Home2015 (Page 11)

March 2015

There are plenty of apartment hacks for loving the environment, even if you don’t live in an “eco-friendly apartment.” Here’s the good news: going green doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. It can actually be fun and a great way to save money. Here are a few ways to jump-start your green living:

Reducing Energy Consumption

  • Unplug your gadgets. Many electronics consume energy even when they are turned off. By unplugging the TVs, DVD players, consoles, coffee makers, etc. in your apartment when you’re not home or they’re not in use can save a lot on your electricity bill every month.
  • Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs use more energy and don’t last nearly as long so why bother?
  • Be conscious of temperature. Running heat and air conditioning not only sucks up energy but also money. During winter, turn the heat down by 2 degrees, wear a sweater, and you’ll save green. Washing your clothes on cold will also cut back costs.

If you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment, your furniture matters. But you don’t want to spend a lot of money on brand new furniture, or purchase a low quality piece from a superstore. Our advice? Find awesome stuff for cheap by thrifting.

Where to Start

You may have noticed some eclectic stores around your neighborhood but hadn’t been bold enough to step inside. These thrift stores can have the coolest couch you’ve ever seen from the 70s and beyond. Start making rounds at the thrift shops near you and you might end up catching something in great condition that you simply can’t live without.

When it comes to living in your first apartment, it’s difficult to know what kitchen items you’ll need right off the bat. Most of us know that kitchen tools like silverware, plates, and can openers are essentials but what about small appliances? Even if your 1-bedroom apartment has a small kitchen, there are a few gadgets that will make your life much easier. When it comes to kitchen appliances, here are our top recommendations:

In 1984, Madonna said that she was a “material girl, living in a material world.” If she re-released that song today, we would imagine she’d be singing a new tune, that she’s a “digital girl, living in a high-tech world.” From smartphones to portable tablets to blue-tooth integration, the world as we know it has evolved over the past 30 years to make us almost 100% reliant on the technology around us. The smartphone in your pocket has more computing power that the systems that put a man on the moon. This digital life has become an integral part of our daily lives. Here are some of the ways technology is helping apartment renters get the most out of the apartment communities in which they live:

If you’re living life on the college kid budget, then you’ve probably asked the question, “Do you have a discount for students?” at your favorite food stop. If you’re new to the student life or are looking to save a couple pennies, here are some starter tips to get you on the discounted path.

Find Expert Resources

A grad student, victory-lapping senior, or online forum could have all the golden knowledge you need to eat or shop cheaper. Beyond the usual spots around your campus, there could be somewhere you never thought would sympathize with your college going that will happily knock 15% off your taco bill.

February 17 is the pinnacle of the most festive time of the year for New Orleans residents: the famous Mardi Gras complete with its parades, community gatherings, and an overall sense of celebration. While many Americans love to celebrate Mardi Gras in their own way, there is nothing like living in the city and having a front-row seat to the greatest party in the U.S.

Here are the top five reasons why New Orleans’ residents love living in their city – during Mardi Gras and throughout the year:

Downtown Houston at NighttimeWhile everyone believes that the city in which they live is the best, the experts contend there are some that are better than others, particularly for job growth, favorable earnings-to-cost of living ratios and a safe and comfortable lifestyle. This Valentine’s Day, ApartmentSearch.com recognizes five of the top fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to Forbes magazine. These are the cities that more of us desire to move to, in order to create a better lifestyle for ourselves:

  1. Houston, Texas: Houston is the fastest-growing city in the U.S., thanks to a surge in the energy industry and exports. Houston’s job growth outpaces the rest of the U.S. at 4.5 percent, compared to the prior year. The city – known for its friendly atmosphere, rodeos and thriving arts culture – also boasts median annual pay for college-educated workers of $71,900 – the fourth highest in the U.S. among metropolitan areas. Plus – as Houston residents can attest – the cost of living is much lower than many other cities, thanks to affordable apartments and homes.

So you just moved to sunny South Florida? After you get settled into your apartment in Fort Lauderdale, get out and discover all the awesome things about your new home! Living so close to the ocean has a lot of perks, but there’s also a rich history to explore around Fort Lauderdale. Here are a few historical sites we love:

Stranahan House & Museum

Built by Frank and Ivy Stranahan in 1901, the Stranahan House is the oldest remaining structure in the Broward County area. Originally built as a trading post, the house has a rich history in the Fort Lauderdale community. Not only has it housed a series of restaurants over the years, but the Stranahan House has also served as a community hall and hotel. These days, you can visit the museum year-round, attend numerous events, and many couples even choose the Stranahan House as their wedding venue.

To have the lifestyle they want or need, many Americans have to work two or three jobs that pay minimum wage. In fact, 3.3 million people earned minimum wage or lower in 2013. A significant 1.66 million employees between 16 and 24 years old earn minimum wage as do 1.64 million workers who are 25 and older. That represents a huge portion of the population who are seeking affordable, comfortable places to live.

Enter apartment homes. The apartment lifestyle is perfect for minimum wage workers of all types, including foodservice employees, retail workers, day-laborers and countless other Americans. Here are the top benefits of apartments for hard-working restaurant industry staff and others: