California Apartments: When Renting, Consider the Traffic!

California apartments can have it all: luxury, scenic beauty, and if you’re lucky, great deals. But one vital factor is extremely difficult to judge from classified ads or a walk through with a leasing agent: how traffic flows around your potential new home.  California is a state that is seriously dependent on cars, and if anyone who has lived there for a while knows that spending time in gridlock is a necessary evil and it is important to know several alternate routes to work and/or school. 

When renting California apartments, consider the traffic patterns in advance. How do they change your commute?  Are alternate routes open to you? And what are the noise levels like? While it might be convenient to live a block from the 405, if your kids need to nap, you may want to live further from the freeway.  But be careful—while going further out will probably decrease your rent, it will also increase your transportation expenses. Remember, when searching for California apartments, consider more than just amenities and price.  It might be kid-friendly and pet-friendly—but is it car friendly?  Ask this question and your new California apartment is sure to treat you well.

Five Luxury Apartments in Orlando Florida

Orlando is known as a traveler’s destination, and has long been a preferred choice by tourists. Many get bitten by the Orlando bug and decide to move here after a great vacation experience.

Conveniently, Orlando apartments for rent are available at a wide range of prices to suit the budget of all, but if you are looking for a luxury apartment in Orlando, here are five great apartment communities to choose from.

• Camden Reserve: For people looking for waterfront Orlando apartments, Camden Reserve is perfect choice. One and two bedroom apartments are available and feature balconies, private patios, vaulted ceilings and large walk-in closets. You will find your cat and dog are welcome in this pet friendly community. Recreational activities and amenities include a fitness center, a tennis court and a resort style swimming pool. The location is ideal ,as the apartments are just minutes away from the Orlando International Airport, East-West Expressway and the theme parks.

• Oakwood Apartments: Oakwood is known for offering comfortable living and contemporary facilities in a natural setting. Its well equipped one and two bedroom apartments offer access to community amenities which include two huge pools, a jogging trail, a temperature controlled spa, tennis court, gym, clubhouse and many other amenities. Apartments here are moderately priced  compared to the standard of living offered.

• Arbors At Lee Vista: Located within three miles of the Orlando International Airport and close to restaurants and shopping, the Arbors at Lee Vista offers a wonderful combination of chic and comfort. Select from fully furnished one, two or three bedroom apartments. Recently renovated apartments feature energy efficient appliances. Along with a fully equipped fitness center and a business center, you will also enjoy the spa, heated lap pool and a lagoon-style pool.

• Camden Orange Court: Looking for luxurious living in downtown Orlando? Camden Orange Court is a great choice. Orange Court's contemporary, urban-styled apartments include stainless steel appliances, nickel-plated fixtures, large showers and kitchens granite countertops. You'll also enjoy the surround-sound DVD theatre and resort-style swimming pool.

• Northlake Park Luxury Apartments: Last but not the least, consider Northlake Park when you are looking for Orlando apartments. You can choose from fully furnished one, two or three bedroom apartments and also enjoy using their fitness center, business center, picnic area, swimming pool as well as private access to an onsite lake.

Check out these and other top Orlando Florida apartments online now.

Finding a Perfect Roommate

A compatible and cooperative roommate can make life wonderful and improve overall lifestyle. In addition, sharing an apartment lets you split rental expenses.

If you plan to have a roommate, you might want to find the perfect roommate before you begin your apartment search. Introspection is necessary to determine what you are looking for in a roommate. Compatible personalities and character are the foundation of harmonious living.

Keep the following financial issues in mind when interviewing your potentially perfect roommate to share an apartment:

Sharing the Rent

It is important to determine how you will divide up the rental costs, and to make sure the specifics are clearly communicated up front. Sharing the rent is great for managing budget when you are living on a tight budget. Eliminate any potential disagreements by making sure everyone understands the financial arrangement up front.

Sharing the Amenities

Rent is not the only financial burden you'll be splitting when you are sharing an apartment with a roommate. Other costs of living, for example, utilities like heat, hot water, electricity, cable and Internet services, will be shared. Make sure you discuss discretionary options up front. For example, figure out if you are both interested in paying a little extra for HBO, or a faster Internet connection, or if you'd rather avoid the cost.

At this point, you might be wondering where to find a roommate. There is plenty of help online. There are dozens of websites which provide services to help you find the perfect roommate. You'll find listings of rooms for rent with a description of the apartment rental as well as information about the person who’s renting the room. You can also create your own listing. Numerous sites also offer a free trial, or a free level of service.

Follow these tips, and you'll soon find yourself saving money on your apartment rental, and enjoying a great lifestyle with a compatible roommate.

4Walls has been helping renters find the perfect apartment for eight years. To find the perfect apartment to share with a roommate, visit www.4walls.us