would you move next to the rail trail?

[ilima]

My LL raised my rent dramatically despite prices being on the downslide. So I'm looking to get out as soon as I can.

And a W/D (or at least connections) is a must have! I'm too old to lug my laundry around.

[Di bear]

Since my lease is coming due, and my "new" landlord (complex was sold and the new owners had some problems addressing maintenance issues in a timely fashion) I've been out shopping.
and found some next door to the trail- only they want more more money, buthave no private washer dryer -or they're across the street, a little less money, but are smaller(by about about 100 sq ft), but have connections for a stackable w/d combo (i have a full size one) and a garage (vs a carport) - or the one about 1/4 mile away - no w/d. But bike lanes in street vs taking your life in your hands for about 1/4 mile)
What i'm interested is how you'd place a value on all this? I'm still debating th merits of each.

I would place more value on the cost of utilities, if anything is covered, neighbors, privacy, etc.

As far as living next to a rail-to-trail, absolutely not, but this is something that needs to be considered from area to area. In my area, rail-to-trails are also used for 4-wheeler and snowmobile traffic. You hear engines roaring by at all hours of the night. That isn't particularly desirable to me.

[Fredwina]

It's stricly non-motorized traffic.(the trail).

[tulip]

If it were me, I'd go for #2 (condition of the units being equal). I'm also partial to lots of light, so that would factor into my decision. My last apartment before I bought my latest house in August was light and airy and had a w/d, but it was right near the dumpsters and the trash chute for the building. It didn't smell but it was loud.

A w/d is mandatory for me. I just hooked up my washer and dryer in my little house (the plumbing had to be brought up to code) after a few months of taking my clothes to my BF house all the time. I'd sell your full size ones and go for the stackable unit. Besides stackables are really fine--they are not inferior in my experience.

For me, being near a trail is a big plus, particularly if that trail goes somewhere that I want to go!

[redrhodie]

Keep looking. 4 places isn't enough to choose from.

[Fredwina]

Keep looking. 4 places isn't enough to choose from.

Ok I'll admit it.
I looked at another one
half mile from the trial, but 120 feet of climbing coming back Currently, I 've got to do about 2 miles and 200 feet to get to the current end, It supposed to be extend to right behind the grocery store at my current place (this may be several years)
800 sq ft
but no w/d - and a carport
The unit I saw was on busy street - no light out on street, but two ways in and out, and no gate.
complex backs up to freeway
1 block from grocery and drug store 1 mile from library.

[Fredwina]

#1: from the trail

side walk:

#2 from the trail:

Sidewalk:

The trail:

[redrhodie]

The newest place, sounds like a contender. I'm reading your description of it as being bigger, closer to the path, with more options for coming and going than you have now. Is traffic about the same on this street as the one you live on now? Is it comparable rent to what you're currently paying?

The lack of w/d is a drawback. How far to do laundry? Would your unit face the freeway? Can you hear or see it through the windows?

[Fredwina]

quieter street., on site laundry. The Unit I was shown was not on the freeway.
It closer than my current place (but not right on like #1 and #2)
I have no idea about the age, but I would guess it's another mid-80 from looks and the neighborhood

[spokewench]

I think I would go with choice #2. I would want to be close to the trail and have a w/d hookup, at the very least. W/D makes life so much easier than having to go to the laundromat!

[Fredwina]

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...09863&t=h&z=13

[Irulan]

. In my area, rail-to-trails are also used for 4-wheeler and snowmobile traffic.

Legally? Ew.

[Fredwina]

Legally? Ew.

it looks like it's it's legal in Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7...5818--,00.html
Fredwina, who took another look at number 2 today.

[sgtiger]

It all depends on layout, but I'd go for #2 based on the garage and W/D hook-up. It looks like the other places are close enough to the trail that there wouldn't be an advantage to pick #2 based on convenience of it being next to the trail. But the noise of motorized vehicles on the MUT at all hours would drive me nuts. Have you visited the place to see how much actual activity there is in the late evening?