So some actual content finally, though I’m still working on transferring old stuff over from my livejournal. Our current lease is up August 24th (or thereabouts), and both the roommates I currently have will be getting new places. I’ve been ridiculously excited about getting my a place all to myself for the first time EVAR! I’ve spent the last…what? couple months, at this point, I think, searching high and low for a new place to call home. I did some searching through Promove, which was a little helpful, but most of the useful info I got was stuff that I dug up online by myself.

There was a little bit of heartache/anger when I found a place that was fantastic, and was thrilled to be moving into, but the leasing agent I’d been talking to neglected to mention that I needed to make three times what they wanted for rent to even apply for an apartment. (WTF?! If I was making that much, why the hell would I be renting anyway?!) So yeah. I sulked for a day or two, then picked the search back up. Almost immediately, I found a new complex that sounded almost too good to be true.

It’s off of the Peachtree Industrial access road (for those locals who know the area), about 1/4 mile north of 285 — about 7 miles from where I work, so it’s actually a little farther from work than my current place, but still easy to get to. I wasn’t so sure about the neighborhood, so I went and scouted it out; talked to a leasing agent over the phone, then in person; drove around the complex during the day, and after working hours, so I could get a better sense of what it’s like when people are actually home from work. It’s actually nicer than I’d expected. There were still people out around sunset with their kids, and while some folks were hanging around, it wasn’t in that “suspicious lurker” kind of way. The grounds and buildings have been completely renovated (my guess is the property has changed hands recently — their voice mail is still under the name I found online, but all the signage and paperwork is different). And the apartments are nice. The 1 BR/BA are 900 square feet, and run for $629 at market rate. I got in under the wire for some special they were running and will only be paying $549 on a 12 month lease (and only $199 for August). At first I was kind of nervous signing for so long, but it would seem, at least, that the management is trying to make this a hospitable community. So here’s hoping. In any case, it’ll be nice to not have to freak out too much about rent and bills for the next year. Money’s gonna be a little tight for the first couple months, but after that it should be smooth sailing.

I won’t actually be able to switch any of the utilities over until the roomies are out of the old place, but hopefully that’ll be relatively painless. I’m excited about actually decorating, and am already putting together shopping/wish lists. I’m planning on doing geektastic things with the living area — some of my nicer comic books displayed on one wall, with some sort of art/posters in other places, and all my random geek junk everywhere (invasion of the Tachikomas!). I want to do one or two accent walls in something bright but not gaudy, and have lots of space for books and stuff. I thought about getting one of those folding tables and setting up all my electronics on it, but I think that’s a little farther than I wanna take the geek theme ;) If anyone wants to help, or has any fun ideas, lemme know!

They’re apparently working on my apartment (either finishing up renovations, or fixing things up after a previous tenant), so I don’t actually have the keys yet, but once I get them, the first order of the day will be to go through and do a thorough cleaning (note to self: find a vacuum), and make note of any maintenance discrepancies, then go buy paint and supplies! I won’t actually start moving any of my stuff in until a) the painting is done, and b) the major utilities are taken care of (electricity/gas/water), but when it gets closer to moving-day/s I’d love to have and extra set of hands or three, and I’m more than happy to pay in food and drinks :)

It kinda makes me feel like a dork, but OMGSOEXCITED! *does a little dance*