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Finding an Apartment Project

For this project, you will need to decide what features are important to you for finding your first apartment. Imagine
yourself ready to move out of your parents house or away at college and needing a place to live. Where would you want
to be? What things do you need and want in an apartment? How much can you afford?

Background Answer these questions in complete sentences
1. Where do you want to live and why? (City/country, what state/area?)
Students should respond with what city, state, or general area they want to live in. It is suggested that they
choose a location near their potential college, trade school, or military base.
2. Will you be living with a roommate, multiple roommates, or alone? Why?
Students should explain the financial benefit of having a roommate in addition to or in contrast with their
personal preferences.
3. What are the 5 most important features or amenities of an apartment for you? Use the PDF Apartment Checklist
for ideas and write 1 sentence for each to explain why it is important.
Most common answers will likely include paint, water damage, cleanliness, washers/dryers available, parking
facilities, proximity to schools, security features of apartments and buildings, temperature/central air, pets,
appliances, noise level, and types of tv/internet available

4. Find TWO apartments that meet many (or all) of your qualifications and fill out the information you can on this
table.
apartments.com, forrent.com
zillow.com or trulia.com just set filters to RENT
NOT rent.com (you need to make an account)
Search your college newspapers classifieds section too!

Qualification Apartment #1 PLAZA SQUARE APARTMENTS Apartment #2 ORCHARD GARDENS
Location 1 Richmond Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901 260A S 11th Avenue Highland Park, NJ 08904
Number of
Bedrooms
1 1
Number of
Bathrooms
1 1
Square Footage 748ft
2
687FT2
Rent amount $1671-$1884 $1175-$1225
Length of lease
(month/year)
1 year 1 year
List apartment
features
Air Conditioning
Ceiling Fan
Alarm System
Broadband Internet Access
Dishwasher
Extra storage
Garbage disposal
Internet access
Microwave
Patio or balcony
Walk-in closets
Washer/Dryer in unit
Hardwood floors
Playground
Galley kitchen
Spacious floor plan
Laundry on-site
Close to public transportation
24 hour emergency maintenance
Very near Rutgers and UMDNJ
On-site management
Dishwasher
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Window coverings Air conditioning
Security deposit Call to ask $500 based on good credit
Layout of the
apartment

Spacious open floor plan with plenty of closet
space. Choose between hardwood floors or
carpeting.
Pictures

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Utilities included
(water, garbage,
electric, heat,
etc.)
N/A N/A
Parking Garages Available Parking Garage
Street Parking
Parking Lot
Pet policies Allow dogs and cats. $500 one time pet fee per
pet. $50 per month per pet. Certain breed
restrictions.
Cats allowed. 2 Maximum. $25 per month per
cat.
Other costs N/A N/A
Other interesting
information
Special Features
o Crayon Corner Childrens
Playroom
o Conference Room
o Business/Computer Center
o Off-leash dog area
o Luxury apartments
o Near Rutgers
o Near Robert Wood Johnson
Hospital
Community Features
o Business Center
o Club House
o Controlled Access
o Courtesy Officers
o Courtyard
o Covered Lot
o Elevator
o Fitness Center
o Garages
o Pool
o Sauna
o View
Community Features
o Freeway Access
o Laundry facility
o Playground
o Public transportation
o Surface lot
o Garden style
208 apartments in community
Roommate(s) or
Alone
Roommate Roommate

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5. Now compare your two options. Which one would you prefer to live in? Why did you decide on this apartment?
Students should consider location, cost, and amenities in their explanations.


6. Will you be able to afford this apartment?
a) Assume you earn the median salary for high school graduates working full time - $29,950 per year.
i. First, find your net income by multiplying your salary by 0.75 = __$22,462.50_____
ii. Then, find how much you will take home per month by dividing that number by 12 = __$1,871.86__
iii. Next, find what you should spend for rent by multiplying that number by 0.30 = ___$561.56_____
iv. Is the rent for the apartment less than what you calculated in the line above? Yes or no
v. If yes is this a good idea? Why? Students should consider other expenses they will pay if utilities
are not included, plus groceries, gas, entertainment, etc. in their budgets.
vi. If no could you afford the apartment with a roommate? Students should explain that it would be
affordable if they could afford half the rent and a roommate could afford half the rent.
b) Assume you have the average income of a full-time college student, which is $14,400 according to the
National Center for Educational Statistics.
i. First, find your net income by multiplying your income by 0.75 = ___$10,800____
ii. Then, find how much you will take home per month by dividing that number by 12 = ___$900___
iii. Next, find what you should spend for rent by multiplying that number by 0.30 = _$270__
iv. Is the rent for the apartment less than what you calculated in the line above? Yes or no
v. If yes is this a good idea? Why? Students should consider other expenses they will pay if utilities
are not included, plus groceries, gas, entertainment, etc. in their budgets.
vi. If no could you afford the apartment with a roommate? Students should explain that it would be
affordable if they could afford half the rent and a roommate could afford half the rent.
c) Assume you make the median salary of a person in the career field youre interested in. Look up the salary
on https://www.bls.gov/ooh High School Teacher $55,050 [2012 median pay]
i. First, find your net income by multiplying your salary by 0.75 = ___$41,287,50____
ii. Then, find how much you will take home per month by dividing that number by 12 = _$3,440.63_
iii. Next, find what you should spend for rent by multiplying that number by 0.30 = _$1,032.19_
iv. Is the rent for the apartment less than what you calculated in the line above? Yes or no
v. If yes is this a good idea? Why? Students should consider other expenses they will pay if utilities
are not included, plus groceries, gas, entertainment, etc. in their budgets.
vi. If no could you afford the apartment with a roommate? Students should explain that it would be
affordable if they could afford half the rent and a roommate could afford half the rent.