Well, kids, we may be nearing the finish line of the apartment search. On the basis of (e:libertad) 's tip, we have a new top contender. True, it doesn't have fancy new appliances (although the fridge is new). Nor does it have an open garage spot (teasingly, it has a garage but no spot - but there is off-street parking in the driveway). The kitchen is sort of small, definitely not eat-in. And the stovetop is electric (groan). Finally, it's not within easy walking distance of Elmwood.

So what makes this place at all attractive?

Location. Despite the Elmwood problem, the place is literally across the street from Delaware Park, and, more importantly, is less than 10 minutes' walk from my office - which is HUGE because the parking situation at work is dismal. So this would eliminate my need for a car, at least to get to and from work. Sweet!

Neighborhood. Apparently quiet. We like it quiet.

Second floor unit. Ah yes, no one walking above us, and a single older gentleman on the first floor. Did I mention that we like it quiet?

Amenities. Screened in sunroom in the front of the house that looks over the 198 through to the edge of the park. Rear sunroom with 11 windows and a southern exposure. Both have French doors to the living areas of the flat. Dining room with nicely detailed walls and a ceiling fan. Living room with ornate windows on either side of the decorative fireplace. Excellent hardwood floors throughout. A (admittedly tiny) half-bath off the master bedroom. Washer and dryer in the basement. Storage in the attic.

OK, so it's not Shangri-La, but it is three bedrooms and two sunrooms within easy walking distance of work, park, and Metro stop, with off-street parking, for $800 + utilities.

And the landlord lives in the house behind this one - no absentee landlord here.

So I think we may have a new frontrunner.

But...

...did I mention the 2+ bdrm for $975 including heat and a garage spot on Lexington between Elmwood and Delaware? hmmmmmmm...


Anyway, here are some pics of the place near the park that a colleague of mine graciously provided:

Living room, with a glimpse of the foyer:


Living room, with a glimpse of the front sunroom


One half of the kitchen (dw and pantry not shown)


Full bath:


Master BR and little 1/2 bath:


View of the street, the 198, and the edge of Delaware Park:


The rear of the house, w/sunroom visible above:


Thanks, J.O.! And also (e:libertad) . :-)

So the apartment hunt goes on... we're looking into a lead from (e:libertad) that's pretty promising -- an apt overlooking Delaware Park and a short walk to work, w/ off st pkg for (e:chicoschica) -- and we've got someone checking it out for us this weekend. Also, we're still in the mix for the pretty apartment with the open floor plan and garage on Gates Circle (see pics below).

Not sure about W Utica, it's a great apt but we're a touch apprehensive about the first floor issue...and I've had trouble getting ahold of the landlord this week (ever since I asked if we could talk to the first floor tenant about why she's moving upstairs).

I just heard back from a guy about an apt (another first floor, damn) on the 200 block of Ashland Ave (between Hodge and W Utica). Here's the skinny:

big 3+ BR
lg foyer
frml DR
big EIK, not fully updated but clean; fridge+range included (no dw)
pantry
BRs are on small side
HW floors
1 garage spot in garage at end of L-shaped lot to side/behind house
locking garage door (not automatic though, no power to garage)
rear entrance to house
snow removal and yard maintenance included
furnaces less than 5 yrs old
W/D (for first floor tenant)
alarm available, tenant pays monitoring
attic storage available, basement too if wanted

rent 850 +utils

sorry no pics of Ashland...maybe forthcoming...

Anyway, if (e:libertad)'s lead works out, we'll probably go with that. It will mean driving to meet you guys on Elmwood, but I promise we'll make the trip. :-)


Gates Circle pix...