<p>DD will be looking for an apartment for 2014-2015 school year. I have read a bit on the forums here and East Edge and Lofts seem to be the two nicest. She will continue in a sorority next year. Can anyone make any recommendations as far as which might be better? Can you suggest a different one?</p>
<p>It’s funny to see this only because i feel like we just moved our child into her dorm! When do you have to start looking for places to live? I know she would like to live in her sorority house and I would like her to stay on campus next year. (An apartment would be nice just to avoid hotel expenses when visiting!!!)</p>
<p>I think it happens in Nov and Dec in earnest but they are already starting to talk about it. My DD told me only the older students live in the houses because there are only so many bedrooms and hundreds of girls. Not sure though. I’d love to know more about the apartment choices.</p>
<p>Last year I told my S to start looking in January when he returned from winter break. He took some iniative and found that some of the ‘older’ (built more than 2 years ago) complexes were offering signing bonuses to anyone who signed a lease before winter break. He opted to sign his lease in December so he could get a $400 credit towards his rent (he could have opted for cash instead).</p>
<p>I believe some of the newer complexes already had waiting lists by that time.</p>
<p>At the Woodlands where my S is living this year, the current residents have until Nov 15 to renew their lease for next year, so many complexes won’t know exactly how much availability they are going to have until after the renewal period ends.</p>
<p>I would say that it is definitely time to start seriously looking after fall break, especially for the newer/more popular locations.</p>
<p>[University</a> of Alabama | Off Campus Housing Search](<a href=“http://offcampushousing.ua.edu%5DUniversity”>http://offcampushousing.ua.edu) is the new UA off-campus housing website and a good place to start looking at some of the different options.</p>
<p>which sorority is your daughter in? someone might be able to give insight on whether or not she would have a chance at a spot in the house.</p>
<p>if you want her to stay on campus, then you could at least have her put her name in for a spot at the sorority house. i think she would rather live in the sorority house and then an apartment the next year, rather than the other way around.</p>
<p>DS lives at The Lofts. Lived in honors housing last year. Was very impressed when we moved him in. He is in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath. Each bedroom has different floor plan. 2 had large windows, 2 had smaller ones. One of bedrooms had built-in book case. Bathrooms differ in storage area, some have linen closet, some just under sink. Bathrooms and kitchen have granite countertops. Kitchen very roomy with lots of cabinets. Amenities are awesome. 2 pools, game rooms, study rooms, outdoor areas with seating and televisions, grilling areas, outside ping pong, really nice weight room/gym and free tanning 
Also, the parking garage is great -park on your floor, enter building. Location of The Lofts makes campus access easy. Onto McFarland, exit by DCH, on campus. Not sure, but think East Edge is other side of RR tracks.</p>
<p>Here are some things we learned from our D’s off campus search.</p>
<p>Begin by determining a budget for off campus housing.</p>
<p>Make a list of your needs and wants. Note anything you must have or do not want/need.</p>
<p>Location: Walking /Biking distance Shuttle – private or UA
(will the location be convenient/inconvenient on a regular basis? gamedays?)</p>
<p>Furnished/Unfurnished
Utility allowance
Washer/Dryer provided or only hookups?
Internet provided
Cable provided
Pets allowed
Number of occupants in the complex? Per unit?
Roommate matching
Individual leases? Separate leases?
Subleases allowed?
Amenities (pool, computer lab, gym, etc.)
Parking availability
Gated or security (if gated, is the gate actually closed when you visit?)
Move in date for new residents? Fee for early move in?
Term of lease agreement - how long? procedures for paying rent while away? Fees?
Student only complex? Any restrictions?
Will you see the actual unit you will rent?
How/when will you select the location of your unit? Are they assigned or selected?
Are all layouts identical? Baths? Bedrooms? floor coverings? furniture?
How are maintenance issues reported and how are they resolved?
What is 24 hour maintenance? Emergency?
What is the resident’s responsibility?
Pest control?</p>
<p>Consider your personal preferences and what you need and want from a property. Prioritize the most important factors on your list of needs and wants.</p>
<p>Use the off campus housing website, the Apartments Alabama app, and other sources to identify apartments that may meet your needs and criteria (cost, location, etc.). You may also consider properties recommended by word of mouth. See link:</p>
<p>[University</a> of Alabama | Off Campus Housing Search](<a href=“http://offcampushousing.ua.edu%5DUniversity”>http://offcampushousing.ua.edu)</p>
<p>Mark your calendar to attend the off campus housing fairs. I believe the first one is in October. See the link.</p>
<p>[Student</a> Affairs | Housing & Residential Communities](<a href=“http://housing.ua.edu/on_campus/event_calendar.cfm?p=2]Student”>http://housing.ua.edu/on_campus/event_calendar.cfm?p=2)</p>
<p>It is never too soon to begin scoping out potential complexes. If you want to get a true picture of what a property is like, you will need to make a few unscheduled visits on your own. Consider word of mouth, but do your own leg work. Be aware of special incentives, but do not let that be the determining factor of when you sign a lease. Do NOT rely on a scheduled visit or written material provided by a property. Visit any property you are considering at different times of the day and week. Plan to visit on a Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday or Sunday afternoon. If the property has a pool, visit while it is warm. It is also a good idea to check the FB page regarding a property. Temper any complaints or glowing reviews, but look for consistent complaints. Note that some complexes will remove unflattering comments by residents. Conduct an internet search on the property.</p>
<p>Consider your personal preferences, but also look at any of the following that would concern you:</p>
<p>Lighting around the property – parking, trash receptacle, stairwells, entryways
Cleanliness of the property – Look for trash, signs of bugs or other pests, landscaping, building conditions. Is the trash receptacle convenient? Does it appear to be maintained or overflowing?
Availability of parking for residents? Guests? What about during special events/game days?
Does the complex appear to be quiet, rowdy, deserted, crowded?
What amenities are available? Do they appear to be in use by residents?
Is there a property manager or community director on site? When?
Read local news and campus news articles about what is/has been going on in a complex.</p>
<p>Consider the venues around any property you are considering. Will they impact your living experience daily or on a regular basis? Noise? Parking? Traffic? Lights? Safety/Security?</p>
<p>Good luck and happy hunting!</p>
<p>^^^ I bookmarked this extremely helpful post. ^^^</p>
<p>Thank you for making the effort!</p>
<p>Roll Tide!!!</p>
<p>Bamagirls is my hero! :)</p>
<p>Thanks, TXA and Class2012Mom. :)</p>
<p>This is wonderful. Thanks for the advice! Can anyone give a range of rent prices? I’m totally clueless.</p>
<p>That’s really going to depend on what your looking for, Catinhat95. Have you looked at the off campus housing site? Both that site and the Alabama Apartments app will give you a good idea. Are you considering furnished or unfurnished?</p>
<p>My doesn’t live at EE anymore, but here is a link to the rates there since that is one you wanted to compare.</p>
<p>[Floor</a> Plans — East Edge](<a href=“East Edge Apts | Apartments For Rent In Tuscaloosa, AL”>East Edge Apts | Apartments For Rent In Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>Here is a link to look at rates for The Lofts at City Center. The Lofts website doesn’t list rates.</p>
<p>[The</a> Lofts at City Center - Tuscaloosa,AL apartment community details and pictures](<a href=“http://www.tuscaloosaapartmentguide.com/Alabama/Tuscaloosa/Apartment/1828/Lofts-at-City-Center.html]The”>The Lofts at City Center - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>There are many other options out there, too. It just depends upon what you’re looking for.</p>
<p>:)
THANK YOU!</p>
<p>DD has already been looking. She would love to be in the house next year for her sorority. Shall see. When does one know if they can live in the house for the next year? Wondering if it would be well after leases are signed for the better places? I know DD has said she would love to be in one of the small houses behind Tut. That’s going to be hard especially being we are long distance. Going to have to make DD do the work for those and see if she knows someone in those that she likes to make contact to go that route. </p>
<p>bamagirls, as always, WONDERFUL!</p>
<p>^You’re welcome.:)</p>
<p>Here are some of the newer properties:</p>
<p>East Edge (scroll down through the link) (one of the closest new complexes to campus/two years old/walking distance)
[Floor</a> Plans — East Edge](<a href=“East Edge Apts | Apartments For Rent In Tuscaloosa, AL”>East Edge Apts | Apartments For Rent In Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>513 Rock Point (closest to campus and I believe they opened this year/walking distance)
[513</a> Rock Point « Rock Point Rental](<a href=“http://rockpointrental.com/rock-point/]513”>http://rockpointrental.com/rock-point/)</p>
<p>The Lofts at City Center (brand new, shuttle, but not walking distance)
[The</a> Lofts at City Center - Tuscaloosa,AL apartment community details and pictures](<a href=“http://www.tuscaloosaapartmentguide.com/Alabama/Tuscaloosa/Apartment/1828/Lofts-at-City-Center.html]The”>The Lofts at City Center - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>Old Row (new construction)
[Old</a> Row at Cloverdale - Tuscaloosa,AL apartment community details and pictures](<a href=“Old Row at Cloverdale - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL”>Old Row at Cloverdale - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>Boulevard Lofts (new construction)
[Boulevard</a> Lofts - Tuscaloosa,AL apartment community details and pictures](<a href=“The Boulevard Lofts - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL”>The Boulevard Lofts - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>The Gates at Cedar Crest (new construction)
[The</a> Gates at Cedar Crest | Tuscaloosa, AL Luxury Student Apartments](<a href=“http://www.thegatesatcedarcrest.com%5DThe”>http://www.thegatesatcedarcrest.com)</p>
<p>The Avenue (new construction)
[Avenue</a> at Tuscaloosa - Tuscaloosa,AL apartment community details and pictures](<a href=“The Grand at Rum Creek - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL”>The Grand at Rum Creek - Apartment in Tuscaloosa, AL)</p>
<p>While these are not brand new, they are not too old.</p>
<p>Crimson Student Living
[Crimson</a> Student Living | Tuscaloosa Student Apartments, Student Apartments Tuscaloosa AL near University of Alabama, Apartments for rent University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Alabama](<a href=“http://www.livecrimson.com%5DCrimson”>http://www.livecrimson.com)</p>
<p>The Retreat
[Tuscaloosa</a> Student Housing | The Retreat Clubhouse at Lake Tamaha](<a href=“http://www.retreatalabama.com%5DTuscaloosa”>http://www.retreatalabama.com)</p>
<p>The Woodlands
[Apartments</a> In Tuscaloosa, AL at University of Alabama for Students](<a href=“Student Living Apartments in Tuscaloosa, AL - Off Campus Housing Near University Of Alabama - 2, 3 Bedroom Apartments”>Student Living Apartments in Tuscaloosa, AL - Off Campus Housing Near University Of Alabama - 2, 3 Bedroom Apartments)</p>
<p>Campus Way
[Home</a> - Student Housing - Campus Way](<a href=“http://campuswayua.com%5DHome”>http://campuswayua.com)</p>
<p>University Downs
[University</a> Downs ? Apartments Condominiums](<a href=“http://www.universitydowns.com/?gclid=CIzqoObgr7kCFfFj7Aodn3kA_Q#1]University”>http://www.universitydowns.com/?gclid=CIzqoObgr7kCFfFj7Aodn3kA_Q#1)</p>
<p>As wrote earlier, DS at The Lofts. His rent (in a 4BR) is $645. That includes the utility package of $40, and bedroom furniture pkg of $20. So base rent is $585.</p>
<p>D is at East Edge…they are steps from campus and located right next to the police station…a plus for dear hubby.</p>
<p>She is in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath unit. They are on the third floor and have cathedral ceilings, and a nice view. No problems with parking at all. Unit was very clean on move in and they are only the second one’s to live there.</p>
<p>Each room holds its own lease so no collecting of rent from the roommates and includes utilities, cable, wi-fi, etc. No extra costs at all. Unit is fully furnished and each bedroom has a walkin closet and full bathroom w/ tub.</p>
<p>Cost per month is $624…just paid rent yesterday!</p>
<p>D likes it a lot. They do have a shuttle to campus or they can walk over the athletic complex and catch the Campus bus.</p>
<p>We did a google maps and it is exactly the same distance from East Edge to her sorority as it was from RCS to her house. So it works for her.</p>
<p>Hope this helps. Oh, we signed a lease on our unit in the beginning of October when we were there for the Old Miss game. Good thing we did as they had many on the waiting list by Thanksgiving…</p>
<p>Thanks so much for taking the time to get back to me with all of this information.</p>
<p>Buzymom3,
Does East Edge have central air. I don’t see it listed.</p>
<p>Just thought I would chime in here with a heads up. Our son and his his friends lived in the Retreat last year and upon checkout, let’s say that The Retreat is at a very minimum grossly mismanaged, at the other end of the opionion spectrum, they are corrupt. Where ever the kids end up, document everything and take pictures of everything and communicate everything in writing on the way in and out. We are in the middle of an absolute horrible experience with the Retreat, as are the other parents and the boys. Thinking about taking them and their holding compnay, Landmark properties to court…dont have time to get in to all the details but i couldnot recommend anyone rent from that company…would actually encourage you to not rent from them…their business practices are newsworthy, expose’ level in my humble opinion.</p>
<p>Yes, EE has central air and heat. The units are total electric.</p>
<p>“Where ever the kids end up, document everything and take pictures of everything and communicate everything in writing on the way in and out.”</p>
<p>I couldn’t agree more with this statement. Regardless of where your student chooses to live off campus, document the condition with pictures or video and follow up in writing with every single detail. Also, document any and all conversations IN WRITING. Unfortunately, everyone is not as good as their word even though there are still many trustworthy people in the world. Business is business. You don’t want to find yourself or your student in a bad situation. Promises that are made before a lease is signed are not always kept regardless of which property you choose. Properties often go on a cleaning spree and portray themselves differently during times when parents are expected to visit such as parents weekend. If parents visit, walk around areas that you wouldn’t normally walk around to enter the units. Inspect for signs of roaches or other bugs and for signs of lack of regular maintenance. Just because the lease specifies certain things doesn’t mean it will be so. I’m not meaning to scare any parents who are just about ready to get their feet wet, but I am encouraging you to be diligent if you have expectations.</p>
<p>Be sure your student stays on top of their utility charges for anything above the amount provided. If they don’t it will result in late charges on your rent.</p>
<p>It also isn’t a bad idea to ask for a copy of the “checkout expectations” before you move in to any property. I posted one for EE earlier in another thread. It will give you guidance in completing your move in checklist and let you know what may result in charges when your student moves out of the property.</p>