Sir Grump Munch

December 14, 2006

Apartment Conundrum Decision

Thanks so much to all who responded to my plea for help in deciding, it wasn't an easy choice, but after much deliberation and talking to a lot of locals (on all sides of the fence), I've gone with the beautiful 3F mansion apartment in Old Louisville. A healthy sum of money has changed hands and the wheels are in motion. So that means come January, I'll have a new address. Goodbye Chicago (sadly), Hello Luavul!

The orignal post continues below:
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Hello, I'm down in Louisville and trying to decide between a few apartments I've looked at. Note: I need to decide ASAP so if you can't respond Thursday (pref. AM), you don't have to respond at all.

Here's the rundown, briefly. I've also uploaded (crappy) photos and these pros/cons to my Flickr account, take a gander:

A) 3rd St., Old Louisville
Pros: Beautiful, large 2BR in gorgeous brick mansion-type building. Nice hardwood floors throughout, lots of light, little deck out back, landlord pays heat (this is the only one that does), big backyard (and possible garage access, not sure if I could put a garden in), nice kitchen, gas stove, in a neighborhood full of beautiful old mansions, $550/mo. plus electricity and internet.

Cons: On third floor, so lots of steps up and down. Only a small shower, no bath. Neighborhood is very pretty but a little isolated from most of "the good stuff", and you have to drive 3-4 miles (and through a marginally sketchy area) to get to where most everything is. Lots of college students living in Old Louisville but very few restaurants, bars, grocers or shops. $200 non-refundable pet deposit. Painting must be pre-approved by a very "particular" old lady. Nonworking fireplaces: 2.

B) Grinstead Ave., Highlands
Pros: Great location, walking distance to many of Louisville's best stores and restaurants, in the "hip" neighborhood. Nice older man as landlord, cheap rent for the area. First-floor apartment in a smallish house, covered back porch area where I could park my scooters. Listed as a 2BR but not really, just 3 good-sized rooms, a kitchen and a small bath. He said I could paint if I wanted to and didn't make a mess. More kitchen cabinets than any human could ever hope to want. Bathtub/Shower combo. $535/mo. plus all utilities.

Cons: House and apartment are nothing special to look at, and on a busy (noisy) street, with a view of nothing in particular. Carpet throughout living areas. Nonworking fireplaces: 2.

C) Coral Ave., Clifton
Pros: Good-sized second-floor duplex apartment in a quiet, hilly neighborhood across from a park. Relatively close to shops and restaurants. Building owners are a nice couple. Unit has deck in rear and would have scooter parking somewhere in backyard. New carpet throughout. Non-white (putty) color on walls. $500/mo. plus all utilities.

Cons: House looks ho-hum and has yellow vinyl siding(!), not much character. Neighborhood may be too quiet and isolated for my taste. Carpet throughout living areas. Kind of thick shiny paint on everything. Shower stall only. Nonworking fireplaces: 1.

I also looked at two other nice huge 2BRs in the historic Old Louisville neighborhood but am trying not to make this too confusing...

All of these apartments would be considered "nice" by many people (or "amazing" by big-city rent standards!) and are all liveable. Basically I have to decide whether I value aesthetics and beauty over convenience and proximity. I've lived in a lot of ugly apartments in my life and usually can't wait to get the hell out of them. How bad is it to have to go 3-4 miles for just about everything? Or is convenience the key to happiness?

Thanks for your time and thoughts! Talk to you soon.
PJ

Posted by pj at December 14, 2006 12:37 AM