On my mind this Sunday morning…
I came here to the Bay Area 4 days ago with only a small idea of what I wanted in an apartment. I had 2 top choices I wanted, but was prepared to not get either.
IYKYK, but this move to SF has a lifelong dream, and for a moment I wasn’t sure if it was in the cards, but then BAM!
What does the song say… “When Jesus say Yes…”
Sit back…this is a LONG one!
Last Thursday, I toured my first apartment complex. I’d decided on Oakland apartments because of pricing (more bang for my buck) and diversity (lesser cultural shock, especially coming from a diverse city like NOLA). Also, much like my location back home in NOLA, I don’t mind not living in the city if as long as I am a short distance from the city either by public transportation or car.
So, Thursday morning, I drove across the bay and as soon as I got to Oakland and looked around, I was like…” Ah…these are my people”…LOL. Even just the look and colors of the people in the little area I was able to look around in before and after the tour, and I def felt more like the culture/people I’m most accustomed to in NOLA.
The first apartment I looked was located literally next to the MacArthur BART station in the Temescal neighborhood. The leasing agent was a nice young Black guy who was very nice and cordial, if a bit cold, but not bad. I toured 3 apartments and there were all nice and if not available now, available very soon. I can admit that the selling point for the apartment aside from being next to BART, was the higher floors with spectacular views and beaucoup amenities most of which I likely won’t use, but I know visiting family/friends who would love it. The price was in the higher point of my budget, even with some concessions and monthly parking fee ($300!!!). Still doable.
After returning to my Airbnb, I went right on ahead and applied online. I really did love the view and with the new job mostly WFH at this point with occasionally going into the office, the views and BART location was ideal.
The next day, Friday, I went to tour my 2nd choice apartment. This complex was only a few miles from the previous complex. It was located near more restaurants and stuff than the 1st, and in walking distance to 19th street BART station. Great location for sure.
I toured 2 apartments for this complex and I really did like the floorplans for these apartments much better than I did the 1st now that I think about it. The market rent was cheaper than the 1st and while it has less amenities, the ones they did have were great. The price for parking is less than 1st complex (still damn high…ugh) and the area seems safe and has lots of restaurants and retail stuff. Walking distance to to BART station if/when I need to go into work!
I applied when I made it back to my Airbnb and my credit screening passed! I submitted my offer letter and based off that they approved my application! All within one day! Signing lease and apartment deposit on Monday. Move in date a week after that.
It’s funny, had been a little over 24 hrs. since the first tour I still hadn’t heard from the 1st complex, but even without the bay views the 2nd apt is WAYYY better value for my buck. Funny I wasn’t feeling well this morning and I ALMOST decided not to go on this tour, but I’m very happy I did. My fav of the 2 choices did not work out, but the 2nd apartment I chose was just as great as the 1st with a smaller budget! 3 days after arriving, I was approved for the apartment that I really needed!
On Monday, I’ll sign over the lease and deposit for my new apartment in Oakland!
Nellybell's Place 