The Search for Apartments...

The time of my lease expiration is rapidly approaching (end of March) and so I've begun to look around for apartment options. To me, the size doesn't matter as much as the quality does. Unfortunately, the majority of the Valley appears to be chock full of the same ol' hackneyed cookie-cutter apartments of plebeian suburbia you find everywhere else. I'll keep looking for some hidden gem, but I don't think I'll find one.

The closest I've discovered so far is Grigio at Tempe Town Lake. (To visit their site, click here) It has the correct urban feel, more like something you'd find in a city such as New York, or LA.

Here are a few pictures of the lobby:


But, there are some shortcomings. They are a bit overpriced for the quality of the units. Don't get me wrong, the member's center and multi-use community facilities are top-of-the-line. High in quality.

However, the suites don't have the same standards. Yes, they are better than standard apartment fare. But, they want top dollar for them, and they charge hefty prices for any "upgrades". For example, to have bamboo flooring instead of carpeting in the studio you have to pay an extra $100/mo. Want a pool view? Better tack on another $100. So, for a studio apartment just under 600 sq. ft. w/ bamboo floors... you're looking at $999/mo. or $1014/mo w/ tax.
Prices are a little more reasonable if you're looking at two bedrooms (of course this would require a roommate). I can get a 800 sq. ft. 2 bedroom w/ bamboo and pool view for about $1500/mo. That's a more reasonable. Still high - but more in the price range I'm looking for. And you can sign for up to 2 years. But as I said before... r-o-o-m-m-a-t-e. Oh well, decisions decisions.

I'll keep posting other communities that I tour and let you all know.