Best Cities for Frequent Flyers

Plan a route through these top-notch airports and you’ll be sitting pretty every time you travel.

Plan a route through these top-notch airports and you’ll be sitting pretty every time you travel.

If you feel like you fly the friendly skies more often than you sleep in your own apartment, then knowing the most convenient cities for a jet-setting frequent flyer is a must.

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When the name of the game is making confident connections, finding a decent airport meal and amusing yourself during a delay, this list of best airport cities will help your trips fly by.

You might want to plant your apartment homebase in one of these cities with high-flying airport service.

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Explore Your Local Food Scene Online

Dig in to your city food search with these awesome online culinary guides.

Dig in to your city food search with these awesome online culinary guides.

When your stomach is grumbling, you may not feel inclined to debate dining plans. But if you are new to a city or have found an apartment in a different part of town, you might not know just where to indulge your taste buds.

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Why not hop on the Internet and check out the food scene in your town with online guides and apps, like these fabulous foodie finders?

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Best U.S. Cities to Experience Culture

These five are just a few of the favorite American cities where culture is never in short supply.

These five are just a few of the favorite American cities where culture is never in short supply.

Ranking U.S. cities can be mind-boggling, when you consider categories ranging from the hippest spots in the U.S. to the best cities for families, for instance.

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If it’s culture you’re after in this country, then you might consider the long list of great locations for living an artistic life.

To save some time, we have scoured our sources and come up with a short list of cities where culture is not hard to find. You might want to check these out for yourself.

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America’s Most Walkable Cities

Get your walk on in these cities ranked the most pedestrian-friendly by WalkScore.com.

Get your walk on in these cities ranked the most pedestrian-friendly by WalkScore.com.

WalkScore.com has ranked the walkability of the 50 largest U.S. cities. The organization bases its findings on population and ease of access to amenities such as grocery stores, shopping centers, movie theaters, and many other destinations on foot.

Take an online walk-about of the 10 cities deemed the most walkable in the United States.

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Spring Break for Empty Nesters

Being an empty nester gives you a great opportunity to see the country and the world.

Being an empty nester gives you a great opportunity to see the country and the world.

You’ve finally got the kids out of the apartment and living independently. But what do you do now that you don’t have to plan vacations around school schedules or research kid-friendly destinations?

Taking vacations without the kids can be an adjustment. Follow our tips below to plan a great trip and have a good time even though your little birds have left the nest.

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Spring Break on a Budget

Being flexible with your travel dates can help save money on spring break.

Being flexible with your travel dates can help save money on spring break.

After the long winter months, it seems like spring can’t get here soon enough.

But if you think that being on a budget will put a damper on your travel plans, not to worry. Get out of your apartment and away from the books for spring break by following these easy tips to let loose on the cheap.

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Visit a big city
There are plenty of cities with tons to offer that aren’t popular spring break hangouts. For the budget-conscious, that means great rates on hotel rooms and less crowds. Check out sites like Priceline for cheap hotel rates, and find out about city passes that let you pay one low price for several attractions.

Check resorts for special offers
If you start early and look for bargains on resort special offer pages, you can get a great spring break deal at popular destinations like Orlando and Disney World.

Track your airfare online
Once you have your flight booked, that’s no reason to not be on the lookout for a cheaper rate. You might be in for a better deal if the price drops. Use an online tracking system like Yapta to keep track of your flight for you. If the rate drops, Yapta helps you get a refund for the difference, meaning you may be able to lock in the better deal before you fly.

Become a voluntourist
Voluntourism is a new trend increasing in popularity, where people — usually civic-minded college students — combine their vacation with helping others in need. One popular voluntourist destination is New Orleans, where you can soak up the ambiance of this popular destination while helping those still affected by storm damage. Doing an Internet search on the word voluntourism will pull up tons of opportunities from all over the world, and in many locations grateful locals are happy to offer discounts on accommodations.

Visit a national park
National parks in the U.S. and Canada fill up in summer, making campsites hard to come by and costly, but during spring break they are less crowded and not as expensive. Take a canoe trip through the longest mangrove forest on Florida’s East coast at Biscayne National Park, or compete in a scavenger hunt at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And, best of all, if you visit during National Park Week, which runs from April 22 – 26, 2013, you can experience the beauty of a national park without paying an entrance fee.

Take a trip to Europe
Like national parks, Europe doesn’t hit its peak tourist season until summer, which makes spring break a great time to go for a visit. It might mean starting your spring break a little early or ending it a little late, but the lower cost and sheer cultural value more than makes up for it.

Be flexible about when you go
If you aren’t in college, have young kids and hate noise and crowds, define your own spring break. Arriving three or four days before spring break typically starts, or one or two days after it ends, can mean big savings on rooms and attractions, not to mention less noise and crowding at your favorite tourist spots. Spring break dates usually vary anyway depending on the college, so check with lodgings at your destination to find out when that area’s local schools let the kids out to party.

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Get Artsy in Greenville Apartments

If you're an art lover, check out the creative energy near Greenville's Far West End neighborhood.

If you’re an art lover, check out the creative energy near Greenville’s Far West End neighborhood.

As the seat of Greenville County in northern South Carolina, Greenville is part of the third largest urban area in the state. This vibrant Southern city is home to an eclectic mix of artists, galleries and unique public festivals and events. This centrally placed city is located nearly halfway between the larger metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C., making it a great place to relocate if you’re looking for small town charm and don’t want to sacrifice big city amenities. If you’re an art lover, consider settling into an apartment for rent in Greenville and take advantage of all the creativity the city has to offer.

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Far West End
Formerly known as the Pendleton Street Arts District, this part of town was rebranded in early 2012 to bring awareness to the area as an arts district as well as bring merchants and investors in. Today, this area is an eclectic mix of bohemian gallery spaces, coffee shops and boutiques spotlighting local, artisan goods, and residents of apartments for rent in Greenville that find themselves in the Far West End are never far from the creative energy.

First Fridays Art Walk
Nestled in the Far West End you’ll find the Village of West Greenville, which is home to more than 40 local artists. Join local art lovers on the First Fridays Art Walk, a local gallery crawl where you’ll see work from local painters, potters, fabric artists, photographers, sculptors and so much more, just minutes from Greenville apartments for rent. In between galleries, pop into The Happy Biscuit Southern Café (54 Louis Ave., Greenville, SC 29611) and grab a bite to eat.

Festivals
Greenville is a hotbed of artistic festivals that occur every year. The Indie Craft Parade, held every September, features handmade art from artists all across the Southeast. For a taste of something more professional, residents of Greenville apartments should check out the West Greenville Arts Festival, which features up to 40 local artists as well as a number of juried visiting regional artists. And the spring brings Artisphere, a dynamic three day art street festival, which features local and regional artists, as well as food, crafts and games.

Greenville Open Studios
Greenville Open Studios is an annual weekend event which opens the studios of local artists to the public and showcases their work. Usually occurring in the fall, Greenville Open Studios began as a way to increase awareness about the art scene in Greenville and has evolved into one of the most-loved events in the city, giving the public a rare glimpse into the artistic process. If you’re living in apartments for rent in Greenville, this is definitely a must-see event.

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Staying in Seattle Short Term: Things to See and Do

If you're only staying in Seattle for a short period of time, be sure to check these places out, including Pike Place Market.

If you’re only staying in Seattle for a short period of time, be sure to check these places out, including Pike Place Market.

If you’re temporarily relocating to Seattle with your company, enjoying a sabbatical or looking for a place in between leases, Apartment Guide is there with resources and an easy-to-use apartment finder tool to help you find the perfect short term rental. Luckily for you, Seattle is home to gorgeous neighborhoods that have unique personalities and styles, so finding a place that feels like home should be a breeze in this beautiful Pacific Northwest city.

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Refine your search on ApartmentGuide.com and select short term apartments in Seattle where you’ll find dozens of options. Whether you’re searching for an apartment that allows pets, one that offers a gym or a furnished apartment, you can narrow your search further by using the advanced search feature.

More about Seattle:
Settle Into One of These Seattle Neighborhoods
Student Living in Seattle

Make the most of your time while renting a short term apartment in Seattle. Nestled in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, Seattle has lots to offer its residents – even those staying for a short period of time. To make the most of your time in Seattle, here are a few things to add to your Seattle bucket list.

Landmarks
Be sure to snap at least one picture of yourself in front of these famous Seattle landmarks.

  • Space Needle – Originally designed for the World’s Fair in 1961, this monument now serves as a prominent symbol for Seattle. Go 600 feet up and step out onto the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. 400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98102
  • Original Starbucks – It seems like there’s one on every corner, but there’s something special about the original Starbucks. The store retains its original façade from 1971. 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101

  • Pike Place Market – This unique market offers up hundreds of vendors, street performers, farmers and craftspeople. Explore the market, watch the fish fly and try some of the best food around. First Avenue and Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101

The Great Outdoors
Surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle has lots of recreational activities to offer its residents. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Fishing – Seattle has lots of places to go fish. Choose a guided tour with experienced anglers, or throw a line off a pier.
  • Ballard Locks – This popular spot, linking Puget Sound to the Ship Canal, which connects eastward to Lake Union and Lake Washington, allows locals and tourists to watch the parade of sailboats, motorboats, yachts and tugs to pass through, as the locks’ water levels are adjusted to allow their safe passage. The fish ladder, located here, is a great spot to watch salmon pass between fresh and salt water. There are glass panels below the water line, which allow visitors to watch the fish as they swim through the ladder. 3015 NW 54th St., Seattle, WA 98107
  • Bainbridge Island – One thing you must experience is taking a trip across the open waters of Puget Sound. Take a 35-minute ride on one of the Bainbridge Island ferries, which takes you from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. You’ll have a great view of the city skyline from the deck, as well as inside of the ferry. 270 Olympic Drive SE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Dine Well
Eat fresh, locally grown food at one of these favorite Seattle spots.

  • Breakfast – Head over to the Capitol Hill neighborhood and check out Volunteer Park Café. This cute neighborhood spot makes you feel like a local, and the food keeps you satisfied and coming back for more. Order a cup of coffee to go with your blueberry scone, or try the caramelized banana brioche French toast. 1501 17th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112
  • Lunch – Right in the heart of Pike Place Market sits Market Grill. Order a bowl of freshly-made chowder or a fresh halibut sandwich. 1509 Pike Place, Suite 3, Seattle, WA 98101
  • Mid-Day Snack – Roaming Pike Place Market works up an appetite. Follow your nose to Le Panier where you’ll find fresh baked goodies, including breads, croissants, pastries and macarons. 190 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101
  • Dinner – Check out The Walrus and the Carpenter, a Ballard neighborhood favorite. Get in early, grab a cocktail and get ready for a delicious meal. Oyster lovers, this is the place to go. You won’t be disappointed with the oyster sampler. 4743 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107
  • Dessert – Treat yourself to chocolate before dinner at Theo Chocolate in Fremont. Make reservations for the one-hour tour, where you’ll learn about the cacao fruit, as well as the process of making chocolate. The best part? You get lots of chocolate samples along the way. 3400 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103

Photo credit: iStockphoto/phudui

Hippest Neighborhoods in the United States

Check out a few of the hippest neighborhoods in the United States, according to Forbes Magazine.

Check out a few of the hippest neighborhoods in the United States, according to Forbes Magazine.

Forbes has ranked the hippest neighborhoods in the United States. By looking at key factors like which neighborhoods are home to people with artistic jobs, a large concentration of farmers’ markets and food trucks, and high walkability scores, the magazine’s research turned up some of the most interesting spots to hang out in the country.

The top three they found, in order, are:
Silver Lake in Los Angeles, Calif.
• The Mission District in San Francisco, Calif.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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But what about the other hip hangouts from the twenty places featured?

Here are five of our faves.

#5 Pearl District, Portland, Ore.
Portland, Ore., has always enjoyed a hipster vibe, but over the years, the Pearl District has transitioned from abandoned warehouses to a quadrant packed with coffeehouses, restaurants, hotels, art galleries and studios. It’s walking distance to the Portland Farmer’s Market and is home to some of the most colorful places to spend time with friends. Hip hangouts include bustling brewpubs like BridgePort Brewpub, Deschutes Brewery & Public House and Rogue Ales Distillery & Public House.

#10 Warehouse District, New Orleans, La.
The Warehouse District is the newest place to see and be seen in New Orleans, La. This industrial area near the river is where famous chef Emeril Lagasse opened his first restaurant. The ‘hood continues to get hipper with unique Southern eateries like Cochon and spots like Spun Cafe at the Contemporary Arts Center. Plus, if you get tired of Zydeco music, you can head to the Howlin’ Wolf and rock out to some hardcore hipster bands.

#12 North Loop, Minneapolis, Minn.
Again, this former warehouse district (see a pattern here?) can now be called the coolest neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minn. Plus, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The North Loop warehouses have been converted to apartments, restaurants and boutiques, but this hip hangout also boasts some great outdoor space. The James I. Rice Parkway runs along the river with great bike trails that wind through the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.

#14 Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pa.
Philadelphia has its fair share of hip neighborhoods, but Northern Liberties was the only one that made the list of the hippest in the United States. Impressive! NoLibs got one of the highest walkability scores, and it’s central to some serious nightlife. The Piazza at Schmidts always has something going on, be it music, shopping, or sports. Plus, the neighborhood hosts festivals and events nearly every week. Once you’ve had your fill of outdoor entertainment, roll on over to North Bowl and grab a lane with your pals.

#15 Hampden, Baltimore, Md.
If you live in Baltimore and are trying to find the “scene” in your city, head to the Hampden neighborhood. This kitschy, cool spot was made famous by inspiring the settings of several John Waters films. It’s the kind of place where everyone calls you “hon” — so much so, they even started their own Honfest. Imagine beehive hairdos, cat’s eye glasses and Baltimore’s Best Hon Pageant. Super hip.

There you have it, a sampling of just a few of the hippest neighborhoods in the United States.

For the full list of twenty hip hangouts, check out the Forbes magazine article online.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / CREATISTA

Apartments With a View in Richmond

For great views of the James River, consider moving into a Richmond apartment in the Church Hill neighborhood.

For great views of the James River, consider moving into a Richmond apartment in the Church Hill neighborhood.

Moving into a new apartment can help you look at life from a different point of view – literally! One of the many considerations when choosing a new home or apartment is often which vistas will be seen through your new windows. And the variety of beautiful surroundings for newcomers looking for apartments in Richmond, Va. will not disappoint.

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This photogenic city can be admired from several prominent spots throughout town. So whether you’re looking to gaze upon a downtown skyline, take in a tranquil park view or be charmed by historic homes, consider searching for your next apartment near one of these Richmond sites.

More about Richmond:
Find Furnished Apartments in Richmond
Which Richmond Neighborhood Suits You Best?

Riverfront Living
The Canal Walk is a concrete pathway that winds over a mile through downtown Richmond along the banks of the Haxall Canal, the Kanawha Canal and the James River. Here, historic tobacco warehouses re-purposed into lofts contrast with modern construction and colorful urban art murals. Glimpse industrial scenes or check out the beautiful park near the James River with great views of the city. At night, the downtown skyline provides a glittering backdrop that is reflected in the water, while lighting along the path enhances the atmosphere for an evening stroll.

Historic Architecture
In Richmond’s East End sits the historic Church Hill neighborhood. Included in its boundaries are sections of the oldest intact residential blocks in the city – some dating back to 1737. The hilly location provides an excellent vantage point to take in restored antebellum homes ranging from modest cottages to magnificent mansions once home to the neighborhood’s original residents, wealthy factory managers. Intricate iron grillwork surrounds porticoes fronting wide streets and decorates long verandas that lead to lush gardens. Gas street lamps and brick sidewalks along certain streets add to the area’s historic ambiance.

Nearby Libby Hill Park showcases some of the best views from Richmond apartments, capturing the curve of the James River to the south and the city skyline to the west. This is the perfect place to watch a sunset or to have a picnic on a sunny day!

Peaceful Streetscapes
Just west of downtown, The Fan is home to 85 blocks of charming houses that represent some of the finest turn-of-the-century domestic architecture standing today. Its name comes from the way the streets spread out at angles from Monroe Park at Belvidere Street to the Boulevard. This area offers magnificent vistas courtesy of the neighborhood’s historic town houses and opulent Victorian and Edwardian mansions. Sprinkled among these homes are large statues, tree-lined parks and streets, beautifully manicured courtyards and cobblestone alleys. If you can’t find enough breathtaking views from your apartment here, visit nearby Maymont Park, a 100-acre Victorian estate with a museum, formal gardens, native wildlife exhibits, nature center and carriage collection.

The next time you’re on the lookout for a new apartment for rent with spectacular city views, set Richmond, Va. in your sights!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/bookwyrmm