Our wedding is in a little under 10 days now, and the window for finding a place to live before that time is quickly closing. While I firmly believe there is no shame in living with parents for a time while you get things together, it is frustrating at how little progress can be or has been made in finding our own place.
Bellevue (map) apartments are by far the most convenient for us if Samantha finds work on the south side of Nashville. On the other hand, Madison (map) or the Whites Creek area (map) is closer to my new job. This past weekend, we placed nine calls and made at least five visits to a few of the local properties in search of a single bedroom, single bath apartment.
Along the way, we encountered ...
- A leasing agent who was moving out, and therefore less than enthusiastic about what she was showing us.
- A snake skin by one of the sidewalks.
- An apartment with the cedar siding falling off.
- A collapsed eave on one of the balconies.
- A leasing agent who walked around a building twice trying to find the apartment to show.
- A ceiling fan with an extension cord to power it.
- A doorway blocked off by a dishwasher, conveniently called a "breakfast nook."
- And the list goes on ...
Everything we encountered that made us do a double take occurred at apartments that rent for 20 percent more than anything we looked at outside of Bellevue. I suppose it just bothers me that the location of the property is reason enough to jack up the rent but not take care of the buildings.
If we were to place an ad in the newspaper, here is how it would read ...
Seeking a 1BR/1BA apartment in West Nashville. Fridge, stove, dishwasher and washer/dryer hookups preferred. Must not frequently make the news for violent crimes. Asking $500-$650/month. No pets.
I am sure more could be added to that. Single bedroom units are particularly hard to come by, however. Neither of us is aware of anyone in need of a roommate (or, looking to become one with a recently married couple) in the area. That is about the only way we could afford a two-bedroom on our budget right now.
I am enjoying my new job thoroughly. It has just enough of a challenge to keep me interested, but is far from overwhelming (so far). The best part is the opportunity to learn more about the technology I have been using for years. The drive (and start time for my commute) is a bit rough, but I have not run into any trouble yet. The morning routine will improve once we are settled into our own place.