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.

Over the past ten years, Williston’s population has mushroomed, but it still hasn’t lost its small-town charm thanks to the friendly people and tight-knit apartment communities. However, it’s not just the quaint neighborhoods that have caused the area’s rapid growth. The town’s population grew by 82% between 2010 and 2019, primarily due to the region’s booming oil and gas industry. As a result, many of the other sectors in the city have dramatically expanded, creating more quality jobs with competitive pay and compensation.
 

For those who love a small-town vibe, Williston makes the perfect home.
 

Here are three more reasons that might convince you to relocate to this beautiful and friendly region! 

1. Booming Economic Opportunities 

Oil and gas exploration has always been a mainstay of the economy. Williston is located at the center of the Bakken Formation (a massive source of oil), which has helped North Dakota secure a position as the second-largest oil-producing state in America, after Texas. Williston’s local job opportunities are soaring, especially in the energy industry. Moreover, as the city is located at the crossroads of US Highway 85 and 2, its distribution sector is also skyrocketing. Overall, in Williston, you won’t have trouble finding well-paying jobs due to the area’s continued growth, providing plenty of employment opportunities. 
 

2. It’s A Healthy And Active Town 

Health is a massive priority in Williston, and as a resident, you’ll find a plethora of ways to keep yourself active and fit. There are more than half a dozen, and counting, walking trails in the city. If you’re seeking adventure, you’ll love the different watersports, like white water rafting and kayaking, near the Missouri River and the Sakakawea Lake. In addition, Williston residents have access to the Area Recreation Centre, where guests can take advantage of various amenities like a water park, an indoor tennis court, a spin room, an indoor turf field, and four basketball courts. 
 

3. Friendly Communities 

Williston is famous for its small-town charm, which results from the many friendly and inviting area residents. The communities here are especially social, and they like to get together frequently. Also, with the growing population, more indoor and outdoor attractions help add to the community’s quality of life and provide spaces for people to connect. 
 

Williston is a great place to live due to all the modern conveniences that add to the area’s excitement and homey feel. If you plan to move to Williston, we encourage you to check out Prairie Vista Apartment Homes. It’s a newly-built community that perfectly reflects the essence of this small-town city with a modern twist. From top-tier amenities to rich community life, here at Prairie Vista, you’ll enjoy it all! 
 

Are you looking for a spacious apartment to start your new journey in Williston? Contact Prairie Vista Apartment Homes right away! We’ll schedule your tour where you can discover your next place to call home in Williston, ND!
 

The post Reasons To Move To Williston, ND, Right Away appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

No problem! We’re here to provide you with a few useful tips that will help make your new apartment feel like your own. 

1. Use Comforting Aromas. Some studies have shown that aromatherapy may help improve our quality of life and provide health benefits. Consider surrounding yourself with soothing aromas by using plug-in scents, burning a familiar candle and using essential oils. A comforting scent can go a long way in making you feel at home.
2. Put Out Sentimental Items. It’s time to bring out the items that hold sentimental value to you like photos, art pieces, floral arrangements, and whatever else makes you happy. If something brings you comfort, put it on display so it can emanate the warmth and comfort you desire.  
3. Get Cozy. If you’re waiting for furniture to be purchased or delivered, your apartment may feel a little sparse. Don’t wait. Surround yourself with some cozy items that can completely transform the mood! Grab some fuzzy blankets, soft pillows, and wooly socks and bundle up. The senses play a large part in your overall comfort, so having a warm and reassuring blanket on you can go a long way in making you feel at home.
4. Start Cooking. It’s called “comfort food” for a reason! Enjoying a nice, hot, familiar meal can make you feel happy and homey. The bonus? This also falls under the “aromatherapy” category as it will fill your home with some warming, comforting scents. 

Now that you have a better idea of ways to make your apartment feel like home, it’s time to get started! Incorporate pleasant scents, familiar items, cozy clothes, and good food into your life now to help you create your cozy new home.  

The post Four Easy Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Onsite Maintenance Including 24-Hour Emergency Services

Cold weather brings rain, snow, hail, and ice which can cause some serious damage to homes. When you live in an apartment, you don’t have to worry about making repairs as you have a dedicated maintenance team dedicated to solving issues, so you can live in comfort without the worry. In addition, should anything stop functioning correctly in your apartment or in the community, you'll be assured of prompt, professional service and repairs and get to avoid the hassle of calling in private vendors like the unfortunate homeowners contending with frustrating and expensive repairs.  

Community

For some, Winter can feel like the loneliest season, but when you live in a bustling apartment community, you have the chance to participate in fun resident events hosted by the staff, where you're sure to feel the warmth of friendship and conviviality. After you spend time getting to know your neighbors, it can lead to continued friendships where you may invite each other over for some hot cocoa or long conversations.

Amenities

With winter comes the potential for driving hazards. Fortunately, when you live in an apartment, you can minimize that risk by using the community amenities available to you, such as your 24-hour fitness center, resident lounge with a big-screen TV to join the gang for the big games, and a community kitchen where you prep snacks and host fun events. Having these perks allows you to limit the necessity of leaving home.

Living at your Weidner apartment comes with many great benefits all year round, especially during the frosty winters, when it becomes crystal clear that apartment living is a wonderful option. What’s your favorite aspect of apartment living during the cold season? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Advantages of Apartment Life in the Cold Season appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Go With Miniatures

A little can go a long way… literally! Skip the oversized bows and jingle bells, and opt for some miniature decorations to do the trick. Not only will this help to keep your apartment less cluttered, but also, when it comes to storage space, they'll take up significantly less room than their larger counterparts during the rest of the year. 

Fill Up Some Vases

If you have an empty vase sitting around, fill it up with some holiday greenery. Something as simple as some spruce tree branches can fill up a vase and look minimalistically mesmerizing. You can also utilize objects from your holiday decorating box such as ornaments or forage outdoors for various sizes of pine cones that you can easily throw into the vases and spread the winter cheer. 

Incorporate Fragrant Decor

'Tis the season of wonderful aromas, from fresh-baked cookies to winter pine! It helps to remember that decorating isn’t just a visual thing… it's more fun to try and include something to please all five senses. Besides the fragrant pine that your fresh tree, wreath and garlands may add, consider making a centerpiece or bouquet by tying together a few bay leaves with some rosemary and marjoram. Other options include boiling some spiced cider and using scented candles to create an aromatic experience for all.  

Now that you know how simple it can be to turn your Weidner Apartment Home into a winter wonderland, get started today. These decor ideas are easy, fun, and can be made with objects you most likely have in or around your home. Let us know how you decorate for the holidays in the comments below.

The post Easy Winter Holiday Decor appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Utilize Cabinet Doors

The inside of your cabinet doors is a great place to store kitchen gadgets. Simply attach some removable adhesive-backed hooks to the surface and hang many of the items that are taking up valuable space in your drawers. You can also use magnetic hooks on the side of your fridge where you can hang utensils and save valuable drawer space.

Tuck Away Those Smaller Appliances

It may feel convenient to have your small appliances out on the counter, such as your toaster, coffee maker, mixer, etc., but how often do you actually use them? Store away the appliances you don't typically use in an easily accessible space. This will diminish the sense of clutter and give you more countertop space to work with. 

  Organize by Task

When completing a task like making coffee, it's not ideal to be digging through a bunch of different drawers and cabinets to find all the items and ingredients you need. Instead, consider organizing things by task. For example, keep the coffee, filters, and sweetener in a cabinet near your kettle or coffee maker. This will ultimately make tasks faster and help keep your kitchen organized.

Utilize Pop-Up Shelves and File Organizers

Make the most of the vertical space in your cabinets and add some pop-up or hanging shelves to maximize space. Keeping a step stool nearby to help you reach the taller shelves helps. If you have file organizers or shelves that you no longer use, move them near the kitchen for additional storage space.

Incorporate Under-seat Storage

Whether it's a bench seat with a lid or seating with storage spaces beneath them, this can be a crafty way to store items that are unseen but easily accessible.

Hang a Tension Rod Under the Sink

To save room, you can hang up your spray bottles and cleaners on the rod and gain valuable shelf space.

These are just a few simple ways you can make the most of the cozy kitchen in your apartment. What are some space-saving tips you use? Share your best ideas with us in the comments below. Learn more about the Weidner Apartment Homes properties in your city.

The post Make Cooking Easier in Your Small Kitchen appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Layer Up

When it comes to cold weather, you can bundle up by dressing in layers to help you stay warm. Start with some thermals, then throw on your normal clothes, then add sweaters, jackets, scarves, and beanies to help keep your body warm. Also, did you know that loose clothes will hold onto the heat much better than form-fitting ones? This also serves as an opportunity to try out some new fashion trends this winter. Who knows? You may end up creating outfits you might never have put together otherwise.

Seal the Leaks

Even if your apartment is nice and toasty, if there's a leak, you may be losing warmth and driving your utility bill up. Check your home for leaks, specifically near door frames and windows, where you could be losing heat, and seal them up, or submit a service request through your online resident portal to enlist an onsite maintenance professional to help. 

Get Cooking

When using the stove and oven, your home will warm up due to the extreme temperature. Take advantage of this season by testing your chefing skills and simultaneously heating up your apartment. You can even leave the oven door open while it's cooling off to add additional heat to your warm and inviting apartment.  

Open and Close the Blinds and Curtains

During the day, make sure that your blinds and curtains are open to allow in all possible natural light and warmth from the sun. Once it gets dark, close them up to help keep the warmth inside.

Wear Socks and Beanies

Most of your heat leaves your body through your feet and through the top of your head. Throw on some socks and a beanie to stay nice and cozy all winter long.

Use a Hot Water Bottle

Many people use hot water bottles when they're sick or feeling sore, but they can actually be very beneficial to you during the winter. Just fill one with hot water and place under your sheets for lasting warmth. They're also nice to hold onto during cold evenings to keep your hands and lap nice and toasty. 

Now that you have some tips on how to stay warm this winter in your apartment, start getting cozy! Layer up those clothes, cook a hot meal, put on some socks, and get ready for the best winter ever. Do you have any other helpful winter tips? Let us know in the comments below. 

Curious about Weidner Apartment Homes? Learn more about what we do here.

The post Stay Warm on a Budget appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Intuit Mint

One of the best ways to budget, is to have all of your finances right in front of you. With Intuit Mint, you can view your finances all at once. With its convenient dashboard, you can easily create budgets and manage your finances. The best part is, this app is free, so that's one item you don't have to include in your budget.  

PocketGuard 

If you want to see your budget and finances at a quick glance, PocketGuard is perfect for you. This app lets you see the big picture by providing a user-friendly dashboard, with all the information you need to spend and save with confidence. Another added bonus of using this app is that it will crunch your numbers and make recommendations regarding ways you may be able to save money and improve your financial well-being!

Prism

With your busy and hectic schedule, it can be easy to forget about bills. However, with the assistance of Prism, you can be confident that you'll never miss a payment again. If you don't use the online bill-pay options offered by most banks, this app allows you to see your balances and bills, and you can schedule and make payments, all on one platform. This convenient app is also free, making it a viable, affordable choice among finance apps. 

Albert

Want an app that will do all the work for you? Consider utilizing Albert, an app that monitors your balances, bills, and spending, and alerts you if you are at risk of overspending. As your personal money assistant, Albert can take care of it all, including debt reduction. You can also upgrade your account for a small fee to receive help optimizing your budget from human experts. 

Now that you know how easy it is to create, gain insight into, and optimize your budget, now's your chance to get started with ease. Head on over to the app store and download whichever program seems like the best option for you. Recurring payments like rent can be easily managed that's to modern technology, so consider making the most of it by integrating a budget-management app into your plan.

Let us know in the comments below which app you decided on, or if there is one we didn’t mention that you personally like. 

The post Budgeting Apps for Apartment Living appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Get the microwave nice and clean

Does the inside of your microwave look like a crime scene? To make the interior sparkling clean, all you need is a little lemon juice, which makes an excellent, organic cleaner. Simply cut a lemon in half and place it on a microwaveable plate with a tablespoon of water. Heat it for about one minute until it is nice and steamy, then carefully remove it from the microwave. Grab an old rag, and you'll be surprised how easily you can wipe down the inside of the microwave. After that, remember to cover any food you cook in the microwave and wipe in between uses to keep it clean and fresh every day.

Dust the ceiling fan – the easy-breezy way

Now that colder weather has arrived, you may not be using your ceiling fan quite as much, but you don’t have to let it collect dust. If you don't want to use a Swiffer duster or a hand-vac, you can grab an old pillowcase and slide it over each individual blade with the fan shut off. Once a blade is covered, close the case opening, slide it along the fan blade and slide it off. It's a great way to remove all the dust without releasing it into the air.

Shower the shower-head

If you're having a hard time getting the shower-head nice and clean, we recommend simply grabbing a plastic bag and some white vinegar. Pour the vinegar into the bag then tie it tightly around the shower head, securing it with a rubber band. Leave it to soak for about one hour before removing. The vinegar helps to dissolve the build-up of hard water and minerals and your water will again run clean and clear.

Use a grapefruit to clean the bathroom

Want to clean your bathroom but don’t want to deal with the lingering chemical smell? Try this… simply cut a grapefruit in half, cover it with coarse kosher salt and start scrubbing. Its acidity will help cut through the grime while leaving behind a clean, zesty smell.

Now that you have a few fun and green cleaning hacks for your apartment, give them a try and let us know which are your favorites!

The post Apartment Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Decide on the Details

The first step to hosting a scary movie night is to simply decide on the details. What day do you want to host this event? Keep in mind if you choose a weekday, most people will not want to stay up too late as they have school or work in the morning. We recommend choosing either a Friday or Saturday night. Next, figure how many people you want to invite. The smaller the group, the more intimate the experience will be. However, if you make the group too small, it might not be as fun and interactive. Once you have an idea of these two things, go ahead and send out invites. Sending a group text is always a great way to bring everyone together before the evening starts.

 Choose the Movies

Even though you have the theme of “scary movies”, you will want to narrow this theme down even more when actually selecting the films you want to show. Plan for four movies, but don’t expect to watch all of them. You can narrow down this theme even more by considering exactly what you and your friends might want to see. Some common scary movie themes include: a collection or series, '80s horror, slasher, thriller, foreign, zombie, end-of-the-world, etc. 

Grab Some Snacks & Drinks

A movie night isn’t complete without the snacks! Make a quick trip to the store and grab some chips, popcorn, nachos, and soda. You can also potluck it by asking your guests to bring a snack of their choice to share with everyone. Keep in mind you're already hosting the event so don’t feel bad about asking your friends to chip in by bringing food to share. If you want to take your scary movie night to the top level, consider providing horror-themed snacks and beverages. 

Now that you know all the steps necessary to host a scary movie night, it's time to get started! Comment below and let us know what theme and snacks you decide on.

The post Hosting a Scary Movie Night at Your Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.