The experiences and exploits of a college grad trying to make it in the "real world:" leaving school and friends in New England, moving south, and living with her boyfriend. Watch as I pretend to be an adult.
This weekend I went to visit Elija, and had a wonderful time that was slightly marred by one thing: Elija and I began our search for an apartment. We started looking at online listings, pulling names from online listing services like rent.com and local student-help pages like the NCSU commuter services website. As we browsed through the hundreds of apartments offered in the Raleigh area, one thing became very clear: it's going to be impossible to find an apartment that will be "ideal" for both of us. Elija needs something cheap and close to campus. He'd like to be able to walk or bike to class, but the apartment has to at least be near the Wolfline (campus busline). He may or may not have a car in the fall, but even if he does, parking passes are ridiculously expensive ($300/yr), and with the late nights he needs to spend in Studio every few weeks he can't count on the city busses. I don't care where we live, really- at least not in terms of location. It would be nice if it was close to the beltline, and out of the city a bit, but I can deal with a little traffic if need be. However, I refuse to live in NCSU's version of "Pufton." I am way past wanting to deal with noisey drunks, vandalism, and inconsiderate neighbors. Hell, I didn't have to deal with that in college. Why would I want it now? I also don't want to live somewhere with old crappy appliances, a bug problem, or a safety issue; I like my car windows unsmashed, thankyou. Add to the mix we're looking for something under $650 (total), and well, Houston, we've got a problem. We have a list of seven apartment complexes. Three received terrible ratings, with former tenents citing issues like bugs, flooding, theft, vandalism, and crappy maintenances staff. Two are rather pricier than we'd like: and of these, one looks like it may be a "Puffton." One we're not sure is actually within our geographic constraints. And the other is behind Frat row. So, what happens? Well, we'll look at other alternatives. I'll keep an eye on Craigslist, and search some more, hoping something better will turn up. We'll look at houses, perhaps. Consider roomates if absolutely necessary. Ultimately, we'll compromise. I'm sure wherever we end up will be further from campus than Elija would like, and probably a little more "college" than I want. The rent may be a bit higher than either of us want to shell out. But this is real life now. Isn't compromise the answer to everything?
I suppose. But life was simpler when the answer was 42.
After 22 posted at 1:23 PM
