Tag Archives: neighborhoods

Surprising Findings about Walkable Neighborhoods: Would YOU Walk?

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If you could live in an apartment situated in a walkable community, would you choose to walk? Research is surprising!

If you could live in a walkable apartment community, would you choose to walk? The research is intriguing!

Sidewalk life can be one of the best parts of urban apartment living. The ability to walk right out of your apartment and take a stroll to the nearest park, corner café, bar or even your place of work is an incredible perk, for those lucky enough to enjoy it.

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At least, that’s what we often think when we describe the ideal apartment neighborhood. But according to recent studies, while “walkable” neighborhoods may be viewed desirably by residents, just because they can get around easily on foot doesn’t necessarily mean they will.

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Here, There and Back: Navigating Your New Neighborhood

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It might take time and a little effort on your part, but getting to know your neighborhood will make you feel more at home in new surroundings.

It might take time and a little effort on your part, but getting to know your neighborhood will make you feel more at home in new surroundings.

When you move into your new apartment, it may take a few days or even a few weeks to get your bearings and really learn your way around.

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Where is the best place for grocery shopping? How can you find a dependable dry cleaner or the pharmacy that will give you the best service? Which direction should you head for the tastiest Chinese take-out?

These and other questions will set you on a search to get to know your new neighborhood. Check out these tips to help you find your way and feel at home fast.

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Research Neighborhoods Online (Even Before You Move!)

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Check out these sites to get a look into the neighborhoods you want to explore.

Check out these sites to get a look into the neighborhoods you want to explore.

In the digital age, you’ve got plenty of tools at your fingertips to help you research and get the inside scoop on neighborhoods. From your social network to your search engine, there are great resources you can use to find out about places to eat, shop and play. You can even get statistics on crime rates and school performance, for instance.

Check out these sites to possibly get a clearer picture of the neighborhoods you want to explore.

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• Sperling’s Best Places. If you’re wondering how to research several cities at once, BestPlaces.net is a great place to start. From this site, you can find information on any nearly city in the country, comparing vital stats like cost of living and climate. One helpful feature allows users to see whether a city has fallen on a “top ten” list. And Sperling’s often ranks the best places to live in the United States. Lists on Sperling’s explore a wide range of topics, everything from “most irritation prone cities” to the “best places to retire.”

• NeighborhoodScout.com. NeighborhoodScout.com is an online service offering specific information about home appreciation rates, schools and area crime rates. Some of the information can be viewed for free, but more detailed views require a subscription.

• Social networks. When you research neighborhoods, don’t forget to take advantage of social networking sites to find your friends’ favorite places to eat, shop and relax. Sites like FourSquare will show you places that your friends have visited and liked (and show you where to find them on a map, too) and NextDoor.com, a Facebook-like site for neighbors, can put you in touch with the people living right next door.

• RealEstate.com. RealEstate.com offers an inside look at the housing market in any neighborhood in the country. Type in a city, neighborhood, or zip code to get a detailed snapshot of housing market trends in that area.

• Online tours. Last, but not least, don’t forget to check out online pictures, tours and descriptions of neighborhood communities and hangouts. Google Street View and Bing Maps, for example, can help you experience a place visually and direct you to valuable information you can use to learn more about places in a neighborhood.

When you’re done checking out all these great online neighborhood resources, you will also want to visit any neighborhood where you are considering living. There’s certainly plenty of great information available online, but there’s nothing like experiencing a place first-hand!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Andresr

Hippest Neighborhoods in the United States

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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

Settle Into One of These Seattle Neighborhoods

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Downtown Seattle apartments offer great views of the waterfront.

Downtown Seattle apartments offer great views of the waterfront.

Former Seattle mayor Greg Nickels referred to the city as “a city of neighborhoods” in 2005, so it’s no surprise that you can find Seattle, Wash., apartments spread throughout this beautiful Pacific Northwest city. From the free-spirited charm of Fremont to the trendy grunge of Ballard and Capitol Hill, each neighborhood possesses its own unique personality, but they manage to mingle seamlessly to create a city as diverse as its hilly, water-filled landscape. If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Seattle, here are a few neighborhoods to consider.

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Downtown
Downtown Seattle is a lively area booming with industry and tourism, which means that residents of Seattle apartments in this part of town have no shortage of things to do to keep them entertained.
• Pay a visit to the world-famous Pike Place Market, which is the oldest continuously operated farmers market in America. You’ll find hundreds of stores and vendors offering the best in fresh fish, cheeses, produce, souvenirs and much more.
• From Pike Place, visitors can walk down the Harbor Steps to Seattle’s vibrant waterfront area, with its quaint boutiques, art galleries and seafood restaurants. You’ll also find the Seattle Aquarium here.
• Art lovers will enjoy the Seattle Art Museum, which includes an impressive permanent collection of American, African, Australian Aboriginal, Asian, Native American and European art while featuring rotating exhibitions from all over the world.

Capitol Hill
The Capitol Hill neighborhood continues to defy stereotypes. Leather-clad punk rock types mingle with young professionals in coffee shops, local pubs and some of the city’s best restaurants in this neighborhood that specializes in nightlife and entertainment.
• Two of the city’s best-known movie theaters are in Capitol Hill—the Harvard Exit, which is housed in the former Women’s Century Club, and the Egyptian Theatre, in a former Masonic lodge—so make sure to catch a flickand soak in the ambiance.
• Take a break from the nightlife in the expansive, 48-acre Volunteer Park, which includes a conservatory, a fenced-off reservoir, several sculptures and a water tower with an observation deck, which offers stunning views of the Space Needle on a clear day.
• Seattle is known for its independent book stores, and there are seven in this neighborhood, including Twice Sold Tales, Spine and Crown Books and Elliot Bay Book Company, which moved from its historic Pioneer Square location.

Fremont
Originally founded as a separate city, Fremont was annexed to Seattle in 1891. Today, this neighborhood holds the unofficial motto of “Freedom to be Peculiar,” which is a nod to its creative, bohemian roots.
• Unique public art is one of the most noticeable things about Fremont. You can still see a controversial statue of Lenin that was brought over from Slovakia by a local art lover. Stumble upon the Fremont Troll, an 18-foot concrete troll that is tucked under the north end of the Aurora Bridge.
• The Fremont Arts Council sponsors several popular events in the neighborhood, including the Summer Solstice Parade & Pageant, which is famous for its nude Solstice Cyclists, and Trolloween, a Halloween party hosted at the Fremont Troll.
• Foodies will have a field day in Fremont. This neighborhood is home to the country’s only 100 percent organic, fair-trade chocolate factory, and the Fremont Sunday Market offers tasty goodies like wood oven-baked pizzas, crepes and fresh produce.

West Seattle
Outdoorsy apartment finders in Seattle might consider a move to the West Seattle neighborhood, which is located in the hilliest part of the city and offers great views of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range.
• Alki Beach is a favorite among residents of Seattle apartments due to its laid-back vibe and gorgeous views of the Puget Sound. Unwind by people watching or get some exercise by taking a stroll along this peaceful beach.
• West Seattle is chock full of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Take a dip at the heated saltwater pool in Lincoln Park, go for a hike through an old-growth forest at Schmitz Preserve Park or explore the four-mile nature trail along Longfellow Creek.
• For lots of fun indoors, check out The Junction, occurring at the intersection of California Avenue and Alaska Street. Whet your appetite at a number of great restaurants featuring options like sushi, craft beer, steaks and cupcakes. Sundays bring the popular West Seattle Farmers Market, which happens year-round.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/espiegle

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Which Richmond Neighborhood Fits You?

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If you're a history lover, check out apartments for rent in downtown Richmond.

If you’re a history lover, check out apartments for rent in downtown Richmond.

As the capital of Virginia and one of the most notably historic cities in the United States, Richmond has something to offer everyone. From history buffs who will love exploring the city’s monuments and historical structures to arts and culture enthusiasts who will enjoy stopping into the museums and galleries in the Museum District, residents of Richmond apartments never get bored. If you’re searching for apartments for rent in Richmond, here are some great neighborhoods to check out.

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Downtown
Downtown Richmond offers residents of Richmond apartments a unique mix of retail, commercial and residential development while paying homage to its historic past, making it an area of the city where you can truly live, work and play.
• The River District is home to Richmond’s 1.25-mile innovative Canal Walk, a popular tourist destination that meanders along the banks of the Haxall Canal and the James River and Kanawha Canal.
• The Jackson Ward neighborhood is a historically black neighborhood that was once known as the “Harlem of the South.” This lively part of town was once frequented by notable musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and James Brown. You’ll also find several historic buildings here, like the Hippodrome Theatre and the Maggie L. Walker House.
• Court End is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Richmond, home to such historical structures as the John Marshall House, the Museum of the Confederacy and the Virginia State Capitol.

Central
Central Richmond includes some of the city’s most well-known attractions, including Hollywood Cemetery, several universities and the Carytown shopping district. It is truly the heart of the city, and those who live in Richmond apartments in this neighborhood can look forward to a dynamic mix of students, young professionals, artists and musicians.
• Just west of downtown Richmond, The Fan, named because of the way its streets fan out at an angle, is comprised of 85 blocks of beautiful and unique town houses. The campus of Virginia Commonwealth University is located in this neighborhood.
• The budding Museum District hosts events like the First Fridays Artwalk and Broad Appétit. This neighborhood also contains one of the city’s largest collections of early 20th century architecture, with 22 properties being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

East End
Richmond’s birthplace can be found in the East End, where residents enjoy historical attractions, the beauty of parks and fresh air and a family-friendly environment.
• True to its name, Church Hill is home to many churches, the most famous of which is St. John’s Episcopal, which was the site of Patrick Henry’s inspirational speech. As Richmond’s first historic district, this neighborhood includes many of the original 32 blocks of the town that were set in place in 1737.
• The Fulton neighborhood is tucked along the banks of Gillies Creek and overlooks downtown and the old Manchester docks. You’ll find a wide variety of architectural styles, from Cape Cod to Craftsman bungalows and everything in between. Richmond apartments in this neighborhood are close to the National Cemetery and Powhatan Hill Park, which offers views of the rest of the city.

West End
Life in the West End is a perfect combination of the excitement of the city coupled with the comforts of life in the suburbs. Historic tree-lined streets give way to quaint boutiques and world class dining destinations in this neighborhood that has its own distinct character.
• Windsor Farms is home to two of Richmond’s most famous historical attractions: the Virginia House and Agecroft Hall, both of which are English manor houses that were physically transported to the state and are now open to the public.
• Westhampton is known for its quiet streets and stately homes. Residents love exploring The Avenues, the neighborhood’s premier shopping district which features a great mix of boutiques and local cafes.

Northside
Despite being so close to the buzz of downtown, Northside neighborhoods possess an impressive amount of tranquil green space, making it the perfect place to settle down for some peace and quiet in your Richmond apartment after a long workday.
• The Ginter Park neighborhood spans 21 blocks and was one of Richmond’s first planned developments. Known as the “Queen of the Suburbs,” it was incorporated into the city in 1914 and still remains a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Bellevue architecture is some of the most varied in the city, ranging from Italianate to Spanish to American Four Square. Residents unwind and stay fit at the beautiful Joseph Bryan park, an expansive green space complete with walking trails, lakes and tons of natural beauty.

Southside
The Southside of Richmond is known for its natural beauty as well as its quiet atmosphere and well-kept homes. The area is quiet and cozy, with many shady parks where residents of Richmond apartments go to unwind and get some exercise.
• Named for the Westover Plantation on the James River, home of William Byrd, the founder of Richmond, Westover Hills is a quiet neighborhood characterized by its winding, tree-lined streets and friendly residents.
• The Fawnbrook neighborhood blends the spirit of old Richmond with new, modern sensibilities in its architecture and amenities. The expansive Pocosham Park is located just south of this neighborhood, offering a peaceful environment complete with walking trails.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/traveler1116

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