Apartment Guide | Lehigh Valley Style

By: Ask the Expert, Homes

With snazzy new construction like Allentown's Strata buildings and the Five10 Flats in Bethlehem, plus historic structures reincarnated into stylish living space bristling with character, the apartment scene in the Lehigh Valley is luring many to a simpler living situation. Jennifer Kennedy, director of leasing and property management at Easton's Simon Silk Mill apartments, adds her two cents on finding the right apartment for you.

Apartment Appeal

There are a couple of factors leading people to want to feather their nests in a shared space. “I'm seeing a shift,” Kennedy says. “People of all kinds are deciding to rent apartments: 20-somethings, retirement ages, young professionals.”

They don't want to clean gutters or worry about leaky basements. And they like being able to pick up and travel more easily. Apartments often give renters another yearned-for factor—proximity to one of the Valley's vital downtowns and a community within the building. “We have amazing tenants,” Kennedy says. “I often see them talking in the courtyard. Dog owners meet up with each other.”

Apartment dwellers like life light-footed yet snug.

Where to Look

Sites like Zillow and PadMapper point out the most obvious options, but somehow not everything worth finding is online. When cruising through your favorite neighborhoods, keep an eye peeled for For Rent signs in case there's a hidden gem in plain sight.

Crowdsourcing your search can also bear fruit. Let your network of friends and colleagues know you're looking, and they may connect you with something you'd never have known about, or that hasn't even officially hit the market.

What to Ask

While you're standing around admiring the natural light in your potential pad, keep in mind these less-evident necessities. Ask what's included in the rent and utilities, and if there's a fee for amenities. Some apartments have additional costs for parking, pet fees or liability insurance. You've got to keep all this in mind in order to stick faithfully to your budget.

Even if you don't have pets, knowing if a place is pet friendly could be useful if you're very allergic or just very averse to the risk of random barking in the night. Finding out about a site's security might also be important to you.

What to Look For

Find out where the mail is, how the trash is handled and how far away the parking is.

Take a look at the washer and dryer and make sure the size is going to be able to accommodate your needs.

And don't just look when you're checking out an apartment. “Listen and make sure you can handle what you hear,” Kennedy says. New buildings may have made an effort at soundproofing, but old ones can have thinner walls. It's impossible to blot out all signs of life. Is street noise going to bother you? How well can you hear neighbors knocking about overhead?

Consider if you're making a change in available square-footage and how much storage you'll need. Are the cabinets sufficiently spacious?

Case the Joint

Speaking of neighbors, finding another tenant in the building you're checking out is a good way to follow up on expectations. They can tell you their own pros and cons, and maybe their average heating bill.

Visiting an apartment at night when neighbors are home and active gives you a more complete idea of fellow residents' noise levels and how many parking spaces they take up. Scope out the neighborhood after dark to see if it's satisfactorily safe.

What to Bring

For the comfort of the person showing the apartment, Kennedy recommends bringing an ID. “We like to know who you are before showing you around,” she says.

You'll want a notepad (or note-taking app) to keep track of things you notice or want to check on. A measuring tape is handy to make sure your furniture will fit in the space the way you're picturing it—and through the doorways.

If you're just one person looking for a place, it doesn't hurt to have another set of eyes along, like those of a trusted friend to bring you back down to earth if you're ready to sign off on something solely for the walkable taco joint nearby.

Big-Picture Budget

Be honest with yourself when it comes to your budget. “Think about the whole package,” Kennedy recommends. “Including your lifestyle.”

According to her, rent should be about one third of your income, so leave enough for saving as well as keeping yourself in the activities and indulgences you're accustomed to.

The Simon Silk Mill offers an artsy vibe, and access to both its own small businesses and Downtown Easton, drawing residents who love being part of it. Take your own vibe into account when you hunt for the territory that's right for you.