Got my first real job, getting my first apartment

[fox099]

Hey everyone,

Im sure alot of us here have gone through this, but I am looking for my first apartment! I was just hired by Bristol-Myers Squibb as an engineer and need to move out of the dorms and into the real world. Does anyone have any advice, and better yet, what to look out for? Thanks!

[blackmagepwns]

Stay away from illegal drugs, and Mexico and you should fair well young one ;3

[Dakinggamer87]

Congrats on getting your first apartment...

[gtmtnbiker]

Get some roommates to save on the rent. Try to buy grocery items that are on sale.

[corn619]

Never mind the apartment, congrats on finding a job in this shitty economy!! Looks like a good company to work for. Anyways, a couple things to look for are mouse and roach traps in the basement and behind the stove. Look for a newer gas heating system they cost MUCH less to run than a older one. Stay away from stove heaters they are dangerous and expensive to run. Stay away from oil heating, if your paying that is. Look to see how clean the basement is, a good landlord keeps a clean basement. And the most important thing, stay away from basement apartments. Theres a elevated risk of carbon monoxide and mold poisoning. There cheaper for a reason. Also when considering a apartment take a GOOD look at neighbors and the neighborhood in general. Park on the side of the road on a Sat for a while and observe. You could save yourself a lot headaches especially in a lease situation.

[puke_face]

watch out for people who live around you that seem like they want to be your friends. some of those people only want to get into your house to see what you have, then when your not home, they'll rob you blind. also if you're from a small town moving into a big city, if you have any family there, stay close with them. once you gain friends, keep within your "circle", and don't let your trust of unknown people go to far is all i can really say. good luck, and enjoy the freedom!

[Ack]

Watch for leaky faucets and showers, or any potential signs that something might leak, as the water may be turned off. Always make sure the apartment they're showing you is the actual apartment you'll be getting and not a showroom. Look for things like exposed wiring, cracks in the walls, weak spots in the floor, water damage, etc. Oh, and find out how old the carpeting is, if pets are allowed, and if any previous tenants smoked. You don't want the place to smell like old animal piss and cigarettes.

[Jrecee]

Apartments suck and the economy is in the toilet. Buy a house while they're on firesale.

[Erik_Twice]

^Well if it's a tall enough apartment it could make a nice nuclear shelter.

[HellHammer]

I moved to Hollywood and spent all my money on rent and guitars.

Just don't do that and you'll be fine.