Tag: NewsBreak

Apartment Hunting: Searching for a New Home During the Pandemic

trE

My search in and around Winston-Salem, NC led me to these top 3 places.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0zyLrP_0bCA0O1P00
Photo by Cassandra McD. via Redshot

It is time to look for a new home. After nearly three years of living in my current apartment, yet another increase in rent is forthcoming and I draw the line here. For three consecutive lease renewals, my rent has increased based on the market value, yet my income is moving further away from the fine line of stability and financial comfort. For the first eight months of my stay in my current place, I had a ceiling leak that kept me emailing the property office and continually communicating with maintenance men and contracted roofers who came to “see about the issue” but really did not accomplish completely fixing it until nearly two full years of my being a resident. 

I was offered one month — rent-free — due to any disadvantages and inconveniences I had endured. One month . . . I stayed here because I fell in love with the property, the neighborhood, my neighbors, and the ease of exercising/walking for me and my dog. I truly did not want to move after just two years. 

Circumstances have changed. Prices everywhere are increasing and so will my rent — not to mention the additional pet rent I pay each month as well. I have decided to look for a new place so that I may save money, live comfortably, and not deal with the possibility of yet another ceiling leak. Every time we get a decent thunderstorm, I flinch — eyes directed to the ceiling, and I wait. Thankfully, no new leaks have occurred.

I started my search with Google, continued on for about three days, and finally decided to reach out to the following three properties for possible tours in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Salem Ridge Apartments, Winston-Salem, NC

Located just under two miles away from where I currently live, Salem Ridge has just about everything in which I am interested. Pet friendly? Yes. Dog park and plenty of nearby walking paths? Of course! Plenty of closet space, one and two bedrooms, and recycling on-site? You betcha! I read through at least twenty of the reviews and out of fifty-three total via Google, the majority of them listed are high marks. 

It is my belief that you can never truly know about the place you think will be your potential home until you move in and have lived there a few months. 

The most important factor is it is within my price range and I would still have a two-bedroom but with one bathroom (this is quite all right with me) for well under $1,000.00 per month. 

Salem Ridge Apartments in Winston-Salem, NC offers NEWLY RENOVATED 1 & 2-bedroom apartment homes. Located just 5 miles from downtown and within miles to the area’s most progressive employers & first-rate shopping and dining, you’ll be close to everything you desire.

This is my first choice. Being that I am already familiar with the neighborhood and the overall general area, I would like to land an apartment with this complex. I am going to cross my fingers.

Savannah Place Apartments, Winston-Salem, NC

On the same strip where I currently live is this lovely apartment complex. I see this place every single day as I trek the hill upward and downward for my daily walks or even if I venture out for a drive somewhere. It is a gated community with three-story apartment buildings varying in colors; beige, yellow, and brown. Most of the units and nearly all of the kitchens have been remodeled. The complex is pet-friendly, conveniently located to various shops, eateries, and seconds away from Hwy 421 and I-40. 

It’s also suitably priced, too. They have one and two-bedroom styles of which I am interested, both under $1,000.00 per month. I would like to keep a two-bedroom floorplan but I am willing to budge just a bit if I can get into this place on my projected move-in date which is October 23, 2021.

Savannah Place Apartments in Winston-Salem, NC feature NEWLY RENOVATED 1 & 2-bedroom apartment homes located just 10 minutes from downtown. Our desirable location places you near everywhere you want and need to be, like the area’s most progressive employers, shopping, dining and entertainment.

If at all possible, I would love to stay on the strip where I live but I am open to change. I love walking within this neighborhood and ultimately, I feel safe. People know me, they see me with my dog often and I’ve lived in this area for nearly three years. It’ll feel just a bit off to move out of the neighborhood.

The Residences at Diamond Ridge, Winston-Salem, NC

My final choice — a little over two miles away from me and even closer to Downtown is The Residences at Diamond Ridge. With everything I am looking for on my checklist, this apartment complex is the third choice of my top three. I know a little about the area, but not as much as I do about Salem Ridge. The upside to this place? They have two bedrooms and one bathroom apartments for just under $800.00. I like the sound of this and I am sure my pockets will too.

Live comfortably at The Residences at Diamond Ridge! Enjoy the quality comforts of home while staying connected to all Winston-Salem has to offer!

Located in the Ardmore community, your new home puts you minutes from Downtown Winston-Salem, beautiful parks, Universities and schools, local shops, and restaurants. Our apartment homes are comfortable, cozy, and designed to meet your needs.

This location isn’t too far away from my previous job site and it’s also close to one of my favorite coffee shops. I think it would be nice if I have to make a home here. Although, I’d be happier with one of the two previously mentioned locations. 

I detest apartment hunting about as much as I do job hunting, but there are some things of which I cannot control and price hikes are one of them. One thing’s different this time around — I’m doing so during a global pandemic. 

I hope each tour when I am able to get one, is a successful one. Currently, none of the above places have on-site tours available as there are no units to show. I am going to wait for another two to three weeks and check with them at that time. I do, however, have a tour with The Arcadian Apartments on Saturday, July 31, 2021. It’s further down my list, but the only place available to tour. 

I am a bit excited yet fearful, too. I don’t know anyone who likes moving. I just want to get past every phase of it, get settled, and move closer to being back to saving decent amounts bi-weekly and having a nest egg to hatch if I ever need to. 

I have a feeling that will be necessary for the immediate future.

Originally published on NewsBreak.

Inflation: Prices Are Increasing From Gas to Groceries but My Income is the Same

trE

Pandemic surging prices are hitting my pockets and everyone else’s, too.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3WYIaJ_0b7bQUzN00
Photo by Tatiana Maramygina via Redshot

As we slowly climb out of the depths of over sixteen months of this pandemic, one cannot turn their cheek to the soaring prices. Everything from gas to groceries to plane tickets has sky-rocketed in pricing when compared to several months prior. I have noticed the steady increase just over two weeks ago, but it first struck me as insane when I went to have some additional work to my car at my mechanic’s shop and had been informed that my previous quote for a 4-tire balance of $39.99 had risen to $95.99.

Luckily for me, I had my estimate from the week before when I took my car in for an oil change with their quoted price of $39.99. I pulled out my estimate which was initialed and dated by me and handed it to the representative. She consulted with the store manager and charged me what my quote listed, regardless of their recent price hike. So, they lost over $60.00 in this case.

Many tire shops offer free balancing as part of tire packages that are purchased from them, but you’ll have to pay for it in other cases. On average, plan to spend between $15 and $75, depending on your vehicle, the tires, and the shop. — Chris Teague, The Drive

In just one week, the store manager stated the prices of the following had increased; oil changes, labor, tire balancing, and basic maintenance for one’s vehicle. I was not the only person hit with a surprise when I walked through the door — he said. Even he could not prepare himself for what occurred while he was away on vacation.

Imagine returning to the store you manage and bombarded with several recent changes, especially to the pricing of which you’ve been familiar for years and those have changed — drastically.

Money doesn’t grow on trees.

When I purchased, and I counted, twenty-seven items from my community Walmart in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this past Friday, I was greeted with a price tag of $78.22. Just three weeks ago, many of the same items in my cart, save a knick-knack or two, cost me $66.58. Now, you may think an increase of just under twelve dollars isn’t much, but couple that with the steady rise in gas prices, at local eateries, in various other grocery stores, and in apartment/housing markets, and one could end up in the poor-house before an eyelash bats.

As I stated, I am not the only one affected by inflation, everyone is. Based on information reported by Emma Withrow with WNCT9 in Charlotte, The Labor Department states the current prices are the highest tallied since August 2008.

A recent rise in inflation hit everyday Americans where it hurts most, the pocketbook. Some economists are saying it’s temporary, others are saying it’s a big threat, but people everywhere are being affected regardless of how long it might last. — Emma Withrow, WNCT9, Charlotte

Farmers and those working in agriculture have been hit with heavy increases in pricing as it pertains to their specialty and they can dish out a few more cents here and there, but eventually, we will have to take on the brunt of those costs and we already have.

“When you go to increase in the cost of a dozen eggs to produce by 10, 15, 20 cents, you can pretty much eliminate the profits out of it really quickly,” Simpson explained, “We can’t take it forever. We’ll take it here for a little while. But sooner or later, it’s gonna have to trickle down to the consumer.” — Alex Simpson, Simpson’s Eggs, courtesy of WNCT9, Charlotte

Several restaurants are dealing with price hikes as well and they’re not fairing well from it — which means, we see the additional cost to us as the consumer when popping in to pick up our favorite lunch or swinging by to retrieve our family’s evening dinner.

The price index is up by 5.4 percent . . . Experts blame inflated prices on high demand due to the pandemic. They expect inflation pressures to ease with time. — Colette Stein, WXII12, Winston-Salem

How long will this last is the question? As it stands, no one is truly sure.

Getting by because I have to.

With prices increasing for everything I purchase, there’s only one thing that has not increased — my income. Recently, I lost my secondary income with a part-time editing and publishing job and I am steadily looking into replacing that supplemental funding. I have been working full time with my “main” job for three years and within this current department for eight months.

From last November up to now, there has been no change in my income at my primary job. I am hopeful this will prove well in a few more months when I am due for my yearly evaluation. But until that time, my pockets are taking a hit from this most recent inflation and I fear this will not end soon.

I am searching for a new place to live and currently have three property tours set up for next Saturday, July 31, 2021. Upon researching apartment homes/condos/townhouses for rent in Winston-Salem, NC, and a few surrounding towns/cities, I have noticed an increase within this market as well. I could only shake my head and sigh heavily.

Money really makes the world go ‘round.

Originally published via NewsBreak.

The Mountains of Western North Carolina Are Calling Me

trE

A Labor Day road trip could be in the works.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2P2PX9_0axYBkZv00
Long, winding road. Photo by Wade Austin Ellis via Unsplash

Labor Day is September 06, 2021, and while it has been almost a full year since my last trek to the mountains of Western North Carolina, I can’t help but yearn for another road trip.

I have been debating on vacationing in Asheville, NC, Arden, NC, or Hendersonville, NC this year. That time of “can’t wait to get there” is approaching and while others may head upward to the “friendly skies,” I will slip myself into my midsize sedan and take on the open road.

I’m willing to bet I’ll end up in a majestic and spacious Airbnb in the heart of Asheville for the next three-day weekend on my work calendar. I miss the fresh mountain air, the slight breeze that sneaks in at the witching hour, and the never-ending choices of delicious cuisine.

There are so many things to do during the late summer and autumn months; both indoor and outdoor events, and I plan to enjoy whatever I can while I can.

A short list of current events

An interesting take on art shared by Patrick Dougherty is currently running until September 30, 2021.

Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. Free with daytime admission!

Free as a Bird, modern-day stickwork showcases Dougherty’s amazing and vast talent. The images are luring and incredibly detailed. This could be a wonderful event to enjoy alone or with family and friends.

Arbor Evenings at The North Carolina Arboretum takes place every week on Thursday and Friday and will continue until October 01, 2021.

Sip and stroll through the NC Arboretum gardens after dark (5:30–8 PM) with live music. Light food, beer, and wine available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person.

This sounds like something I’d love to do and for $5.00 per person, I’m sure I’m not the only one leaning toward that decision.

Downtown After Five in Downtown Asheville is a combination of live music, tasty food, beer, and a host of other exciting events beginning at 5:00 p.m. on July 16, 2021, August 20, 2021, and September 17, 2021.

Thousands gather on North Lexington Avenue near the I-240 overpass to enjoy local and national beers and a variety of food vendors. While admission is free, you must buy a $2 wristband to purchase beer, hard cider and wine.

While I don’t partake in the barley-based American favorite drink, I would definitely lurk about happily while feasting on some vintage vittles, soaking up the evening sun, and listening to a few good tunes.

What to do when I get there

I am 80% certain I will venture out to the mountains in less than two months. The list above is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do and I will have to narrow down my itinerary before loading up my car and heading west.

If I don’t get to do anything else, a hike on one of their many trails and takeout from my two favorite eateries, Homegrown and Early Girl, will definitely occur.

It has been too long and I am slowly easing back into some semblance of normalcy but tip-toeing to be on the safe side. I want to dive headfirst into a grand scheme of shenanigans but with COVID-19 still holding steady, according to the COVID-19 NC dashboard, precautions will be in play.

The mountains of Western North Carolina are calling me; it is high time I answer them.

This was originally published on NewsBreak.