decisions, decisions...

DH and I are moving this summer to northern va... we currently live in a much less populated, thus much less expensive, area.

Our apartment now is 2br/2 bath... and i'm guessing around 1000 sq feet.

We cannot afford a comprable apartment up near DC, but we're going back and forth between 2...

Ideally, we want to spend between $1200 and $1250/month...

We found one for $1170 a month... 1 br, large closet and large br... but the washer/dryers is in the bedroom, which we found a bit odd...

Another one is $1305, and has 1br and a den... so it would be a bit more comfortable to live in... also, they're redoing all these apartments as they are up for rent, which is a plus... But $1305 is a wee bit out of our price range... we could manage it though if we budgeted right.

Which one do you think would be the better decision? they're essestially in the same area.. and next year, once DH is working full time (he get's paid a little less than half of what he would be next year... he's going to be an intern), we'll be more than able to afford the larger apartment... is it worth being tight with money for a year, or better to be in tight quarters?

TIA!

ETA floor plans

Message edited 4/23/2006 5:07:17 PM.

Re: decisions, decisions...

I'd go with the smaller one.

Here's why, when I was in my apt. (very, very small) it was tiny but I figured the smaller amount of rent would allow me to save more money towards my future house. With rent, you have nothing to show for it in the long run. Or, you could put the extra money towards student loans etc. But then again, I'm a saver and that motivated me to get my house that much faster.

I also know your DH is finishing up school, right? I'm sure that extra money could be used for a million other things right now or, like I said, put inot savings for the long run.

The washer/dryer in the bedroom wouldn't matter to me. I'd be so happy to have one in any apt.

Re: decisions, decisions...