We know that moving can be stressful on the finances, so we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks for finding a budget-friendly apartment in Edmonton. 

1. Find a Room mate

Getting a roommate is an easy solution to cut costs on apartment living. Dividing the expenses of an apartment in half means you will spend significantly less money on your rent and utilities. 
 

In doing so, this not only saves you money but, in turn, leaves a cushion in your budget to allow you to pursue your passions, explore new hobbies, and travel. Since rent should be around 30% of our monthly income, sharing this cost with a roommate opens the door for more freedom in other ways, like having a built-in house-sitter when you’re out of town! 
 

There are many safe and effective ways to find a roommate. Whether you have someone in mind or plan to use a roommate finding service, do your due diligence, ask the right questions, and make sure it’s a comfortable situation. The most important quality to look for in a roommate is reliability. Typically, they will be a good fit if they are trustworthy, and you think they will pay their rent on time. 
 

2. Opt for a Small One-Bedroom

If you want to start small and grow from there, a studio or one-bedroom is an excellent option. These floor plans can range in size but typically start at around 500 square feet. The rent is usually less than larger one-bedroom options in the same community, allowing you to live where you want without blowing your budget. 
 

Tricks to making tighter spaces feel bigger are by getting creative with decor and furniture arrangements. Area rugs can make rooms appear larger, mirrors catch more natural light, and selecting pieces that match the wall color will blend your furniture into the space.
 

3. Understand Your Financial Situation 

Before you begin touring apartments, be sure to assess your financial situation and make sure you are confident in your housing budget. A detailed expense plan is a great resource to rely on while looking for apartments because it will guide you to homes within your price range and help you avoid the ones outside of it. 
 

Budgets also provide information to help you make data-driven decisions about where you may need to cut back on monthly expenses to afford a higher rent if necessary. 
 

4. Be Open to Compromise

An essential step to choosing the right place is determining the difference between your ‘needs’ and ‘wants.’ Sure, the upgraded apartment with granite countertops, new flooring, and walk-in closets would be a fantastic place to live, but are these amenities a necessity? It’s important to have a realistic expectation for your home to remain financially responsible.
 

If you’re open to compromising on amenities and upgrades, you’ll have a much easier and stress-free experience finding apartments for rent that fit your needs and keep your wallet full.

5. Cut Cost on Utilities 

Try to avoid running the heater or AC all day. In the summer, open the windows for fresh air and invest in some high-power fans to get the air flowing through your home and avoid turning on the AC. In the winter, bundle up! Layer up with sweaters and blankets to stay warm and cozy and give the heater a rest. It may seem small, but these little steps can cut your electricity bill drastically in both seasons. 

If you’re shopping for an apartment in Edmonton, be sure to explore Wyndham Crossing Apartment Homes. Not only do we offer well-kept one, two, and three-bedroom options that will exceed your expectations, but our layouts make us a budget-friendly community. Our floor plans are spacious enough that if you do decide to live with a roommate, you’ll both have more than enough room to live together comfortably.
 

If you’re interested in moving to Edmonton, AB, contact us today! Our professional team would be happy to schedule a virtual or in-person tour, answer your questions, and show you around the neighborhood! We look forward to helping you find your new home in Edmonton, AB, at Wyndham Crossing Apartment Homes!
 

The post Budgeting Tips for Finding an Apartment in Edmonton, AB appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

If you’re considering relocating to Edmonton, we encourage you to look into the apartment communities offered here. While you may be debating between renting or buying a home, there are some great multi-family housing options that provide affordable alternatives to satisfy your needs and exceed your expectations.
 

Here are a few perks of living in an apartment community in Edmonton, AB.

1. Cost savings

Moving can be very costly, and things add up quickly, especially those expenses you don’t plan for. By renting an apartment, you can save money and build a cushion in your savings by spending less upfront. The median price of a two-bedroom apartment in Edmonton is $1,195, whereas the average cost of a single-family home in Edmonton is $466,091. 
 

Although our city officials released a comprehensive plan outlining their intentions to make the housing market more affordable, achieving this goal is still a work in progress. The existing situation makes buying a home an incredibly costly expense and prevents many would-be buyers from making the financial commitment. Luckily, several local apartment communities offer an affordable, quality alternative for residents who aren’t in a position to buy property.

2. Spend more time exploring the area 

If you own a home, much of your free time goes towards house projects because, as an owner, you’re responsible for maintaining your space. However, if you live in an apartment, there is virtually no upkeep resting on your shoulders. This eliminates yard work, exterior care, renovations, and repairs from your to-do list. 
 

If an appliance breaks or there’s a leak in your apartment, these repairs are all handled by the maintenance staff, who are typically on-site and can address the issue quickly. This leaves more room in your schedule to explore the beautiful sights and fun activities that Alberta has to offer. Having more free time and less housework sounds like a winning combination! 

3. Weather 

Edmonton has all four seasons; from picturesque springtime to humid summer storms, then crisp autumn to chilly winters, you’ll experience it all here! In fact, the average daily temperature in January is −11.7 °C (10.9 °F). 
 

Because of these drastic weather changes, particularly in the winter, apartment living can be a better option as you won’t have to worry about managing potential weather-related damage to your residence. Instead, you can snuggle up indoors while the storm rages outside, knowing you are safe in your apartment.

4. Social events and activities

If you enjoy socializing with your neighbors, many apartment communities in Edmonton plan and host exclusive events and activities for residents. This is a simple way for you to meet your neighbors and build local connections. Plus, if you’re relocating to the area, living in an apartment community provides you with a built-in network of potential new friends who can help you get adjusted to your new home. 

Park Place South Apartment Homes

If you’re looking to settle down in Edmonton, be sure to check out Park Place South Apartment Homes. Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom floor plan, we have several layouts to satisfy your needs. Our apartment homes also come with energy-efficient appliances, large closets, a private patio or balcony, and stunning views.
 

Enjoy our many community amenities, including a picnic area, fitness center, and on-site maintenance. If you’d like to learn more about our property and neighborhood, our friendly staff would be happy to provide you with a private or virtual tour. Contact us today to get one step closer to calling Park Place South in Edmonton, AB, home!
 

The post The Benefits of Choosing an Apartment Community vs. a Single-Family Home in Edmonton, AB appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.