Almost three months ago, I drove to Michigan, alone, racing ahead of the movers. Our house finally empty. Going from 3,800 square feet plus a 3 car garage to 1100 square feet and a one car garage… with neighbors soon to be only a wall and ceiling away. I stood outside in the cold breeze, gazing at the sparkling new building. I must admit, it entered my mind, “What have we done” The first twang of self-doubt over this 200 day journey. This was a huge decision… or series of decisions… to quit my job, sell the house, give away our possessions, move to Michigan, rent an apartment.
But all our bold moves worked out. No regrets at all! And specifically… apartment living? We are so very happy to not own a house. No more maintenance, the clutter in our lives is gone. Keeping things simple. Keeping an apartment clean is only minutes a day. More time for everything. So very happy to live where we live. If we would have chosen differently, apartment living might be much less fantastic.
Below is a “little” review I wrote for our new community… longest review I have ever written (no need to read!):
Piper Lakes Apartment Homes
This is my attempt at a comprehens
POSITIVES (no particular
+ Sparkling new complex… and they are fastidious
+ Clubhouse (including
+ Permanent dog park, with indoor winter seating, as well as car vacuuming area (under constructi
+ Nine foot high ceilings, large bright rooms with large windows, ground floor 2 bedroom apartments
+ Maintenanc
+ Maintenanc
+ Site management
+ Monthly bigger planned events to draw the community together so neighbors know neighbors,
+ They enhance clubhouse traffic with free Starbucks coffee, soft drink station and snacks.
+ Diverse ages… expected almost all young profession
+ Extremely quiet complex.
+ Well built… we are on the first floor and have not heard a plumbing noise, or even the faintest of voices from another apartment.
+ With windows closed, we hear almost no external noise.
+ Apartments
+ Even though these apartments
+ Pet friendly, fantastica
+ Even with many dogs in complex, the grass is immaculate
+ Ownership…
+ LED lighting thru out, energy-efficient and visually appealing.
+ Brightly lit exteriors.
+ Fiber internet directly to each apartment,
+ Garages available and just steps across the breeze way from 1st floor apartments
+ Location… easy to back road and avoid US31 Grand Haven congestion
+ The lease you sign is a huge, long document. but most of it is common sense and protects the community from people sometimes abandoning
NEGATIVES
– Not really set up for kids if that is what you are looking for, one and two bedrooms only, no playground
– Pool seems a bit small for number of final apartments
– Only annoying sound we get is the occasional
– Not bargain priced… once you tour Piper Lakes, you will be making lots of concession
TIPS
* Pick 3rd floor if you want no low-frequency minor walking noise above you. We are on ground floor and sometimes hear it, but not an issue.
* Don’t turn down a choicely located previously
* Pick pond facing apartment for eliminatio
* In 1106 square foot apartment,
* Use area rugs in main area, carpet runners down hall (Costco routinely has them very low-cost). Especially
* No need for full size corded vacuum cleaner. Our cordless Dyson can just about cover bare and carpet in a single charge.
* Gigabit internet available thru AT&T, $80 per month with add’l sign up bonus. Much cheaper throttled packages available also.