Blog

Oct 20 2015

What Makes a Local Neighborhood Great?

One of the most important things to consider when you are looking for an apartment is what kind of neighborhood you want to live in. Be sure to ask around when you are visiting apartments and explore the local neighborhood. If you aren’t sure what you really want, here are some things that many people look for in a great local neighborhood.

Ease of Transportation

One of the great things about downtown apartments in Madison, WI, is how easy it is to get to key destinations in the city. Ease of transportation or proximity to conveniences and entertainment are two things to consider in a local neighborhood. Many people who are looking for downtown apartments would like to be within walking distance to conveniences. It is also a good idea to check out the local metro transit system. Find the closest bus stops and look up routes and times in order to get an idea of how easy it will be to get where you need to go if you do not have a car and need to go somewhere that is not within walking or biking distance.

Local Businesses

Another thing that makes a neighborhood great is the local commerce. Locally owned restaurants and businesses are what make a neighborhood unique and special. Finding those hidden gems in a neighborhood is always fun. If you are looking into moving into a new neighborhood, ask those who live in the area what their favorite restaurants, shops, and businesses are. You might find your new go-to restaurant or hairdresser within walking distance of your apartment. If you frequent the local businesses you are also more likely to get to know those who are living and working in your neighborhood. Most people have a positive opinion of their neighborhood when they feel they are part of a community.

Culture and Entertainment

Many people also prefer a neighborhood that offers culture and entertainment close by. Those who look at luxury apartments in downtown Madison, WI, like the proximity to cultural centers like the museum of contemporary art, the Overture Center, and Capitol Square. Being able to easily access museums, galleries, and live entertainment venues makes downtown living attractive to many people.

Oct 15 2015

Meet Boba: a Resident of 306 West

Say hello to Boba, a 4-month-old Pug living at 306 West – Madison’s premier downtown luxury apartments.

Boba’s expressive face and dapper attire have led to somewhat of a celebrity status around the apartment community.

While he plays coy when asked, rumor has it Boba is dating his neighbor Hildy, the Cockapoo pup.

Boba was named after the popular Taiwanese tea-based drink containing chewy tapioca balls, and naturally he loves to play with anything that rolls.

Yes, he does have a slight snoring problem, but given his undeniable cuteness his roommates can’t hold it against him.

Next time you’re out-and-about at 306 West and you see Boba on a walk, be sure to say hello!

Oct 13 2015

5 Things That Make a Modern Apartment”Modern”

Most people who want a modern apartment in downtown Madison have a vague idea of what they want, but little that’s concrete. If you want the style, the luxury, and the convenience of a modern apartment, then you have to look at all the factors.

The Location

Location really is everything, especially when it comes to modern living. The idea of a modern apartment is closely tied to city life. So for a modern look and feel, you want downtown apartments in Madison, WI, that are close to all of the modern luxuries the city offers: shopping, office space, transportation, parks, restaurants, and night life. Most things should be within easy walking distance or a quick bus or train ride.

The Floor Plan

The floor plan itself can determine whether the interior of the apartment is modern. A modern floor plan is typically open, minimal, and flows easily between rooms. Look for large windows and doorways, a connected dining room and kitchen, and lots of lighting. Modern floor plans are all about utilizing space and light, and opening up to fantastic views of the cityscape.

The Amenities

Modern apartments are known for their amenities and commodities: for example, a clubhouse or a swimming pool or a free community laundry mat. Look for amenities that are included in your rent and that are available only to those living within the complex. If you commute to work, make plenty of safe and convenient parking space is available.

The Style

Of course, there’s the décor and the design of an apartment. Even with a great floor plan and location, the wrong décor can feel out of place. Modern décor doesn’t necessarily have to be monotone or black-and-white, or strictly geometric. You are free to interpret modern style how it speaks to you. Look for bright colors, interesting textures, and eclectic combinations of decorative accessories.

The Management

Last, but not least, you’ll want to get to know the management team of the apartment complex. You may think that a modern apartment is based mostly upon what you can see on the surface, but the management is behind it all. They’re the ones who will make sure your Internet service is always working, your water is always running, and your building is always in top shape. An apartment is only as modern as its management!

306 West fits all these requirements of a modern apartment. Contact us to find out more about our modern living spaces.

Oct 13 2015

Meet Hildy: a Resident of 306 West

Hildy is a 10-week-old Cockapoo pup living at 306 West. What’s a Cockapoo you ask? A Cockapoo is a mixed-breed dog that is the cross between either Cocker Spaniel breeds and a poodle.

Hildy still has a ways to grow, and at this point can’t even climb up onto the patio furniture in the courtyard. It certainly doesn’t stop her from trying through.

Sweet, little Hildy was named after the investigative reporter Hildy Johnson from the movie His Girl Friday. Living up to her name, Hildy’s investigative skills are on-point.

Hildy’s favorite toys are a little stuffed lamb chop and alligator. When she’s not busy snuggling, you can find Hildy hanging out on downtown restaurant patios during happy hour.

Rumor has it that Hildy is dating a pug named Boba in the building; however, she says it’s not that serious yet.

Hildy loves the pet-friendly atmosphere at 306 West, and the never-ending abundance of humans willing to give her attention. Next time you see Hildy around the building be sure to say hello!

Oct 07 2015

Moving Out? 5 Things You Should Not Forget to Do

The prospect of moving to a new home can be cause for both excitement and tension. To make sure the actual experience is as thrilling as you envision it, you need to tie up any loose ends at your current residence, so they will not follow you to your new one. At 306 West, site of luxury apartments in Madison, WI, we see the joy of new tenants, but we also witness the frustration of those who have forgotten to finalize important paperwork at their old residences. To help alleviate this annoyance, we have listed 5 of the most important steps you should take when moving out.

Take Your Name Off of Old Utilities

This may seem obvious, but it is easy to overlook this step in the excitement of a move. When people are leaving a residence, they sometimes forget to take the utilities out of their name. As a result, thoughtless new tenants may gleefully continue to use the utilities on your dollar.

Switch Utilities in the Right Order

Although avoiding the aforementioned scenario is important, changing utilities to your new residence must be done in steps. John Bisney, of the American Moving and Storage Association, recommends shutting off old utilities 2-3 days after moving out, and turning on new utilities 2-3 days after moving in.

Why would you intentionally pay for bills that are not technically your responsibility? The reason is that closing dates are often abruptly postponed, and you do not want to be staying in either residence without light, heat, and water. In the worst-case scenario, extreme cold could cause broken pipes, flooding, and any other number of other catastrophes.

Check the Parking Situation

People are sometimes unpleasantly surprised to realize they cannot even get a moving truck close to either residence. By clearing this issue with neighbors and parking authorities beforehand, you will not find yourself stuck in a van with no way to load or unload it.

Change Schools

If you have children, withdrawing from one school and enrolling in another can take a surprising amount of time and paperwork. To avoid doing it in the chaos of the move, take care of these steps long before you arrive at the new schoolyard.

Keep Essentials Handy

Nobody wants to arrive at a new home, exhausted and wanting nothing more than to go directly to bed, only to realize that no one knows where the shampoo and toothpaste are. As you go through the days prior to your move, compile a list of items that you use every day. Pack these in a clearly labeled, accessible container, so that your first evening in your new home will measure up to the pleasant vision you had of this happy event.