The Queste for a decent apartment...

While I was off vacationing with family (a month back), James had the difficult chore of finding our family a place to live in Ames, IA. It was really discouraging at first. All the big apartment complexes only had students, no families. The cheaper places where falling apart and really gross. We had started paperwork with one place only to find some online reviews that gave the complex a big thumbs down. Cops there all the time, drug deals in the front yard, no one cleaning up after their dogs, etc. So James kept on looking and looking and looking. I was thinking- surely familes live here!! We can't be the only students with kids, where are all the families?! James was driving around (he says he stopped at every single place available in the entire city (small city)) when he saw a sign that said there were 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes for rent. He looked them over, and eureka! The landlords ONLY rent to families with kids, there is a playset in the back, and the complex is away from the main roads so the kids could ride their bikes. They only have a 2 bedroom available right now, but it is 900 sq. feet. That's right Wymounters, a 2 bedroom is bigger than our old 3 bedroom apartment! (750 sq. feet) The bottom floor has the kitchen (w/dishwasher), living and dining rooms, and a washer and dryer. Oh, and a bathroom. The top floor has another bathroom, a couple linen closets and the bedrooms. I'm so excited!

The apartments were built back in the 70's, so they are a little old. But they have been kept up well, and the appliances were replaced a couple years ago. It will be hard doing without the third bedroom, but we'll manage. Our apartment isn't available until the 29th, so we'll be here for another few weeks and then drive up Labor Day weekend. We still need to purchase a washer and dryer, but thankfully we planned on needing them and have already saved up. So be looking for some pics in a few weeks!