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Finally: it’s time to start searching for your own apartment. You have a general idea of what you’re looking for; you want one that fits your budget, is close to work/school, and has a great air conditioning system.
But you haven’t narrowed down the specifics yet. Which features are most important to you? Once you figure that out, apartment hunting will be a lot easier.
Let’s start by clarifying what we’re talking about. An apartment amenity is a non-essential feature that makes your life more convenient or enjoyable. An apartment with all the right amenities is what separates an average suite from an incredible one.
An amenity is not an essential feature. Things like heating systems, bathrooms, and running water are not considered amenities in Canada.
Everyone has a different list of wants and needs in an apartment. For example, you might want a place that’s near a bus route (but you also don’t mind walking if need be).
A tenant who drives a vehicle might not mind a longer drive; they’re more interested in finding an apartment that has parking available.
Here are a few amenities that might be at the top of your list:
Who wants to haul their laundry to the nearest laundromat? If an apartment building has a washer and dryer on-site (or even better, in your suite), it saves you the time and hassle of traveling to wash your clothes.
Pool parties are a lot of fun. Go for a swim after a long day, or invite a few friends over to hang out together. Like the other amenities we’ve listed, pools aren’t a necessary feature—but they’re a pretty great one.
In a place like Winnipeg, you might prefer an indoor pool; one that’s outdoors will be out of use for half of the year.
Sometimes, it’s hard to find the motivation to get to the gym. But it’s a lot easier when the nearest fitness centre is located inside your apartment building. An on-site gym helps you build healthy habits.
If you have a vehicle, a parking spot may be one of the amenities that you aren’t willing to budge on. You need somewhere safe to park your car while you’re at home. An indoor parking spot keeps your car warm in the winter.
Or, if you’re a cyclist, you might be looking for a building with bike storage.
After a long day, it’s nice to get outside and soak up some sunlight. A private courtyard area gives you a safe place to enjoy the outdoors.
You can’t put a price on safety. Peace of mind will help you feel comfortable in your new home. If you’re living on your own, a building with security cameras and a locked front door can give you a sense of safety.
Now that you have some ideas about your wants and needs, the next step is listing your priorities. Maybe you can’t afford a suite with everything you want. Instead, try to list 2-3 amenities that you aren’t willing to compromise on. Amenities make apartments feel like home. Browse the hundreds of apartment listings at Globe Property Management. You can even filter results by amenities. Simply select the features you desire, and browse away! Click here to learn more.