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Choosing Between Moving to a New Property or Renewing: What’s the Right Decision for Me?

By Hannah

As the demand for student apartments in Midtown continues to surge, one of the biggest decisions students make during their Fall semester is where to call home for the upcoming academic year. If you’re already living in an off-campus apartment, you’ll have to decide whether to renew your lease at your existing property or to take on a new lease at a different location.

With so many options near campus and the constant unveiling of new properties, navigating through this array of choices to pinpoint the ideal home for you can be quite challenging.

Read Next: What’s the Cost of Living Near Georiga Tech in Midtown?

At Rambler Atlanta, we know how hard the decision can be to move or renew. To help you decide which option is best for you, we have written this article to help you decide by outlining the pros and cons of each choice.

If You Choose to Move to a New Student Apartment in Atlanta Midtown 

Pro: Modern Amenities

Yoga at Rambler

Midtown has lots of student apartment choices, with new builds popping up annually. Each novel property unveils more updated and trendy amenities to outshine its competitors, elevating the level of luxury available each year.

Beyond the conventional gym and pool deck offerings, these state-of-the-art amenities include saunas, golf simulators, yoga studios, spas and spin cycle studios. Each new location is bound to feature a distinctive amenity, so take the time to assess the offerings of each property.

Pro: Fresh Appeal 

Rambler Leasing Office

One of the most enticing advantages of moving to a new property is the sheer novelty of it. Your apartment will be entirely new, from freshly painted walls to brand-new furnishings, creating an environment that is perfectly clean.

You’ll be the first to sleep in your bed, the first to use the shower/tub and among the first residents to experience the new amenities. It’s hard to pass up the allure and excitement that comes with living in a brand-new apartment.

Pro: Fresh Connections and Community

Girls Studying together

Another advantage is the camaraderie you’ll foster with your neighbors in a new community. 

While a sense of community exists among neighbors in any student apartments, being the inaugural group in a building amplifies the bond. You can shape the atmosphere of the apartment’s community and collectively take pride in the new location.

Moreover, if you wish to continue living with your current roommate(s), you can always do so in a new apartment. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a change, moving to a new apartment provides an opportunity to branch out. 

Con: Moving Costs and Time 

Freya Moving boxes

One of the less favorable aspects of transitioning to a new apartment is the moving process.

While a few locations may provide moving services to encourage your move, the majority do not. Regardless, it’s crucial to factor in the time required for the move and the potential expenses associated with storage space while you’re in transition between apartments.

If You Choose to Renew Your Lease at Your Current Off-campus Student Apartment

Pro: Familiarity and Comfort 

Community in Georgia

Opting to renew your lease allows you to continue living in a familiar and comfortable environment. Having already spent a year or more in the property, you’ll be accustomed to its amenities, community, staff and policies. Renewing provides a clear understanding of what to expect in the upcoming year when you sign your lease.

Pro: Cost Savings on Moving

Renewing your lease comes with the significant advantage of leaving all your belongings in your current apartment. By staying in the same location and avoiding the hassle of moving, you’ll save both time and money.

Read Next: Student Housing vs. Traditional Apartments near Georgia Tech: Which Type of Housing is Right for Me? 

Pro: Maintaining Roommate Dynamics 

Roomates in Atlanta

Having compatible roommates can greatly impact your overall living experience. If your friend group got along well during your initial lease, renewing might be a wise choice. Renewing allows you to stay in the same location with the same people, providing a sense of comfort and predictability.

Con: Familiar Environment

While living in a familiar space with known expectations can be comforting, it can also be a drawback based on your current living experience. If you have had issues with leasing policies, staff or certain aspects of the building, exploring a new location might be worth considering.

Additionally, living in the same space with identical amenities at the same location may lack the novelty that comes with exploring a new environment. If you thrive on the excitement of new experiences and surroundings, renewing your current lease may not align with your preferences.

Con: Potential Rent Spike

To cope with rising market prices, apartments may increase rent. Renewing your lease for the same apartment could result in higher costs compared to the previous year. It’s essential to ask about any potential price increases before committing to lease renewal.

Moving or Renewing: Further Considerations

In the end, the key questions to ask yourself include:

  • Do I like my property’s management? Are they responsive and trustworthy?
  • Does my property feel secure?
  • Do I need (or no longer need) access to parking?
  • Does the rental rate work for my budget?
  • Can I afford something better?
  • Is leaving worth the hassle of moving?
  • Does this apartment still fit my needs?

If your priority is comfort and your existing apartment continues to fulfill your requirements, renewing your lease may be a suitable choice. On the flip side, if you prioritize new amenities and the excitement of a fresh living space, exploring a new student housing property might be more in line with your preferences.

We hope this article has shed light on the considerations involved in deciding between lease renewal and moving to a new student apartment. For further questions or to dive deeper into the options available at Rambler Atlanta, please feel free to reach out to our leasing staff, we are more than happy to help!

Hannah

Hannah is one of Rambler's Leasing and Marketing Intern and a junior at Georgia Tech, studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Her Daydreamer order is a classic Matcha. Outside of work and school, Hannah enjoys team sports like pickleball, volleyball, and lacrosse.

June 27, 2024

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