With summer upon us, getting outside is something that most of us enjoy to release some energy. It is always a nice feeling being refreshed after going outside, but if the walk around the neighborhood is not cutting it, going on a hike might! Here are six, easy to moderate hiking trails around the Frederick area that will get you out of the house and hitting the trails.
White Oak Trail
This is the shortest trail of the bunch at 1 mile, but also is one of the closest to Prospect Hall Apartments . This relaxing loop is perfect for people of all ages and has wildflowers that you can admire along the path!
Difficulty Level: Easy
Rocky Stream Bed Trail Loop
This is the second-longest trail at 1.3 miles and is in the Frederick Municipal Forest . It parallels a stream and features a beautiful waterfall.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Brooks Hill Loop Trail
This 2-mile loop is located in Monocacy National Battlefield . There is a variety of habitats along the way and offers the chance to see some wildlife!
Difficulty Level: Easy
Green Ash Trail
This is 2.2-mile trail is set in a beautiful forest setting and is accessible all-year-round. It is a little rocky in parts but offers great shade when the sun is shining.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Black Locust Trail
This 2.6-mile trail is family-friendly and has scenic overlooks for everyone to enjoy the view. The greenery along the route is beautiful and includes tulips, poplars, and lots of mountain laurel.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ballenger Creek Trail
Rounding out our list is the longest of the trails at 4.1 miles. It features a river to walk along and has a nicely paved path making it perfect for bikers.
Difficulty Level: Easy
When determining whether you should rent or buy , it important to remember what will be most beneficial to you. Whether it is finances or lifestyle, what you value the most will ultimately lead to the best decision. Becoming a homeowner does have its perks, but here are the top 10 reasons why renting could be a better fit for you.
Flexibility
If you are not sure about where you want to be or how long you want to be there, renting allows the freedom to relocate and not stay in one place long term. If your job has you moving around a lot, it offers the flexibility of having to move out easily and quickly. Also, since leases usually run on a year-to-year or month-to-month basis, upsizing or downsizing when needed are relatively simple endeavors.
Budget
There are only two big payments when it comes to renting: rent and utilities. In some cases, landlords even cover utilities, but only having those two payments allows renters to budget their money for other bills or put it into savings.
Maintenance
One of the most convenient parts about renting is not having to deal with the maintenance of the property. Whether it is a leaky sink or a broken washer, the landlord is responsible for fixing all problems at no cost while also saving you lots of time and frustration.
Amenities
Whether it is a playground, pool, or being pet friendly, these are just some of the amenities that may be included with your rent with an apartment or rental townhome. Having these perks readily available can save renters a substantial amount of money.
No property taxes or HOA dues
Homeowners get hit with annual property tax and monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. When renting, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay those fees which can lead to reducing a tenant’s monthly budget even more.
Different investment opportunities
Any type of investment is a big one whether it is starting a business and putting money into a retirement fund. Renting a property, instead of buying one, can open up other possibilities for saving and investing.
Social life
Rental properties provide a great opportunity for social get-togethers since there are so many people in one place. With the common areas in the community and the different events that management organizes, living in a rental property can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to meet new people and try something new.
Mortgage-free
There are a lot of costs when it comes to buying a house and the biggest of these costs is a mortgage . Some people may be able to pay for a house outright, but it can cause others to go into serious debt. By renting a property, you can forgo this debt and just pay a deposit instead. If you do buy a house and the mortgage payment is not fulfilled, then you must pay the rest before you move.
Lower insurance
Renters insurance is much more affordable when you compare it to homeowners' insurance. Renters pay much less and there are additional benefits, such as additional living expenses if a disaster strikes and personal liability coverage.
Referral Bonuses
A nice little perk that can happen every now and then is a referral bonus. The landlord or property management company will give a cash bonus or discount on rent for referring new tenants.
Need help deciding which is the best financial decision for you? Click here to view a rent vs. buy calculator that can help you sort out your options.
When living in an apartment with your furry friend, there are lots of things to consider to ensure that you and they are as comfortable as possible. Pet-friendly apartment communities should not only allow pets but make sure it is a pleasant place for them too. We can help you find a pet-friendly community perfect for you and your cat or dog.
Guideline Check
One of the first things to check for in a pet-friendly community is their guidelines. Not all complexes have the same rules and landlords have different expectations. Some have weight and breed restrictions, while others have fees or deposits to cover any costs if accidents occur. A landlord also might want to have an introduction with your pet to see how they behave.
Amenities to Look For
There are certain amenities that dog-friendly apartments have to improve the lives of dogs and their owners alike. A large green space or patch of grass nearby is essential. A dog park is ideal, but a nice area to walk is great, too. Most apartments that allow dogs will have ample green space and have pet cleanup stations for convenience. For cats , try to consider a place that they can jump on or lay on while you are not home. It also may be important to know whether they like carpet or hardwood so you can take the necessary steps to protect your floor.
Good Neighbor Relationships
Making sure your pet is on its best behavior will most likely lead to you having a good relationship with your neighbors. One way to do this is to introduce your pet to them. The more they know your pet, the less likely they are to complain if a situation arises. Another way is to keep the noise level down as much as possible. Easy ways to reduce noise is to buy toys without loud squeakers and keep calm past 10 p.m. Try to walk dogs, frequently, throughout the day, too. Since outside grassy areas are always communal, always remember to pick up after your pet.
The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts
Do train your pet well- the key to a pet’s good behavior is good training . Most pets, especially cats and dogs, should have some basic training and behave moderately well in social situations.
Don’t sneak in pets- This is the biggest no-no of them all. Although, it might be a tempting thought, sneaking in your lovable companion could cost you your apartment. It is better to be upfront about and look for communities that welcome them.
Do look for apartments that want pets. While some apartment properties are pet-friendly, others are just pet-tolerant . Look for a place where you and your pet can live happily and comfortably.
The Internet of Things is taking over and giving us ways to interact with our home that were never before possible. Automated tasks, custom lighting, easy-install security systems, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems are just a few examples of how the latest technology can transform your home. We’ve selected a few of our favorite items that can help you upgrade your living space here.
Amazon Echo
“Alexa, pay my rent” is just one of the ways you can interact with using your Amazon Echo (our Resident Portal is tied into Alexa for hands-free account management). Amazon Echo also helps you tie into other smart devices and control them from one easy-to-use hub, can answer questions that pop up, and acts as a virtual assistant by scheduling reminders or creating shopping lists. There are a variety of Echo products available ranging in price from $39.99-$199.99 (at the time of this posting). Check out the options here .
Samsung SmartThings Wifi Smart Plug
If you want to upgrade to smart devices, but already have items in your home that you love and are working great, you can turn them into smart devices by plugging them into the Samsung SmartThings WiFi Smart Plug . Control your lights using this plug along with Alexa, Google, or Bixby. By connecting to your devices through the SmartThings app, you can monitor energy usage, set routines for devices and appliances to turn on and off. WiFi is required for this item to work.
Ring Doorbell Pro
Easily installed, the Ring Doorbell acts as both a doorbell and a surveillance camera to your home. This motion-activated camera will notify you when someone approaches your doorstep and will even allow you to speak to the visitor through the built-in speaker system without opening your door. Ring can easily connect with your Alexa or IFTTT accounts. Four interchangeable faceplates allow you to easily match the décor of your exterior.
SimpliSafe Home Security
This is a DIY home security system that takes just minutes to install and get running. There is no long-term contract to sign for monitoring service, and it’s easy to move the system if and when you decide to move. The system protects against fires, floods, intruders, medical emergencies, and more. This system is apartment-friendly as there is no drilling or connection to a landline required.
Phillips Hue Lighting
Do more than turn your lights off and on. With Philips Hue lighting , you can control the intensity and color of the lights in your home and set automated lighting routines. The system is compatible with Apple Home Kit, Alexa, Google, and other apps and devices. A variety of kits and devices are available ranging from standard lightbulbs to festive light strips.
iRobot Braava Jet
Robot vacuum cleaners have been around for a while and are a great option for keeping your floors clean throughout the day. But, did you know there are now robotic mops? The iRobot Braava Jet sweeps and mops hard floors throughout your apartment and will detect and skip carpeting when it encounters it. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed
Getting good, quality sleep has never been more important. Keep yourself healthy with the Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed , which tracks your sleep using a series of biometric sensors and movement data all while giving you the classic custom comfort of a Sleep Number mattress. The bed adjusts based on your movements to keep you comfortable and in an optimal sleep zone. Connect your bed to the Sleep Number app on your mobile device to view insights and learn how to improve your sleep.
We’re all spending a little more time at home these days, and we’re doing much more virtually – including apartment shopping. Finding your new home online can be confusing, but we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get the best information while browsing the internet.
Start with a Budget . Before beginning your search, you should estimate how much you can afford for your apartment each month. Experts recommend anywhere from 25-30% of your take home pay should be allocated to housing. However, these recommendations are guidelines and may be higher than you’d like to spend depending on your circumstances. Check out a budgeting app like EveryDollar or YNAB to help you get started.
Start Searching. Check out apartment communities in the areas you’d like to live – within the budget you just set. A great way to do this is to search “apartments near me” in the map app on your smartphone or by using Google Maps on your computer or device. Get an idea of the amenities and floorplans available within your budget in various parts of town. Start taking notes about options, locations, and floor plan sizes.
Research the Neighborhood. Using tools such as Google Maps , WalkScore , and Address Report , you can get a pretty good feel for what an area is like. Be sure to see how far away the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants are. Map out your daily commute during your typical drive times using Waze . Once you’ve determined the best neighborhoods for you, it’s time to narrow your search down to just those communities within those areas. Be sure to check for school zoning, crime reports, and as much other information as you can find.
Begin to Narrow Your List. Start taking virtual tours of each community on your shortened list. View images of the community on their websites, and search to see if there are any video tours available on YouTube or other websites. You’ll get a pretty good feel for the community before you ever leave your home.
Check Out Online Reviews. See what other residents and past residents are saying about life at each community. The best places to check for reviews are on Google (it’s easy to see review when searching for the business in Google Maps), as well as ApartmentRatings.com .
Create a Short List. After you’ve conducted as much research as possible online, it’s best to take your shortlist and drive through each community. While some places are offering tours during the pandemic, others may not be. Depending on your comfort level and the capabilities of the leasing team on site, you may be able to ask for a self-guided tour or a virtual FaceTime or Skype tour of the actual apartment you’re looking to rent.
Apply Quickly. Once you’ve made your decision and found your new home, be sure to submit an application quickly. Most apartment communities lease homes on a first-come, first-served basis and you don’t want to miss out. Be sure to take advantage of online applications where possible.
Your first month's rent is FREE for a limited time at Prospect Hall! Don't miss this chance to move in to your new luxury apartment in Frederick, MD. This offer won't last long, so be sure to schedule your tour or virtual tour today!
