually non-negotiable. Renter’s insurance covers the contents of your apartment in the event of fire, water damage, vandalism, theft, etc., along with personal liability and medical expenses if someone is injured while in your apartment. Renter’s insurance does not cover the actual building or other parts of the property — that is the responsibility of the property management company. Just keep in mind that the insurance coverage for the overall property does not cover the personal contents of your apartment or storage unit (if you have one.) It’s also important to understand that if you have roommates, each occupant of your apartment needs a separate renters insurance policy.

Specifics of coverage will vary depending on your insurance company, your zip code, your deductible, and other factors. Renters insurance is a lot less expensive than homeowners’ insurance and you can usually get a good deal if you bundle your renter’s insurance with your auto insurance policy. There may be some restrictions or higher costs if you live in specific areas. For example, if your apartment is located in a flood plain or area that is prone to earthquakes, these incidents might be exempt from coverage or you may have to pay a lot more.

Keep in mind that filing a claim and getting reimbursed can take some time. That’s why it’s important that you keep an inventory of your belongings. Take photos or make a video on your phone to document what you own and make sure to keep your receipts or other documentation of what you paid for your belongings. That will make it much easier to prove what you lost when filing a claim.

While renters insurance may seem like a hassle or something that “you’ll never need,” don’t fool yourself. Anything can happen. As well, it will make it much easier for you to rent an apartment, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered if the unexpected occurs.

FIND A NEW APARTMENT IN A VISION COMMUNITY

At Vision Communities, we are committed to providing apartment communities that you’ll be proud of. If you are looking for a new adventure, be sure to put a VC community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

How to Not Lose Your Deposit When You Move

Probably the biggest concern of renters when moving out of an apartment is if they will get their security deposit back. You pay your security deposit when you move in and the amount is typically the first (and last) month’s rent, along with any other charges, such as an application fee, credit check, and extra deposit if you have a pet. The purpose of the deposit is to hold the money in case it needs to be used to make any repairs to the unit after a tenant has vacated.

Getting your security deposit back shouldn’t be an issue if you follow the language in your lease and have done your best to be a responsible tenant and keep the apartment in good shape while you lived there. However, some landlords can be extremely picky or downright dishonest and explore every angle to avoid returning your security deposit.

Here are some tips to increase the odds that you’ll be paid back:

  1. Read the terms of your lease. Your lease should spell out the expectations for moving out, including giving notice, cleaning, returning keys, etc. Follow them to the letter.
  2. Clean. Clean. Clean. That means everything, including the nooks and crannies of appliances and the bathrooms. If you need to, patch any holes in the walls from hanging pictures. Don’t assume that the maintenance crew will fix these when renovating the apartment. Little oversights can ding your deposit.
  3. Refer to your copy of your move-in checklist. If your property manager used a checklist when you moved in, you should have a copy of it. Use this as your punch list when cleaning and doing minor repairs. Normal wear and tear is expected and doesn’t count against your deposit. However, major damage, especially from pets, will cost you. If possible, accompany the apartment manager when they do the final walk-through.
  4. Remove EVERYTHING. If you aren’t taking something with you to your next apartment, dispose of it. Sell it, donate it, re-gift it, or throw it away. What you do NOT want to do is overload all the dumpsters in the complex on moving day. Not only will you piss off other residents but you can expect the landlord to deduct the cost of large-item disposal from your security deposit.

When you return your keys, make sure to leave your forwarding address with your landlord, so they can mail back your security deposit. When you leave, assume positive intent that you will get your money back. However, if there are issues with the property management company and they string you along or refuse to return your deposit. make sure you have all of your documentation and consult an attorney. You can attempt to recoup your deposit through small claims court.

FIND A NEW APARTMENT IN A VISION COMMUNITY

Put your security deposit to use on a new Vision Community apartment. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Pros and Cons of Virtual Leasing

During the height of the pandemic, it was challenging for both renters and landlords to lease new apartments. Lockdowns, quarantines, and other deterrents prevented the typical apartment tour, so property managers had to get creative. Thus, virtual leasing was born. With virtual leasing, prospective tenants can see an apartment online to get a feel if it would be a good fit or not. To streamline the process even further, many property management companies across the country also adopted online leasing applications.

While virtual leasing definitely solved the problem of not blindly renting an apartment, it offers other advantages, such as saving time, but it is also not without its drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons of virtual leasing.

Pros

Saving time. Now you can curl up on the sofa in your PJs at any time and tour apartments in any neighborhood you choose. No more having to drive around and search for locations or make appointments for a showing.

Getting the complete picture. Instead of static photos, virtual tours are often 360. You get a panoramic view of the apartment, the grounds, and amenities such as a pool and clubhouse. But what you won’t see in most virtual tours are the less-attractive aspects of the property, such as the parking lot, dumpsters/trash disposal area, and mailboxes.

Look anywhere you like. With a virtual tour, you can explore other areas of town or even apartments in different states entirely. This is particularly useful if you received an out-of-town job offer or simply need a change of scenery. The online search can significantly narrow your options before you schedule an in-person trip.

Cons

Not seeing the finer details. Most photos and videos used in virtual tours are of a brand-new unit that’s move-in ready or staged. The goal is to entice you to sign a lease ASAP. What you won’t see are details such as the condition of the doors, locks, and windows, and building security. You also don’t see a complete picture of the property.

Not seeing the neighborhood. Unless you are familiar with the area you want to move to, virtual tours are pretty limited about the area outside the apartment complex. For example, is there a parking lot for residents or is it going to be a constant headache to find on-street parking? How safe is the neighborhood? What types of stores are close by?

Not meeting the apartment manager. Anybody can be charming over the phone or via chat. With virtual leasing, you don’t get to meet the property manager face to face. That may not necessarily always be a bad thing but being able to put a face with a name is more beneficial over the long term. Most humans still prefer the personal touch.

If you are looking for a new apartment, virtual leasing is a good starting point. You can find some options then schedule an appointment for an in-person tour now that most pandemic restrictions have been lifted. It’s better to see the place in person as you don’t want to get locked into an online lease — sight unseen — and be stuck in an apartment or location you hate. Combine the pros of virtual leasing with on-site visits to find your perfect new home.

FIND A NEW APARTMENT IN A VISION COMMUNITY

At Vision Communities, we have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Tips for Moving to a New Apartment

If you’ve been living in your apartment community for a while, you might decide it’s time for a change. Maybe one of your roommates is moving out or you’ve discovered that that coveted apartment with the view of the pool is about to become available. Or it could be that you’ve accepted a job out of town. In any case, it’s time to move. Whether you’re moving across the hall or across the country, moving is moving. Here are some pointers to ponder as you get ready to move into your next apartment.

  1. Contact the landlord. Whether you’re giving notice to vacate the entire apartment community or want to move into a different unit at the same location, give the notice as outlined in your lease. If you have your eye on another apartment in the complex, ask about getting on a waiting list.
  2. Transfer the utilities. Even if you’re just moving next door, you must alert your utility providers so they can switch your account over to your new address. If you’re just changing units within the same complex, you probably won’t need to pay a deposit. It’s another story if you are moving to a different state and you will have to pay deposits. If you have an apartment rented in your new city, ask your future leasing manager for guidance.
  3. Change of address. It’s the same concept. You will need to submit a change of address form to the post office. Even if you conduct all of your business online, there are still documents like voter registration/ID cards and driver’s licenses that are dispatched via snail mail. Don’t overlook this step.
  4. Insurance. Regardless of where you’re relocating to, you’ll need to notify your insurance agent of the change for both your auto and renter’s coverage. If you’re going out of state, you can usually stick with the same insurance company if it’s a major national carrier.
  5. Plan your move. If you’re doing an intra-complex relocation, ask the property manager if you can start moving your stuff early. That will save a lot of time. Get creative and use items like laundry baskets to transport your belongings. Hang your clothes inside of a trash bag (think dry cleaners) and they will be ready to immediately hang up in your new closets. You can also move room by room to keep things organized and minimize packing.
  6. Get help moving the heavy stuff. You can probably get by with using family and friends to do a short move, otherwise, you’ll need to hire a moving company. If you’re making a long-distance move, you’ll need movers that transport throughout the U.S. Make sure you get a bid that covers all expenses. For yourself, you’ll need gas, lodging, and food. If you’re moving with a pet, you’ll need to find places to stay that will allow them.
  7. Other considerations for an out-of-state move:
  • Voter registration
  • Driver’s license/Vehicle Registration
  • Medical/dental/veterinary records
  • Transferring prescriptions

“Moving is fun,” said nobody ever. But, if you’re organized and proactive, you can lessen the pain points of moving. It can be a great opportunity to get rid of stuff you no longer need or use (sell, discard or donate), and having a fresh, new apartment is always exciting, even if it’s just in the next building. Your cross-country move is an adventure and in either scenario, it’s the prologue to a new chapter in your life.

FIND A NEW APARTMENT IN A VISION COMMUNITY

At Vision Communities, we have floor plans to fit any budget or family size. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom,  2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

How to Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit

Life happens. Many potential tenants are in a situation where they are trying to rent an apartment but have bad credit. The pandemic has been a major source of financial hardship for plenty of well-meaning renters who are still trying to dig their way out of the aftermath. Maybe you lost your job or had your hours cut. Perhaps you lost your health insurance and have major medical debt or incurred unexpected massive car repair expenses. Or you just got way out of hand with pandemic-boredom online shopping. To add insult to injury, most property management companies will charge you to perform a credit check before you are even considered for an application. Why pay good money (around $50) just to get rejected? Regardless of the reason why it happened, bad credit can stand in the way of renting an apartment, or can it? Here are some strategies to help you get approved, even if your credit score stinks.

  1. Check your credit score. This initial step can be scary, but it’s important. You can get a free credit report that lists your TransUnion and Equifax (the two major credit reporting agencies) scores. Check the report carefully for any errors. If you find any, contact TransUnion and Equifax to get them resolved. What you can then do is get a letter from these agencies that explains the error and correction to your score.
  2. Find an apartment with no credit check. These opportunities are few and far between. However, if you are renting from an individual instead of a corporation, you might stand a better chance of being accepted as a tenant.
  3. Gather references and proof of income. Get a letter from your workplace verifying your employment. Back this up with copies of pay stubs and bank statements. If you successfully rented an apartment in the past, get a reference letter from your former landlord(s).
  4. Offer to pay more upfront. If the property manager is willing to negotiate, offer to pay a higher security deposit than what is required and/or pay several months’ rent in advance.

Explain your situation to the apartment manager, if your reasons for having bad credit make sense and you are demonstrating a good-faith effort to pay down your debt, you will have a much better chance of being approved. Landlords are human, but they are also business people, but in today’s economy and facing a lot of empty units, they may be more willing to take a chance on a higher-risk tenant. Once you’ve been approved, make sure you pay your rent on time, while at the same time, continuing to pay down your debt. As you work towards improving your track record and credit score as a responsible tenant and debtor, more doors will (literally) open to you in the future!

Get a fresh start at a Vision Community

At Vision Communities, we have floor plans to fit any budget or family size. Our spacious, studio, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space  Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

 

Find out about your rights as a tenant in the state of Ohio on the Vision Communities blog.

Tenants’ Rights in Ohio

If you are getting ready to rent an apartment in Central Ohio, congratulations! There are many fun and functional communities to choose from that will suit any lifestyle. However, before you sign that lease and start packing, there are a few things you need to know that will pave the way for a congenial tenant-landlord relationship. The following are the highlights of tenant-landlord rights and obligations in the state of Ohio, from the American Association of Apartment Owners and the Ohio State Bar Association.

  1. Security deposits

This is probably the biggest point of contention between tenants and landlords. In Ohio, a landlord has the right to request a security deposit to hold the apartment until you are ready to move in. It is your obligation as a tenant to pay the security deposit. It is the landlord’s obligation to repay your security deposit after you move out. The landlord has the right to withhold any portion of all of your security deposit to compensate any damages incurred to the unit beyond “normal wear and tear” or to apply to any unpaid rent. When you give your notice to vacate, you must provide your landlord with a mailing address to return your deposit to. The landlord must return any or all of your security deposit within 30 days. If any amount was withheld for damages, you must receive an itemized statement of deductions.

  1. General tenants’ rights

Tenants are required to pay their rent on time and keep their apartments clean and sanitary. You must not also damage the property or allow your guests to damage or deface the property. In addition, you (and your guests) should conduct yourselves in a manner that will not create a disturbance or be disruptive to other residents in the building. Some examples include excessive noise, loud music or TV, using illicit drugs, etc. You must also give proper notice (usually 30 days) when you plan to move out.

  1. General landlords’ rights

Landlords are required to keep the property in good working condition and safe and sanitary. They must also supply basic needs such as running water, electricity, trash removal, etc., Landlords are also expected to keep all appliances and fixtures in good working order and make any requested repairs in a reasonable amount of time. “Reasonable” is subjective, depending on the circumstances, but general estimation is within 30 days. Some leases allow tenants to pay for their own repairs and deduct the costs from their rent.

  1. Entering the premises

This is another hot-button topic with tenants and landlords. Landlords must give tenants 24 hours’ notice if they plan to enter your apartment and do so during appropriate times of the day. As a tenant, you must comply with these requests. If a landlord enters your apartment without proper notice, you may have a legal right to recover damages.

  1. Rent increases and Evictions

Landlords have the right to increase rent by any amount to any tenant(s) on a month-to-month lease..However, they must give tenants 30 days’ notice. A tenant can be evicted for reasons such as non-payment of rent or violating the terms of your lease. Evictions are complicated and beyond the scope of this post. In the case of a pending eviction, you would be best served to consult with an attorney. However, a landlord cannot evict you or increase your rent for retaliatory reasons, such as reporting health and safety violations to city agencies.

At Vision Communities, our goal is to provide the best living experience for our tenants and the reviews that we’ve received from current and past tenants demonstrate our commitment to you. If you are looking for a new apartment and want to experience luxury apartment living, check out our Vision Communities and learn what it means to Live the VC. 

 

Apartment Hunting with a List

Choosing the Right Apartment Location

How to Choose a Community that Fits Your Needs

Looking for an apartment is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming as there are so many decisions to make. After you’ve established your rental budget, the next box to check is the location. While the first inclination usually is to find a place close to your job, take a step back and reassess. With so many people now working permanently from home, there are other factors to consider when choosing where to live. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, especially as you will most likely be stuck there for at least a year before you can more.

  • Shopping

As we’ve learned during the pandemic, grocery delivery is expensive, so at the very least, make sure there is a neighborhood grocery store or market. Think about other businesses you patronize regularly, such as a drug store, hardware store, UPS/FedEx, gas stations, your doctors and dentist, pet supplies, and a big box store. It’s not until you find yourself suddenly needing a particular store and having to drive to the next county, that you facepalm and realize your new neighborhood might not be so convenient after all. If you need to be near clothing stores, shoe stores, or a mall, then factor that into your location decision.

  • Family

If you are from a close-knit family, then you might want to live close to them (or the opposite!) Perhaps if you like to visit your family frequently or rely on them for support, it makes sense to live nearby. Aging parents can also be a concern, so talk to them to figure out mutually agreed-upon needs and expectations and plan accordingly.

  • Friends

Just like with family, maybe you want to live close to your friends. There is no sense living close to your job if you work a lot from home and have to drive a long distance to get together with your friends during the evenings and weekends. As a bonus, if your friends live in a specific area, then they have done all of the legwork and you can just find an apartment and move.

  • Amenities

An apartment community’s amenities can influence whether you decide to live there or not. If there are washer and dryer hookups or on-site laundry, that would eliminate the need to live close to a laundromat. If you have a dog and the apartment has a dog park, then you don’t need to live near a park or other areas where you can take your dog to walk and play. The same goes if you like to swim or work out. If you can at home, then strike those needs off your list.

  • Kids

If you have kids, safety of the neighborhood and apartment community will be paramount. You’ll want to choose an apartment that’s in your preferred school district. After that, you’ll want an area where there are recreational and social activities for the kids, such as a park or playground, or library. It will also be helpful to be close to basic stores like a grocery store and pharmacy.

  • Crime rate

If you are interested in a particular area, do some research on the crime rate; most municipalities keep a crime stats database you can access online. If a higher-than-average percentage of occurrences in the neighborhood don’t deter you, then pay close attention to the security of the apartment community you want to move to.

  • Parking and Commuting

These are important but often overlooked factors. Many apartment communities have their own parking lots. However, lack of assigned parking can be a huge issue and a headache for both residents and management. If you don’t mind parking anywhere, then no problem. You also don’t want to be in that situation where your charming rehabbed apartment in a dicey neighborhood only has parking several blocks away. If you don’t work at home or live close to your job, then you’ll need to have a plan (and some “plans B-Z”) on how to get to work which should entail alternate routes and public transportation.

If you are still convinced that you must live close to your job, these points still make sense. Your goal is to find the best apartment in the most suitable location so that you can enjoy living your life in your new digs and not stressing over logistics.

At Vision Communities, we welcome you to explore our communities, floor plans and amenities to find the right fit for you and your family. Our facilities are top-notch and based on some of our resident reviews, we think you’ll love the atmosphere, amenities, and our property management staff, all designed to give you a place you are proud to call home. There are so many amenities and things to do in and around our Central Ohio communities. 

Schedule an appointment to check out our spacious floor plans, and our friendly property management staff will be happy to show you around.