My life is consumed at the moment with finding the "perfect" apartment. We've seen enough to figure out what we want and that's allowed us to eliminate sight-unseen a lot of other buildings. (And by "want", I mean the bare minimum square footage we think we can survive in without killing each other.)
Based on what we've seen thus far, we've narrowed it down to 3 units. (It's House Hunters, Story-style).
Unit 1: SIZE, SIZE, SIZE. Plus here is size - this is a 2BR+den. Same price as Unit 3 but 1352 sq ft. Fixtures are very nice in the apartment. Floors are totally wood laminate, which I prefer over carpet. Kitchen is very nice and a little open. Gym is so-so. Unit is located in horrible (and I mean horrible), low-floor location in building. The den overlooks a high-rise construction site (not sure what the noise factor will be because I couldn't get in to see the actual unit today but it was VERY noisy on the outside of the building) and the other windows overlook the next-door high-rise's parking lot. Blah. Grills are provided outside, and there's a computer room with MAC desktops, but no other inside or really nice outside common areas to speak of. Unit is available before we want to move out of temporary housing, so that means we assume payment faster than is necessary (State Department's paying for the temporary housing). The living room is HUMONGOUS. No balcony. Building is 4.5 blocks to Metro but in the neighborhood Jimmy and I lived in when we first moved to DC 15+ years ago (which I love). It's easy walking distance to my favorite neighborhood. Building has a dog park, which is going to be provide a constant source of Mac begging for a puppy (definite negative).
Unit 2: MONEY TALKS. 2BR unit has been renovated and is very nice. Unit is 1215 sq ft and is cheapest option. Huge closets. Kitchen is entirely closed, which I don't like. W/D are in the kitchen, which I don't like. No foyer, so I'd have to invent a foyer. Living/dining room are huge. Gym is decent, grills are provided with tables and chairs under a pergola near the pool. Building is 2 blocks to Metro. Neighborhood is my least favorite of the three. Two computer rooms with MAC desktops, but no other common areas to speak of.
Unit 3: LOCATION, FABULOUS SHARED COMMON AREAS. Beautiful fixtures in this 2BR apartment, totally renovated, nice closet space, least amount of square footage (1163 sq ft) but most expensive. Kitchen is really nice, slightly open. Separate laundry room. Floors in living areas are wood laminate, bedrooms are carpet. The most amazing common areas (totally kitted-out gym, swimming pool, huge outdoor terrace with grills and great seating) all with views overlooking DC skyline plus a couple of computer rooms with MAC desktops, a great party room and tv room (so there are spaces outside the apartment that we're counting on using to extend our virtual square footage if we choose this one). There's a Starbucks on the bottom floor. The building sits on top of the Metro stop so no walking commute for Jimmy to get to the subway. Easy walking distance to my favorite neighborhood for restaurants and shopping.
So do we go for more space inside the apartment, better common areas in the building, quicker access to the Metro, lower monthly rent???????
HELP!!!
8 comments:
I'd go with #3 -- it's the one you sound the most positive about, by far.
And welcome back to the US!!!
I agree with Pam, it sounds like you like that one best. It also sounds super convenient for Jimmy plus it seems nice than the others!
I like the sounds of #3. Do they all have pools? The outdoor space in #3 sounds totally worth it.
I see no mention of the guest bedroom in any of the options outlined.
Hi Susan...I have no advice to offer re: housing, but did want to touch base briefly. I have gone back and read some back posts and see that you all are now stationed in DC. What role is Jimmy now filling? What is his new job, and what does it mean for your future in the Sate Department?
And specifically, how soon will you all be back in São Paulo with Jimmy as the Consul General:)??
Can you tell we still miss you?
Nathanael
#3 - when it's snowing in DC, you Moncks Cornerinians will probably be glad you don't have a long walk to the train! Hope to see y'all sometime soon.
Agree, option 3 sounds like the one you like the best and the one with the most options. Have such facilities will add to your lifestyle experience in such an expensive town and goodness knows, it is worth it.
I also vote #3--close to your favorite neighborhood, close to Metro, and you will love that common space. Square footage inside doesn't matter as much, in my opinion, as long as the bedrooms and kitchen and closets are sufficient.
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