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	<title>Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com &#187; Moving Center</title>
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	<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog</link>
	<description>Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</description>
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		<title>Declutter Your Apartment: What&#8217;s OK to Throw Away!</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/clutter-police-whats-ok-to-throw-away/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/clutter-police-whats-ok-to-throw-away/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 13:36:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cleaning and Organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decluttering]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56164</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Do you ever feel that a second opinion on what to dump would seriously help your decluttering efforts? Well, we’ve got words of wisdom from the Clutter Police to guide your toss-it-out efforts. Find your perfect apartment now! Read on &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/clutter-police-whats-ok-to-throw-away/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/clutter-police-whats-ok-to-throw-away/">Declutter Your Apartment: What&#8217;s OK to Throw Away!</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56165" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/clutter-police-whats-ok-to-throw-away/agblog-story-clutterpolice/" rel="attachment wp-att-56165"><img class="size-full wp-image-56165" alt="Channel the Clutter Police to confidently throw away whatever clutter’s been weighing you down!" src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/agblog.story_.clutterpolice.jpg" width="360" height="270" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Channel the Clutter Police to confidently throw away whatever clutter’s been weighing you down!</p></div>
<p>Do you ever feel that a second opinion on what to dump would seriously help your decluttering efforts? Well, we’ve got words of wisdom from the Clutter Police to guide your toss-it-out efforts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>Read on for the gospel on what to get rid of, and when!</p>
<p><span id="more-56164"></span></p>
<p><strong>Clothes and shoes you haven’t touched in two years<br />
</strong>Opinion is divided whether the threshold here should be one year or 18 months. But the fact is that some winters aren’t as cold as others, or certain springs as wet, so a true cycle to test whether or not you’re done with an item is <b>two years.</b> After that time, your excuses have run out: you have to admit that, acts of nature and fashion aside, it’s time to throw away the albatross in question. Now find a good consignment shop to make some money on that past fashion, or donate what you just can’t sell.</p>
<p><strong>Paper, paper and more of it<br />
</strong>If there’s a single type of item gumming up our homes and lives, it’s paper. Why not get rid of old magazines that you’ve been swearing you’ll cut articles from for years, and shred financial <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/how-long-to-keep-financial-records.aspx" target="_blank">records and receipts past their required &#8220;keep date&#8221;</a>? Go through your kids’ art work and select just a few favorites you can’t part with – then get rid of the rest to make room for their next great creations.</p>
<p><strong>Books you will never read<br />
</strong>This one can be tricky for those of us who hate, on principle, to part with a book we were once sure would be great. Start by purging college novels and texts you haven’t looked at since your school years. Now remove any book you bought in the last three years that you pass over every time you go to reach for your next read. Be brave! And keep in mind that many book stores carry used inventory and will take books for store credit, if not cash.</p>
<p><strong>Old vitamins, medicines and makeup<br />
</strong>We all have shelf and drawer clutter that we just stop seeing after a while. Go through old items you store away like medicine bottles and makeup, checking for expiration dates. For makeup, <a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-long-should-you-keep-your-make-up.html" target="_blank">two years</a> is a reasonable throw-away date for most items. (Mascara has the shortest lifespan, at three months.)</p>
<p><strong>Project paraphernalia<br />
</strong>Whether you’ve been an aspiring beader or have a dozen “fix-it” items in your closet, it may be time to say goodbye to good intentions that just aren’t going to bear creative fruit. If you have a craft that you’ve neglected for several years or just never picked up, pass on the supplies to someone in your family who will really use them, or donate it all to a senior facility to people who will appreciate the gift.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/Things-Throw-Away-21653157" target="_blank">These areas are just a few</a> that will benefit from your courageous clutter management efforts. Go forth into your apartment, find the areas that are clogging up, and get rid of what’s not being used. Before long, you’ll channel the Clutter Police as you confidently throw away whatever’s been weighing you down!</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / YuryZap</strong></p>
<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Revamp Your Apartment This Spring" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/revamp-your-apartment-this-spring/" rel="bookmark">Revamp Your Apartment This Spring</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Refresh Your Fridge: Maintain a Clean and Organized Space" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/refresh-your-fridge-maintain-a-clean-and-organized-space/" rel="bookmark">Refresh Your Fridge: Maintain a Clean and Organized Space</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="5 Secrets for a Clutter-Free Holiday" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-secrets-for-a-clutter-free-holiday/" rel="bookmark">5 Secrets for a Clutter-Free Holiday</a></li>
</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/clutter-police-whats-ok-to-throw-away/">Declutter Your Apartment: What&#8217;s OK to Throw Away!</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>5 Cities Where Salaries are Getting a Promotion</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-cities-where-salaries-are-getting-a-promotion/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-cities-where-salaries-are-getting-a-promotion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 13:40:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apartment Hunting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rental tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56170</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you are pondering a move to a more profitable place to live, take some advice from the PayScale Index. This excellent online resource provides data about compensation and which cities are seeing growth in pay for employees. Find your &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-cities-where-salaries-are-getting-a-promotion/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-cities-where-salaries-are-getting-a-promotion/">5 Cities Where Salaries are Getting a Promotion</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56172" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-cities-where-salaries-are-getting-a-promotion/agblog-story-5citiessalariespromo/" rel="attachment wp-att-56172"><img class="size-full wp-image-56172" alt="If you are pondering a move to a more profitable place to live, check out the top 5 cities where salaries are rising." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/agblog.story_.5citiessalariespromo.jpg" width="360" height="299" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">If you are pondering a move to a more profitable place to live, check out the top 5 cities where salaries are rising.</p></div>
<p>If you are pondering a move to a more profitable place to live, take some advice from the <a href="http://www.payscale.com/payscale-index-Q4-2012/cities" target="_blank">PayScale Index</a>. This excellent online resource provides data about compensation and which cities are seeing growth in pay for employees.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>According to their calculations, here are the top 5 cities where salaries are rising.</p>
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<p><strong>5th place: Dallas, TX +4.3% </strong><br />
<a href="http://www.visitdallas.com/" target="_blank">Dallas</a> offers more than big platters of Tex-Mex food and BBQ. They’ve got big money in the form of technology, defense and telecom. That’s why they’ve earned the nickname “Silicon Prairie.” As the 4<sup>th</sup> largest metropolitan area in the U.S., this bustling city has a lot to offer in the way of sports, arts and culture. Now they can also add rising salaries as reason why “everything’s bigger in Texas.”</p>
<p><strong>Tied for 3rd place: Riverside, CA +4.5%</strong><br />
Situated in between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, <a href="http://www.riversidecvb.com/" target="_blank">Riverside</a> is more than just another Southern California suburb. It’s the place to go for a job search that will result in some serious So-Cal cash. This city started as a citrus town, but now their top-grossing businesses include education, manufacturing and retail.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Tied for 3rd place: </strong>Boston, MA +4.5%</strong><br />
Tied with Riverside, <a href="http://www.bostonusa.com/" target="_blank">Boston’s</a> salary increase of 4.5% means more profitable jobs in some of the <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/2013s-top-4-industries-and-where-you-can-find-these-jobs/" target="_blank">most popular industries of 2013</a>: healthcare, finance and higher education. Its rising salaries may be attributed to the abundance of universities and colleges in this town, like Harvard University, Boston College and MIT. Where there are smart people, there are usually great jobs, after all &#8212; not to mention excellent culture, restaurants and museums.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Tied for 1st place: </strong>Seattle, WA +4.8%</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.visitseattle.org/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Seattle</a> has always been a leader in the technology industry, and things continue to look up as salaries in Microsoft’s hometown increase by 4.8%. This hip Pacific Northwest city is also home to retail giants like Amazon, Starbucks and Nordstrom, which continue to grow as e-commerce explodes. If you don’t mind a little rain, this is a great place to move and watch your salary grow.</p>
<p><strong><strong><strong>Tied for 1st place: </strong></strong>Houston, TX +4.8%</strong><br />
Tied with Seattle, <a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/" target="_blank">Houston</a> is a top city where salaries are on the rise. If you work in the energy business, you might choose to make this oil town your own. The boom goes beyond oil and gas, though, and is expanding to wind and solar power. Though Houston is known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” it’s also making a name for itself in the environmental game with many <a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/travel-tools/green-houston/transportation/" target="_blank">green transportation</a> options to help you get to and from your high-paying job in a sustainable way.</p>
<p>It’s great to hear about rising salaries, and hope on the horizon. If a profitable job is your goal, you might consider finding an apartment in one of these five promising cities.</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / auremar</strong></p>
<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Rental History is Becoming a Key Criterion for Approving Leases" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/rental-history-is-becoming-a-key-criterion-for-approving-leases/" rel="bookmark">Rental History is Becoming a Key Criterion for Approving Leases</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Can You Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit?" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/can-you-rent-an-apartment-with-bad-credit/" rel="bookmark">Can You Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit?</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="5 Things NOT to Overlook on Your Apartment Search" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-things-you-should-not-overlook-on-your-apartment-search/" rel="bookmark">5 Things NOT to Overlook on Your Apartment Search</a></li>
</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-cities-where-salaries-are-getting-a-promotion/">5 Cities Where Salaries are Getting a Promotion</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Short-Term Apartment Rentals: What You Need to Know</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/short-term-apartments-what-you-need-to-know/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/short-term-apartments-what-you-need-to-know/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 16:26:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mprice</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Moving Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rental tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56487</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever thought about renting a short-term apartment? Whether you’re seeking short-term accommodation for business or pleasure, here’s what you need to know. Find your perfect apartment! When If you’re on the road for work frequently or just love &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/short-term-apartments-what-you-need-to-know/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/short-term-apartments-what-you-need-to-know/">Short-Term Apartment Rentals: What You Need to Know</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56488" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 261px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/short-term-apartments-what-you-need-to-know/short-term-apartments/" rel="attachment wp-att-56488"><img class="size-full wp-image-56488 " alt="If you're a business traveler looking for a short-term apartment, here's what you need to know." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/short-term-apartments.jpg" width="251" height="374" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">If you&#8217;re a business traveler looking for a short-term apartment, here&#8217;s what you need to know.</p></div>
<p>Have you ever thought about renting a short-term apartment? Whether you’re seeking short-term accommodation for business or pleasure, here’s what you need to know.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com">Find your perfect apartment!</a></p>
<p><strong>When</strong><br />
If you’re on the road for work frequently or just love to travel for personal reasons, it may be worth it to you to look into staying at a short-term corporate or vacation rental rather than a hotel. Or, if your situation requires that your living arrangements stay flexible (like if you’re a student, are in between leases or are planning to purchase a house in the near future, etc.) renting a short-term apartment may make sense for you.</p>
<p><span id="more-56487"></span></p>
<p><strong>Why</strong><br />
While you may not be offered a free continental breakfast or other amenities like housekeeping or room service, the benefits and added perks can often give the advantage to staying in a short-term apartment when you’re vacationing. And, if you’re a business traveler relocating for a few weeks or a few months, the flexibility of staying in a short-term apartment can be worth it.</p>
<p><strong>More from Apartment Guide</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/find-furnished-apartments-for-rent-in-richmond/">Find Furnished Apartments for Rent in Richmond</a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/staying-in-seattle-short-term-things-to-see-and-do/">Staying in Seattle Short Term: Things to See and Do</a></p>
<p><strong>What You Get</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The extras.</strong> We’re not talking about stale bagels and subpar coffee. Perks like a personal washer and dryer, hot tubs, a luxury fitness center and extra space may not be available in a hotel but can be common in an apartment. When you’re traveling on a budget, having a fully equipped kitchen is a great way to save some money while staying in and cooking a meal. Outdoor amenities like a front porch, balcony or patio can be a nice perk and allow for some fresh air that you might not get in a hotel room.</li>
<li><strong>Price is right.</strong> If you’re staying for an extended amount of time at your destination, hotel fees can be pricey. Even for the most budget-friendly hotels, you can expect to pay up to $800-$1,000 a week. A short-term apartment, however, may charge a similar price for a month’s stay, allowing you to save or spend your money on other things during your trip.</li>
<li><strong>Location, location, location.</strong> Staying in a hotel when you’re traveling may mean you’re relegated to a being in a commercial area rife with chain restaurants and fast food joints. To really immerse yourself in the city, choose a short-term apartment in a neighborhood that is known for its cool location and environment. You’ll have access to public parks, trendy restaurants and unique retail shops that will give you a better sense of the personality of the city while you’re there.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What to Look Out For</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The fine print.</strong> Make sure to familiarize yourself with the policies before you sign on the dotted line. Cancellation policies will likely vary by rental, so be aware of the potential penalties for canceling or changing the dates of your visit. If you have young children or pets traveling with you, check ahead of time to ensure they can be accommodated. Smoking is not generally allowed in most apartments, so smokers may need to seek out alternate accommodations.</li>
<li><strong>Know the details. </strong>One of the benefits of staying in a hotel is having access to a concierge desk that is open round-the-clock. In a short-term apartment, that convenience may not be available, so make sure you have the details squared away before arriving. When and where will you pick up the keys? When can you check in? Who is your contact in case your flight is delayed or plans change? Knowing before you go can save you the headache.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Photo credit: iStockphoto/<a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-1318331-woman-giving-keys.php">zeelee</a></strong></p>
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<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Don’t Forget These Line Items in Your Moving Budget!" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/dont-forget-these-line-items-in-your-moving-budget/" rel="bookmark">Don’t Forget These Line Items in Your Moving Budget!</a></li>
</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/short-term-apartments-what-you-need-to-know/">Short-Term Apartment Rentals: What You Need to Know</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>How Apartment Communities are Evolving: Much More than Amenities</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-communities-where-service-leads-to-society/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-communities-where-service-leads-to-society/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 14:35:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56071</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>What if the amenities at your apartment community went beyond the usual pool, tennis courts and fitness center — way beyond? How involved might you choose to be in an apartment society, a place that encourages shared involvement with fellow &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-communities-where-service-leads-to-society/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-communities-where-service-leads-to-society/">How Apartment Communities are Evolving: Much More than Amenities</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56380" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-communities-where-service-leads-to-society/agblog-story-createtrueaptcommunities/" rel="attachment wp-att-56380"><img class="size-full wp-image-56380" alt="Multifamily community developers are innovating the services and amenities they offer to their apartment residents." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/agblog.story_.createtrueaptcommunities.jpg" width="360" height="299" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Multifamily community developers are innovating the services and amenities they offer to their apartment residents.</p></div>
<p>What if the amenities at your apartment community went beyond the usual pool, tennis courts and fitness center — way beyond? How involved might you choose to be in an apartment society, a place that encourages shared involvement with fellow residents?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>In California, an apartment community developer is going beyond the basics to give new meaning to “community,” creating programs like theater troupes, adult enrichment courses and after-school care for residents. And in Denver, some lucky sports fans can look forward to cheering for baseball&#8230; from their own rooftop!</p>
<p><span id="more-56071"></span></p>
<p><strong>Programs that have paid off</strong><br />
According to <a href="http://www.globest.com/commentary/multifamily/Apartments-Building-Beyond-Amenities-331152.html" target="_blank">John Huskey</a> of Los Angeles-based <a href="http://www.metahousing.com/home.php" target="_blank">Meta Housing Corporation,</a> apartment communities can do more to support families who live there. In building his most recent family-oriented apartment communities, Huskey discovered that there was a real need for on-site programs — and specially-designed spaces — where children could gather after school and continue to learn. That’s why his company has created after-school learning and mentoring programs which are available to residents living in the apartment community at no extra cost.</p>
<p>The benefits to the children who participate have proved to be substantial. The after-school programs kept kids at home, actively engaged in study &#8212; instead of involved in risky behavior. And the learning opportunities increased their confidence at school. These programs have been so successful that Meta Housing Corp. has begun building dedicated, school-like structures in more of their apartment communities to accommodate the programs.</p>
<p><strong>Sharing the arts at home</strong><br />
The same is true in Meta Housing Corp.’s senior communities, where education and art programs have been wildly successful. The company first began offering adult enrichment classes to seniors in great-room spaces, noting that the most popular courses involved creativity and the arts. They also noticed that, while the great-room environment was attractive to some residents, most found it too impersonal for social activity. In later generations of their senior communities, they have developed smaller, more intimate spaces for residents to gather to take classes and get to know each other. These new spaces foster a tighter-knit sense of community.</p>
<p>Seniors have enjoyed the enrichment and social aspects of arts classes so much that Huskey’s company went as far as building a 78-seat theater in one apartment community dedicated to a <a href="http://www.globest.com/news/12_515/losangeles/multifamily/Arts-Oriented-Seniors-Project-Opens-328633.html" target="_blank">permanent theater troupe.</a> When the theater troupe isn’t giving professional performances on-site, residents are allowed free access to use the theater building, as well.</p>
<p><strong>Take me out to the ballgame&#8230; next door!<br />
</strong>Another approach to creating community at home is featured at <a href="http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/apartment-trends/y-design.aspx" target="_blank">Broadstone Blake Street</a> in Denver, Colorado. Alliance Residential is building a modern apartment community right next to Coors Field downtown. (Residents will be able to see the field from the rooftop of the community.) The residence-in-development is thought to appeal to young people &#8212; perhaps especially men &#8212; who want to live in a walkable area with easy commutes for working and access to downtown excitement, like ball games. Sharing that excitement with apartment neighbors &#8212; and built-in proximity &#8212; will make living in this community THE place to be a sports fan in Denver.</p>
<p><strong>Toward apartment societies<br />
</strong>The success of Meta Housing Corp.’s children and senior programs might indicate that apartment communities are evolving. With an emphasis on enriching resident lives beyond basic shelter, these spaces &#8212; based on what residents want and need &#8212; might become known as apartment societies in the future.</p>
<p>What else might the future hold? Amenities including on-site senior services like medical care and support groups, or family-oriented services like childcare or even home schooling could be possibilities. As apartment living continues to change shape and mature, multifamily community developers around the country will be looking to Huskey’s success to gain insight on new ways to meet the needs of their residents. In the meantime, you can look for <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/seek-out-community-in-your-own-apartment-neighborhood/" target="_blank">ways to create community in your own apartment life</a> today.</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images</strong></p>
<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Apartment Guide’s Holiday Gift Guide for Him" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-guides-holiday-gift-guide-for-him/" rel="bookmark">Apartment Guide’s Holiday Gift Guide for Him</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="How to Create a DIY Winter Wonderland" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-create-a-diy-winter-wonderland/" rel="bookmark">How to Create a DIY Winter Wonderland</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="5 Best Blogs for Crafting Resources and Tips" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/5-best-blogs-for-crafting-resources-and-tips/" rel="bookmark">5 Best Blogs for Crafting Resources and Tips</a></li>
</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-communities-where-service-leads-to-society/">How Apartment Communities are Evolving: Much More than Amenities</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>National Pet Week: How to Pamper Your Pets</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/treat-your-pet-during-national-pet-week/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/treat-your-pet-during-national-pet-week/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 14:56:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mprice</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet-friendly]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56448</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Our pets make us feel special every day with their playful natures, unconditional love and unwavering loyalty, so it only makes sense to show them a little gratitude every now and then. Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, National &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/treat-your-pet-during-national-pet-week/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/treat-your-pet-during-national-pet-week/">National Pet Week: How to Pamper Your Pets</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56452" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 452px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/treat-your-pet-during-national-pet-week/m/" rel="attachment wp-att-56452"><img class="size-full wp-image-56452 " alt="Give your furry friends some love during National Pet Week. " src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/national-pet-week.jpg" width="442" height="204" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Give your furry friends some love during National Pet Week.</p></div>
<p>Our pets make us feel special every day with their playful natures, unconditional love and unwavering loyalty, so it only makes sense to show them a little gratitude every now and then.</p>
<p>Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx">American Veterinary Medical Association</a>, National Pet Week promotes responsible pet ownership, celebrates the human-animal bond and raises awareness of veterinary medicine. So in honor of <a href="http://www.petweek.org/">National Pet Week</a>, treat your furry friends to a day of love and pampering and show them how much you care. Here’s how.</p>
<p><span id="more-56448"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com">Find your perfect apartment!</a></p>
<p><strong>Treat Yourself</strong><br />
No, we’re not talking about Pup-Peroni or Beggin’ Strips. It’s now easier than ever to make your pets healthy, <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/help-fluffy-or-fido-stay-healthy-with-homemade-pet-treats/">delicious homemade treats</a> without spending a lot of money on frou-frou ingredients. <a href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs/homemade-treats-for-your-dog/page1.aspx">For dogs</a>, plain cooked, boneless chicken breast, prepared without seasoning or oil, is a simple and healthy snack, while ice cubes made from chicken or beef broth is a refreshing treat on a hot day. <a href="http://www.petplace.com/cats/homemade-treats-for-your-cat/page1.aspx">For cats</a>, make <a href="http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Recipe_for_Homemade_Cat_Treats">catnip biscuits</a> by combining flour, catnip and a few other ingredients. Or, drain the liquid from a can of tuna into a bowl for a simple pick-me-up.</p>
<p><strong>More from Apartment Guide</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/what-do-you-need-to-know-when-you-rent-an-apartment-with-a-pet/">What Do You Need to Know to Rent an Apartment with a Pet?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/top-5-apps-for-pet-owners/">Top 5 Apps for Pet Owners</a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/dog-people-vs-cat-people/">Fido Vs. Fluffy: What&#8217;s Your Preference?</a></p>
<p><strong>Toy Story</strong><br />
Take an inventory of your pet’s toys. If you see a lot of beat up, worn-out toys, it may be time to upgrade. While Fido may adore his 5-year-old squeaky porcupine, chances are he’ll also love accompanying you to your local pet store and picking out a few new ones. And if your cat has managed to knock every catnip mouse into the unreachable nooks and crannies of your apartment, he or she would probably appreciate a restock.</p>
<p><strong>Spa Retreat</strong><br />
It’s no secret that your pets need to be cleaned regularly, especially if they play a lot outdoors, but why not make bath time for your pup more like a day at the spa? Help your dog massage and relax before a bath by <a href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-give-your-dog-a-massage/page1.aspx">giving him a massage</a>. If your pup has longer hair, spray a detangling product and let it sit before brushing. After washing, dry your dog with a soft, fluffy towel. If your dog really just doesn’t enjoy bathing or you don’t have the space for it, take him or her to a pet salon for a bath and brushing as well as other perks like treats and social interaction.</p>
<p><strong>Play Date</strong><br />
Just as a human’s mood and happiness can benefit from regular social interaction, your pets can, too. So make sure your dog spends an adequate amount of time at the dog park or other <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/top-five-cities-to-visit-with-your-pet/">pet-friendly areas</a> to play and meet new friends. If your cat or dog is friendly and gets along with other animals, schedule play dates with a friend or neighbor who also has a four-legged friend.</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: iStockphoto/<a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-18973220-group-of-cats-and-dogs.php?st=a2ee41a">GlobalP</a></strong></p>
<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Create DIY Valentine&#8217;s Day Gifts in Your Apartment" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/create-diy-valentines-day-gifts-in-your-apartment/" rel="bookmark">Create DIY Valentine&#8217;s Day Gifts in Your Apartment</a></li>
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</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/treat-your-pet-during-national-pet-week/">National Pet Week: How to Pamper Your Pets</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Meet the Neighbors: Why It&#8217;s Smart to Make the Effort</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/get-to-know-your-apartment-neighbors-why-its-smart-to-make-the-effort/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/get-to-know-your-apartment-neighbors-why-its-smart-to-make-the-effort/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 18:52:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[neighbors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56268</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>It’s a good idea to get to know your apartment neighbors &#8212; whether you really want to or not! Find your perfect apartment now! Whether you are full-on friendly or super-shy, you should make the effort to meet at least &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/get-to-know-your-apartment-neighbors-why-its-smart-to-make-the-effort/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/get-to-know-your-apartment-neighbors-why-its-smart-to-make-the-effort/">Meet the Neighbors: Why It&#8217;s Smart to Make the Effort</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56269" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/get-to-know-your-apartment-neighbors-why-its-smart-to-make-the-effort/agblog-story-gettoknowneighborssmart/" rel="attachment wp-att-56269"><img class="size-full wp-image-56269" alt="Make a point to meet two people this week in your apartment community." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/agblog.story_.gettoknowneighborssmart.jpg" width="360" height="296" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Make a point to meet two people this week in your apartment community.</p></div>
<p>It’s a good idea to get to know your apartment neighbors &#8212; whether you really want to or not!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>Whether you are full-on friendly or super-shy, you should make the effort to meet at least two or three of your apartment neighbors for these four simple reasons.</p>
<p><span id="more-56268"></span></p>
<p><strong>In case of emergency</strong><br />
One of the most basic reasons for saying hello to your hallmates might, at first, appear a little selfish. What if you encounter an emergency and need neighbor assistance? Sure, none of us like to think about unfortunate situations, but it’s smart to have someone to call if you have a medical emergency, safety issue… or if you lock yourself out of your apartment.</p>
<p>It’s wise to swap phone numbers with a few people that live above, below or next door to you. Before you exchange apartment keys, however, make sure you get to know that neighbor and feel comfortable first, of course.</p>
<p><strong>When you need a helping hand</strong><br />
A more likely scenario is that you’ll need some help at home and could benefit from a neighborly relationship. Run out of coffee on a Sunday morning? Call your neighbor. Need someone to feed your cat or check your mail while you are on vacation? Call your neighbor. From spare light bulbs to plant watering, it’s totally worth it to get to know the girl or guy next door.</p>
<p><strong>For fun and friendship</strong><br />
The big bonus of having cool apartment neighbors is that you instantly get a bunch of built-in friends. Planning a movie night, supper club or walking group is a piece of cake when you have pals just steps away. (No one will ever complain about your place being too far!) Remember those BFFs from your college dorm? Neighbors can be just like those buddies, if you choose your neighbor-friends wisely and then make an appropriate effort.</p>
<p><strong>To maintain mental health</strong><br />
Today’s world of texting, tweeting, online relationships and telecommuting can leave you feeling lonely. Put a stop to solo sadness by starting up a few face-to-face relationships with your neighbors. You don’t have to spend hours chatting up everyone you see on the sidewalk, but a friendly wave and hello will make you both feel infinitely better.</p>
<p>If you don’t know a soul in your apartment community, make a point to meet some folks this week &#8212; at least two people. You never know when you’ll need – or how much you’ll value &#8212; each other’s help and friendship!</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / Andy Dean Photography</strong></p>
<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Ways to Break the Ice with New Neighbors" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/ways-to-break-the-ice-with-new-neighbors/" rel="bookmark">Ways to Break the Ice with New Neighbors</a></li>
<li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Practice Proper Apartment Pool Etiquette" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/practice-proper-apartment-pool-etiquette/" rel="bookmark">Practice Proper Apartment Pool Etiquette</a></li>
</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/get-to-know-your-apartment-neighbors-why-its-smart-to-make-the-effort/">Meet the Neighbors: Why It&#8217;s Smart to Make the Effort</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Should You Co-sign an Apartment Lease?</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/should-you-co-sign-on-an-apartment-lease/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/should-you-co-sign-on-an-apartment-lease/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 13:51:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apartment Hunting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apartment lease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If a friend or relative asks you to co-sign on an apartment lease, should you do it? Find your perfect apartment now! Of course, we all want to help friends and family in need, but you have to be careful &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/should-you-co-sign-on-an-apartment-lease/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/should-you-co-sign-on-an-apartment-lease/">Should You Co-sign an Apartment Lease?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56124" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/should-you-co-sign-on-an-apartment-lease/agblog-story-cosignonaptlease/" rel="attachment wp-att-56124"><img class="size-full wp-image-56124" alt="Here are items you will want to weigh carefully when considering adding your signature to another person’s apartment lease." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/agblog.story_.cosignonaptlease.jpg" width="360" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Here are items you will want to weigh carefully before you add your signature to another person’s apartment lease.</p></div>
<p>If a friend or relative asks you to co-sign on an apartment lease, should you do it?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>Of course, we all want to help friends and family in need, but you have to be careful when it comes to the commitment of legally guaranteeing another person&#8217;s apartment lease.</p>
<p>Here are some items you will want to weigh carefully as you consider whether to add your signature.</p>
<p><span id="more-56123"></span></p>
<p><strong>What it means to be a apartment lease co-signer<br />
</strong>When you co-sign an apartment lease, you give your legal guarantee that the rent on that apartment will be paid. You are also responsible for paying any fees for damages on that apartment beyond normal wear and tear, for instance.</p>
<p><strong>What happens if the rent is not paid<br />
</strong>When you co-sign, you also co-assume the financial responsibilities of renting that apartment. If the apartment tenant cannot or does not pay the rent &#8212; and you are the apartment lease co-signer – then the responsibility falls to you to pay it. If you cannot pay the rent, you are then in default. Your failure to pay the rent will be reported to your credit agencies, which could adversely affect your credit score. There is even the possibility that the apartment management company could take you to court to get the money owed to them.</p>
<p>Obviously, you must make the decision to co-sign very carefully.</p>
<p><strong>Know the renter<br />
</strong>Before co-signing a loan for someone, make sure you know them very well. We are not saying you should know their favorite color or favorite Bond film; you should know their spending habits. Are they good with money? Do they have a good track record with paying bills on time? Can they afford rent each month? Ask them to show you bill statements to make sure they are not constantly getting hit with late fees. Knowing all of these details will give you a better picture of who the person will be as a renter and how likely they are to pay rent on time.</p>
<p><strong>Know yourself<br />
</strong>Ask yourself a few questions, too. Would you be able to make the payments, should your friend or family member not be able to pay the rent? How would co-signing a lease affect your relationship with that person? Would the endorsement make you worry? It’s important to consider the ramifications before making this important legal commitment.</p>
<p><strong>A third person?<br />
</strong>If your friend or family member has a roommate, you are probably better off NOT co-signing the apartment lease. No matter how much you trust the person you know, you may not be able to predict how the roommate will act or if they will pay rent on time.</p>
<p><strong>When it makes sense to co-sign a lease<br />
</strong>There are certain times when it makes sense to co-sign a lease:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you are able and willing to make the rent payments in the event your friend or family member cannot.</li>
<li>If your friend or family member has a proven, reliable track record with money.</li>
<li>If your relationship with the tenant is strong enough to withstand no matter what happens with this renting situation.</li>
</ul>
<p>If these conditions are met, you might go ahead and co-sign the apartment lease. If you do, you will be helping your friend or family member secure an apartment and build up credit at the same time!</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / JJ Studio</strong></p>
<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Know How to Renew a Lease" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/know-how-to-renew-a-lease/" rel="bookmark">Know How to Renew a Lease</a></li>
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</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/should-you-co-sign-on-an-apartment-lease/">Should You Co-sign an Apartment Lease?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>How Much Should You Tip Your Movers: Infographic</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 14:09:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tpham</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Moving to and Setting Up Your Place]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moving month]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moving tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56339</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>May is National Moving Month and the official kick off of the summer moving season. Feeling stressed about packing, moving and the expenses involved? Have no fear, Apartment Guide is here with fun facts from a recent survey about moving &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette/">How Much Should You Tip Your Movers: Infographic</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="attachment_56341" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/May_MovingEtiquette.jpg"><img src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/May_MovingEtiquetteSquare.jpg" alt="Click the image to view the full infographic." width="360" height="360" class="size-full wp-image-56341" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text"><strong>Click the image to view the full infographic.</strong></p></div>May is National Moving Month and the official kick off of the summer moving season.</p>
<p>Feeling stressed about packing, moving and the expenses involved? Have no fear, Apartment Guide is here with fun facts from a recent survey about <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/May_MovingEtiquette.jpg" title="Moving Etiquette">moving etiquette.</a></p>
<p>Some things to consider are providing some type of refreshment for the movers and tipping the movers for the heavy lifting. What would you recommend?</p>
<p><strong>More Moving Tips</strong><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/keep-it-easy-to-make-your-move/" title="7 Tips for Easy Moving">7 Tips for Easy Moving</a><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/tackle-your-move-with-these-5-apps/" title="Top 5 Apps to Help You Move">Top 5 Apps to Help You Move</a><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/checklist-what-to-do-before-moving-in/" title="What to Do Before Moving In: Infographic">What to Do Before Moving In (Infographic)</a></li>
</ul>
<p><span id="more-56339"></span>
<p>During the big move, do you let the movers do all of the work? Or do you take care of some of the smaller things and let the professionals handle the large dresser? We found that 80 percent of responders would be happy to lend a helping hand if they could. Twenty percent said they would defer to the professionals.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px;" align="center"><textarea style="width: 650px;" onclick="select();" rows="3"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette"><img src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/May_MovingEtiquette.jpg" alt="Moving etiquette, tipping the movers" title="Moving Etiquette: Hiring Professional Movers" width="800" height="1390" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Guide Blog – Moving Tips</a></textarea></p>
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<div class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Posts"><H3>Related Posts</H3><ul class="entry-meta"><li class="SPOSTARBUST-Related-Post"><a title="Top 10 Moving Destinations for 2013" href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/where-are-we-moving-top-moving-destinations-for-2013/" rel="bookmark">Top 10 Moving Destinations for 2013</a></li>
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</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette/">How Much Should You Tip Your Movers: Infographic</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>2013 Renting Trends: Mid-Year Update</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/mid-year-rental-trends-round-up-2013/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/mid-year-rental-trends-round-up-2013/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:39:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Apartment Hunting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rental tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=56236</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>At Apartment Guide, we want to help movers stay informed about the state of renting in this country. Find your perfect apartment now! Take a quick look at a gathering of recent trends and reporting about what you might expect &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/mid-year-rental-trends-round-up-2013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/mid-year-rental-trends-round-up-2013/">2013 Renting Trends: Mid-Year Update</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56237" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/mid-year-rental-trends-round-up-2013/agblog-story-midyearrentaltrendsroundup2013/" rel="attachment wp-att-56237"><img class="size-full wp-image-56237" alt="Read about what's going on in apartment renting right now." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/agblog.story_.midyearrentaltrendsroundup2013.jpg" width="360" height="301" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Read about what&#8217;s going on in apartment renting right now.</p></div>
<p>At Apartment Guide, we want to help movers stay informed about the state of renting in this country.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>Take a quick look at a gathering of recent trends and reporting about what you might expect to find when renting an apartment right now.</p>
<p><span id="more-56236"></span></p>
<p><strong>Rent or buy?</strong><br />
A common question which people looking for a new place to live ask is whether to rent or buy. Though many factors play into that decision, consider that cities where the break-even point occurs more quickly for renting versus buying a home are generally considered attractive cities for renters. The latest findings reported on <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/money-gallery/2013-03-06/the-best-big-cities-for-renters.html#slide1" target="_blank">Bloomberg.com</a> list twelve cities where that point ranges from about 2.5 to 5 years.</p>
<p><strong>High-tech, high rent</strong><a href="http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/business/top-10-rent-growth-markets.aspx" target="_blank"><br />
Multifamily Executive</a> shares a report indicating that high-tech cities will experience the highest rent growth in 2013. West Coast technology centers like Seattle, San Jose and San Francisco will likely see greater than five percent rent hikes this year. Hopefully, strong employment rates will assist renters in keeping up with the rising rent trend in these highly-desired cities.</p>
<p><strong>Capitol savings</strong><br />
Though rental occupancy is typically high in cities across the country, there are places where lower occupancy means an opportunity to pay lower rent. According to <a href="http://www.globest.com/news/12_589/washington/multifamily/DC-Facing-Apartment-Glut-332520.html?ET=globest:e38200:728620a:&amp;st=email" target="_blank">GlobeSt.com,</a> <strong>Washington, D.C.,</strong> is the primary hotspot where there are plenty of apartment units for renters to choose from, at perhaps a 2% average savings over last year. Other cities may see changes like these in the near future, as building resumes.</p>
<p><strong>Renting is the trend</strong><br />
While it is important to take big-city trends into account, the <a href="http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/american_community_survey_acs/cb13-70.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a> shared some nationwide findings in April which necessitate a look back at the big picture. In cities around the country from approximately 2009 to 2011, the overall living statistic of note was an average move away from home ownership to renting. The report says that “more renters are spending a high percentage of their household income on rent,” perhaps because the decrease in available apartments means that rents went up to balance the change. For renters who spend about 35 percent of income on rent and utilities, that level is considered high.</p>
<p>Renters in <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Virginia/Richmond/" target="_blank">Richmond, VA,</a> and <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/New-York/Buffalo/" target="_blank">Buffalo, NY,</a> scored a win, however, as the only markets among the 50 most-populated urban areas where the actual cost to rent decreased. Also of note is the finding that, in the cities of Los Angeles and New York, about half of households were rented.</p>
<p>Though individual statistics may not be of much practical use, taken together, they indicate the trends to pay attention to. Trends in home living are important to help make decisions about relocation, for instance. The overall cost of living in a place &#8212; which includes how much it costs to establish a home &#8212; is critical knowledge for movers to consider.</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / John Henkel</strong></p>
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</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/mid-year-rental-trends-round-up-2013/">2013 Renting Trends: Mid-Year Update</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Best Cities for Frequent Flyers</title>
		<link>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/best-cities-for-frequent-flyers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/best-cities-for-frequent-flyers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>sharper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rental tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=37484</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>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. Find your perfect apartment now! When the name &#8230; <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/best-cities-for-frequent-flyers/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/best-cities-for-frequent-flyers/">Best Cities for Frequent Flyers</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_56314" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/best-cities-for-frequent-flyers/agblog-story-frequentflyercities/" rel="attachment wp-att-56314"><img class="size-full wp-image-56314" alt="Plan a route through these top-notch airports and you’ll be sitting pretty every time you travel." src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/agblog.story_.frequentflyercities.jpg" width="360" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Plan a route through these top-notch airports and you’ll be sitting pretty every time you travel.</p></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Find your perfect apartment now!</strong></a></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>You might want to plant your apartment homebase in one of these cities with high-flying airport service.</p>
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<p><strong>Quick connections (the tablet/laptop version)</strong><br />
These days, quick connections mean a lot more than catching your next flight. In our digital world, we’re working all the time. Finding power outlets, Wi-Fi and quick download times is key. The frontrunner in this category is the <a href="http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Airport/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Charlotte Douglas International Airport</a> in <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/North-Carolina/Charlotte/" target="_blank">Charlotte, NC</a>. Charlotte is the domestic hub for US Airways, and, according to <a href="http://www.onlinemba.com/blog/airports-for-business-travelers/" target="_blank">Online MBA</a>, a great airport for business travelers because it offers some of the fastest free Wi-Fi Internet connections around (an average of 12 megabits per second, for the technically-inclined).</p>
<p>North Carolina must have some serious service, as well, because the <a href="http://www.rdu.com/" target="_blank">Raleigh-Durham International Airport</a> boasted an average data rate that was nearly that impressive. When you are in the <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/North-Carolina/Raleigh/" target="_blank">Raleigh</a>-<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/North-Carolina/Durham/" target="_blank">Durham</a> area, this is the place to get hooked up. (And speaking of connections, Charlotte also ranked #2 for best connection flights!)</p>
<p><strong><strong>Musical departures<br />
</strong></strong>The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Texas/Austin/" target="_blank">Austin, TX,</a> offers a unique experience that fits right in with the spirit of that city. Flyers are treated to <a href="http://austintexas.gov/department/music-air-0" target="_blank">live music</a> from local artists on five stages peppered throughout the terminal. Clearly, Austin is working overtime to earn its claim as the Live Music Capital of the World. (You must have an airline ticket, by the way, to catch the tunes here.)</p>
<p><strong>Best for stress (or lack of it)</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">SeaTac,</a> the Seattle/Tacoma airport, is considered top-notch, according to SmarterTravel.com, for its smooth on-site experience which won’t leave you feeling terminal. Security clearance is efficient and friendly here – and there’s plenty of <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Washington/Seattle/" target="_blank">Seattle’s</a> Best and Starbucks coffees to keep you awake enough to make your next flight!</p>
<p><strong>Dine &amp; dash</strong><br />
Frequent flyers know that convenient travel doesn’t always allow for delicious meals &#8212; unless eating a cold sandwich on your lap is your idea of luxury. Fortunately there are several major airport cities that cater to tenured travelers and provide the best dining this side of the security barricade.</p>
<p>A recent report in <a href="http://www.gadling.com/2013/02/01/the-best-us-airports-to-kill-time-in/" target="_blank">Gadling</a> ranked the best airports in which to kill time, and <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Georgia/Atlanta/" target="_blank">Atlanta</a>’s airport topped the list for best dining. Every concourse has a conveniently-located central food court, as well as eateries peppered between the gates. While Atlanta’s <a href="http://www.atlanta-airport.com/concessions/" target="_blank">Hartsfield-Jackson Airport</a> includes the standard fast food stops, it also features savory standouts like <a href="http://www.cafeintermezzo.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Intermezzo</a>, <a href="http://www.oneflewsouthatl.com/" target="_blank">One Flew South</a> and <a href="http://www.paschalsatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Paschal’s Southern Cuisine</a>. The Atlanta airport also topped the list for amenities, dining and best flight connections.</p>
<p>The Atlanta airport happens to be the central hub for Delta Airlines &#8212; just one reason this airport is THE busiest in the world!</p>
<p><strong>En route entertainment</strong><br />
You’ve charged your laptop, enjoyed a tasty meal and still have an hour to kill before your next flight. Not a problem if you are in the <a href="http://www.mspairport.com/" target="_blank">Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport</a>. As you straddle the line between <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Minnesota/Minneapolis/" target="_blank">Minneapolis</a> and <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Minnesota/Saint-Paul/" target="_blank">St. Paul</a>, you won’t struggle to find a delightful diversion. Gadling ranked this airport #2 for amenities. (Atlanta ranked #1, but we suspect it was for all that great food!)</p>
<p>When relaxing at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, what fun and comforts do they have in store for you? Why not check out Lucky Lindy’s Video Arcade or enjoy a first-class massage chair at the XpressSpa? You can <a href="http://www.shopsatmsp.com/page/1/shop.jsp" target="_blank">shop at fifty</a> different storefronts around the airport and the Mall. And there are plenty of dining options to tide you over for a long flight.</p>
<p><strong>Fly the greener skies<br />
</strong>The <a href="http://www.dfwairport.com/" target="_blank">Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport</a> scores high for its planet-friendly initiatives. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has invited the airport into the Green Power Leadership Club for its collaboration in getting electricity via renewable wind resources. This type of energy-saving – harnessing power from the wind &#8212; seems altogether appropriate for an airport!</p>
<p>Being a frequent flyer doesn’t mean you have to lead of life of frequent frustrations. Just make sure you plan a route through these top-notch airports, and you’ll be sitting pretty every time you travel. (And if you really fly a lot, living near one of these airports might be a good idea, too!)</p>
<p><strong>Photo credit: Shutterstock / gui jun peng</strong></p>
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</ul></div><p>The post <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/best-cities-for-frequent-flyers/">Best Cities for Frequent Flyers</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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