Apartments

[countrygirl12]

I haven't looked into apartments, but understand they are extremely expensive these days.  And I understand having to show income 3 times the rent, would be difficult for someone on a fixed retirement income.

It would be difficult for most people. Esp people who work retail or fast food because your income is not always the same.

[braggin]

When I was younger and apartment hunting, I only had to prove 3x rent income at apartment complexes. Landlord of apartments in other places like houses with just 2 or 3 apartments in them did not ask for proof of income at all. Maybe you should just avoid the complexes and go for other types of apartments.

[countrygirl12]

Here's the deal for me and for the vicinity where I live.  I would really like a 2 bedroom so I don't have to get rid of most everything I own.  So...they cost more.  I may have to re-consider as time goes on.  As far as Section 8, you must have next to no savings.  I do have some and am not about to spend down to qualify for Section 8.  Many people there are fine people; some not so fine.  Some Section 8 apartments around here are okay; some not so okay as far as how they are kept up.  Retirement communities cost a great deal if they are not income subsidized.  The ones around here are fairly nice, but they are teeny-tiny, and frankly, they have the atmosphere of a nursing home in a lot of instances.  I'm not there yet!
I also want an apartment with a washer/dryer.  This also narrows down the choices and seems to increase the price somewhat.  I will soon be too old to be toting laundry in and out and/or up and down stairs or to laundromats. I don't want to be apartment poor...meaning paying too much on my apartment so I have little left to do much else. I'm still working on the decision to stay put in my house (lawn work/snow removal/needing a good amount of upkeep), getting an apartment, or buying a mobile home. I guess time will tell.
Thanks to all for their input.  Further information on your situation and your community very welcome.

If your house is paid for I would stay where I am.  Even if you have a house payment if you can afford it I would stay where I am.  Why do you need snow removal?  Eventually it will melt.  I would look in to someone cheaper to mow my yard.  Maybe you can find someone who is not a lawn service who will do it.

It seems to me from hearing people talk that renting is at least double what a house payment is.

[didiinvent]

   I do not like apartments.
   For the same price live in an extended hotel room-
   the same price as an apartment and get free housekeeping.

SMART ….

[cathy37]

I have never lived in an apartment but will be looking for one soon because I plan to sell my house and move closer to my daughter.

[makeblessed]

Check with your local office of aging, they should be able to provide you some information on affordable housing withing your budget; I know rentals are out of control everywhere; they make finding a decent place to live out of reach of most people; hope you have some luck.

[heypeg]

I don't think that its like that here but I haven't rented an apartment lately.

[shasha2210]

apartments is too expensive

[PGS28]

That's what I was thinking, like maybe a senior citizen home or maybe even mobile unit.

When I was younger and apartment hunting, I only had to prove 3x rent income at apartment complexes. Landlord of apartments in other places like houses with just 2 or 3 apartments in them did not ask for proof of income at all. Maybe you should just avoid the complexes and go for other types of apartments.

[PGS28]

I own property paid in full but I have a new dream of traveling the world in a RV once my last child leaves.

[freedavis]

i dont recall needing that much income to get in apartment.  But the overall key is to have the best credit and they waive so much more up cost.

[Skyisbluetoday]

      Apartments can be a bit steep. Seems that they want to make sure you can afford it when you try to rent from them. Most places that I've heard of ask the same type of income. Retirees should have a different type of lease.       

[bshee58]

I haven't thought about that being the case about apartments, because we used to live in an apartment, but we had to pay first and last month rent, not having to have a specific amount before moving in, or have a lot of money for that month or monthly, our place wasn't based on how much money you make each month, so I don't think that works for everywhere.

[adriarobi]

I really do not like apts. I live in one. Kinda penned in, because of my income.

You don't get to get away from a neighbor in your bldg,  That is a problem here.

I have told mgmt about it, but may have to bring a serious complaint. Then it becomes a risk of "getchyaback".

Hoping to move in near future. I am prayin'.

 

[betlynjua]

I lived in an apartment for quite a while.  This was years ago.  The rent was very reasonable but the place was in desperate need of repair work. 

The landlord wanted to keep the rent low so as to keep the tenants but everything comes with a price tag - figuratively speaking.  The place was old and in need of upkeep.

Now, me dear husband and I enjoy a home that is payed for, no mortgage. The only payment we have is insurance. 

When it comes to the up keep, we call the shots.