Cass Lake is among the best places to live, no matter if you’re looking for a vacation rental or apartment. This area’s main lake borders Keego Harbor, Waterford, and West Bloomfield.
Cass Lake is by far the largest inland all sports lake in the southern part of Michigan.
The best option for you, in the Cass Lake area, depends on your needs, and that of your family.
Here, we go through why you should and should not go for either an apartment or vacation rental in Cass Lake, Michigan.
Cass Lake, Michigan Vacation Rentals
Before we look at the pros and cons of Cass Lake, Michigan vacation rentals, let’s consider an option we recommend for you.
Lake Front Vacation Rentals
The Sunset Cottage and Lake House on Cass Lake, owned by Cass Lake, LLC, is found on Cass Lake bay.
If you’re visiting family or friends, no matter if you’re coming in from the Oakland County Airport or Detroit Metro Airport, this southeastern Michigan rental, on Cass Lake bay, is the perfect place to invite them. While here, you can even rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat from one of the two local marinas near Cass Lake bay.
With the pontoon boat at Cass Lake, LLC’s property, you can move across the lake and see the over 20,000 sq. ft. mansions and unique homes that surround it.
Pros of Vacation Rentals
You get a home base: Here, you can sightsee, sleep in the rental, and leave any time you want. A vacation rental, such as one of the lake houses on Cass Lake, like the one mentioned above, allows you to have tremendous lake front views from the comfort of your room.
You access more room: All vacation rentals/lake houses on Cass Lake offer more square footage per person than hotels or apartments. You’ll have more than enough space, especially when you travel with your family.
When living in Cass Lake vacation rentals, you can have amenities that are perfect for you, including your own private hot tub, fire pits, jacuzzi bathtub, or outdoor hammocks.
You’ll save money by purchasing and cooking your own food: It becomes fun shopping at your local grocery store in the Cass Lake area while residing in vacation rentals.
Cons of Vacation Rentals
There are also some drawbacks to settling in a Cass Lake vacation rental:
In most cases, the support and/or property manager are not on site to help you out, especially if you rent directly from a Cass Lake owner.
You might be forced to carry along your towels, beddings, and other key items to and from the lake.
You’ll most likely do everything by yourself, since vacation rentals don’t offer maid services.
Cass Lake, Michigan Apartments
Instead of going for a Cass Lake vacation rental, you could also rent an apartment. Let’s look at the pros and cons of going for this option:
Pros of Apartments
Apartment living, especially in the Cass Lake area, is very affordable compared to other options. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment goes for less than $1000 per month. You may also find apartment options that include in the rent things like parking, community amenities, and utilities.
Ease of moving out: When you want to relocate to another area, you just submit a notice and start packing.
Convenience: Most rentals in Cass Lake are closer to your daily conveniences, including restaurants, grocery stores, shopping centers, and other amenities.
Cons of Apartments
One restriction to renting an apartment, whether in the Cass Lake area or any other location, is that you’ll be restricted to the improvements you can make. If you want to do anything in the apartment, you’ll have to ask for permission from your landlord.
Limited space: Apartments at Cass Lake also offer smaller spaces than any other lake house type. If you’re after spacious units, apartment renting isn’t for you.
Nuisances: Renting an apartment in Cass Lake might also mean giving up your peaceful enjoyment and privacy, which is very different then renting lake houses. For instance, you have no control over your noisy neighbor that plays loud music all day.
Conclusion
As we have seen, Cass Lake is among the best places to settle, especially if you find yourself in Michigan. It borders four cities, which are West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, and Waterford Township, so you are near all of the essentials you may need.
Whether you go for a vacation rental or an apartment will depend on the needs of you and your family, which we have outlined above.
Many people are now living in apartments, in big cities, more than they were about ten years ago. However, not everyone knows what an apartment is and why they are worth living in.
Generally, an apartment is any residential unit that you can find in a building. The building can be a large residential building, townhouse, or house where landlords sublet the units inside.
What differentiates apartments from the rest of the units on the market is that they’re rented out, and not owned, by tenants. In this article, we’ll explore more information about apartment living and look at the benefits of selecting this option.
What is an Apartment?
Rental Units vs. Flats vs. Apartments
The terms apartment, rental unit, and flat can be applied interchangeably. However, the use of these terms mainly varies based on regional differences. For instance, a rental unit is preferred in Australia, while a flat is usually used in Britain.
People in North America favor the use of the term apartment. However, it’s common to hear landlords and real estate brokers using the term ‘rental unit.’
Studio Apartment Design Tricks
When thinking of an apartment, the first thing that most likely comes to mind is residential unity inside a building. It’s, therefore, logical to conclude that an apartment is a small living area within a building.
So, what about single-family houses that landlords rent out to tenants? Even though this rental is a house, it can still be referred to as an apartment.
Condo and Co-op Conundrum
Many people confuse a condo and co-op with an apartment. THis is mainly because condos resemble rental apartments, physically, and they’re residential units found in multi-residence buildings.
With that said, the truth is that they aren’t rentals. They can only become apartments if the owner of such units decides to rent them out.
Sometimes it seems as though a condo and co-op should be defined as apartments. After all, they have the same living conditions, and many landlords often include the term ‘apartment’ while giving the address for a condo and co-op.
What the Word “Apartment” Means
The definition of an apartment, like we have seen above, is regionally appropriate, and differs highly based on the media and common vocabulary.
It can be simply be broken down into two simple meanings:
● A living space found inside a residential apartment complex or apartment building: The description here points out the architectural designation, without considering legal ownership. The space may have one room or several rooms.
Simply put, whether the occupants, in this case, own the unit or rent it, it’s still an apartment. The definition incorporates a condo and co-op.
● Another definition points out an apartment as a rented living space. The definition doesn’t include spaces where residents are owners. In this case, a condo and co-op are excluded from being apartments.
If, for instance, residents within a one room housing unit pay rent to stay there, it becomes an apartment by this definition.
One main reason why you should live in an apartment is that they are easy to maintain. When you don’t have to worry about maintaining the property involved, you’re likely to experience an easier life.
Owning a house brings responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, preventive maintenance, repairs, yard work, and increased costs. Even if there is someone to do the work for you, you’ll still have to pay a higher fee for the work to be done.
When you settle in an apartment, there is no need to worry about anything relating to maintenance.
For instance, replacing broken dishwashers, fixing leaky roofs, and shoveling snow are done efficiently by the apartment owners and staff. When there is a problem, you simply call the property manager for maintenance.
Apartments Enable You to Save Money
Many people argue that paying rent in an apartment is more expensive than paying a mortgage. However, they aren’t looking at the bigger picture.
Apart from a mortgage, which can be a hefty expense, when you buy a home unit, you typically have to pay a sizable down payment, insurance, property tax, and HOA fees. You’ll also be required to pay for the utility bills.
However, moving into an apartment has proven to be less expensive. It only requires a small deposit fee to move into a rental unit.
In addition, there isn’t a monthly maintenance expense in this case. Here, both the utility bills and renter’s insurance are slashed overwhelmingly.
There is Increased Safety
Safety is always a priority when it comes to considering the pros and cons of house vs. apartment. However, living in an apartment offers you added security features that you’ll never find in a home.
Another significant benefit of living in an apartment is having proximity to neighbors. Your neighbors might notice if there is a problem and alert the relevant authorities with immediate effect.
Increased safety and security make living in apartments ideal for families with children, the elderly, those after peace of mind, and tenants living alone.
An Apartment Comes with Great Amenities
Every person who is looking for a place to stay is always after the best modern amenities.
The good thing about staying in an apartment is that you’ll have access to some of the best amenities in the industry. In addition, you’re likely to get access to convenience and recreation, right at your doorstep.
There are also:
● Clubhouses for Parties
● Fitness Centers
● Swimming Pools
● Automated Smart Homes
● and Playgrounds
Unfortunately, even though you can still have these features in your home, they come at an extra cost.
Some other unique amenities you may have access to in an apartment include:
● Underground Heated Parking
● Salons
● Movie Theaters
● Pet Spas
● and Hiking Trails
Living in an apartment, therefore, offers you an upgraded style of living, without incurring any increased costs.
You’ll Experience a Great Sense of Community
Even though you might still experience a close community living in homes, it becomes more elaborate in apartments. These buildings provide an environment where you can spend time with your neighbors and get closer to them.
There are even apartments that allow tenants to interact more and get to know each other through parties and barbecues.
You’re also likely to run into your neighbor while visiting common areas, such as fitness centers or swimming pools.
You’ll Save More Time in an Apartment
If you end up living in an apartment, you are likely to save a lot of time. For instance, fixing stuff around the apartment and maintaining the yard is done by the apartment management team.
In addition, if you choose an apartment that is closer to your place of work, you’ll not only save on time, you’ll save more money too.
You can, therefore, spend more time with your family and friends, or even engage in more recreational activities with the time saved.
The Final Verdict
There is no argument that apartment living makes life easier. An apartment is easier to maintain, has excellent amenities, offers a sense of community, saves time, and provides increased security.
There are so many places in the country where you can locate and rent an affordable apartment for you and your family. You have to carry out enough online research before settling on an apartment with enough room. All in all, we just hope you get what you’re looking for.
Deciding on the kind of residential rental property for you and your family can be a daunting task.
There are many factors to put into consideration before reaching a decision. You will have to decide on the perfect rental property for you.
Both choices, either houses or apartments, are bound to other variables such as budget, and flexibility, among others.
Having said that, whether you choose to rent a house over 1 bed, 2 beds or 3 beds apartment, or the reverse, you’ll be met with both pros and cons.
Apartments vs.
Houses for Rent in Keego Harbor, MI
While there are many things to consider when choosing a rental property, the major factor that should influence your choice is how much you are willing to spend.
As opposed to rushing to make quick decisions, it is ideal to understand the pros and cons of each choice.
Neighboring West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor lies along Cass Lake, and is a part of an area of Oakland County renowned for its many lakes, ponds, real estate property, and streams.
The beautiful scenery of Cass Lake will easily convince someone to move nearby. Many years back, Cass Lake drew many wealthy residents to purchase property along the lake for vacation.
Cities near Keego Harbor include; Pontiac, MI, Waterford, MI, and Farmington Hills. Also traveling between cities near Keego Harbor is very easy.
If you are looking to settle in Keego Harbor, you should know all details about the house you choose before moving in.
Pros of Renting a House
Here are some perks of renting a house in Keego Harbor, MI:
More Flexibility and Freedom
Renting a house gives you more flexibility and freedom as a tenant. If you are on a month-to-month lease you can make a quick decision to move out, without incurring any costs.
In contrast, you are likely to incur costs for breaking a lease when renting an apartment.
No Responsibility to Maintain the Rented Area
If you rent a house, you bear no responsibility to maintain the rented area. You can tell your landlord, and he or she will do all the repairs and maintenance for you.
Equally, as a unit renter, you bear little to no cost in maintenance.
Also, if you travel frequently, renting a house or unit will be the right choice, as you won’t have to burden yourself with the responsibility of maintaining the property.
You Get Privacy
The best thing about renting a house is the aspect of privacy accorded.
My It is unlikely that you will get the deserved privacy if you live in a unit. Most often, the shared wall and balcony won’t give you as much satisfaction as you would want.
Cons of Renting a House
Even though you’ll enjoy some benefits from renting a house, there are also downsides of it, which might make your living experience a nightmare.
You Cannot Make Changes
When renting a house, it is unlikely you’ll get approval to customize the house to your taste.
Most landlords stand against such, as a way of protecting the value of their property. So, if you are planning to upgrade the home, don’t raise your hopes.
Rent Increase at Anytime
The landlord can increase the rent at any time, and you’ll have little to no choice to comply or vacate the property.
It is unlikely for rent to be altered when renting a unit, especially if your lease is a little longer.
You Can Get Evicted Anytime
Your landlord can put up the property for sale anytime to make a profit, especially if the real estate value increases.
As such, you will be left with no choice other than to vacate.
Pros of Renting an Apartment
Renting an apartment in Keego Harbor can be ideal, especially if you are working and you move around frequently.
Here are some of the pros of renting a unit in Keego Harbor, MI:
Accessibility
One of the best things about renting this type of property is being in close proximity to almost everything you need.
Considering the financial advantages of renting, and the many underlying benefits of doing so, unit rentals are perfect for anyone who wants a place to call home.
More Flexibility as to Where to Live
Renters can live practically anywhere, or on any property. It is unlikely that you will find an affordable house with the same proximity to amenities, like in the case of units.
You will find apartments for rent closer to the city and possibly within a walking distance to your working place.
Community
Another great benefit of renting a unit over a house is the aspect of social engagement.
The close proximity of unit life provides an excellent atmosphere for creating lifelong connections.
Often, you will share amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and spas. This is unlike renting a house, where you spend the most time within your backyard with the family.
Safety of Rental Property
The close proximity of neighbors makes the residential rental property the safest location for single women, children, families, and the elderly.
Affordability
Without a doubt, the number one benefit of living in a unit is the financial aspect of renting.
Generally, rent is cheaper than a mortgage, or even renting a house, for that matter.
Cons of Renting Apartments
Small Spaces
You will have to get used to a smaller living space, compared to houses for rent. You have limited space for storage, along with the rooms being smaller than what you might find in a house. You will have to get used to making the most out of smaller spaces.
Loud Neighbors
The fact that you are living in close quarters makes you vulnerable to noise from your neighbors, whether you like it or not. If the walls are thin, even a quiet neighbor can sound like they’re causing a total racket.
Before you choose any rental property, check the reviews of other tenants. It is wise to know such details before moving into the neighborhood.
Parking Can Be Problematic
Parking can be a real problem, especially if you live in an older rental property that was built before so many people owned cars. In some rental properties, you can be allowed one or two parking spaces, even though you may need more than two.
Verdict
Comparing the pros and cons between renting a house and an apartment, we can ultimately conclude that apartments are the better option.
While hunting for a rental property, it is wise to use Map Data 2021 to check details of house listings near the location of your choice and save search. Via save search, you can be able to track the list of rental properties.
If you have a bigger family it is wise to find a bigger rental property, let’s say a 2 beds, or even 3 beds, unit.
If you are within the state of Michigan, there are great places where you could settle with your family and breathe a new lease of life. There comes a time when relocating to a different place, be it a city or county, is a necessity.
The most important thing is to have a nice place, a neighborhood, that matches your taste, all while being able to move freely to do your day-to-day activities.
Having said that, you will want an apartment that has everything you need, that is spacious to fit your family’s needs, has access to amenities, and more.
While there are several great places that we can recommend to live in Michigan, today we narrowed it down to two amazing cities.
We will compare them, as far as apartment living is concerned, and give you the insights before we reveal the one you should pick.
Apartments in Sterling Heights, MI
As one of Detroit’s core suburbs, this prominent city in Macomb County, Michigan, has a total population of 129,699 as of the 2010 census.
It is the second-largest suburb in Metro Detroit, and the fourth largest city in all of Michigan. It is simply one of the best places to live in Michigan, as it offers residents a dense suburban feel, and there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks within the city limits.
Living here can be great, but you must find the right apartment.
Finding an apartment can sound like an easy task, but giving it a second thought will prove you wrong.
If you are looking to search for apartments around Dr, Sterling Heights, MI, you will want to start by preparing adequately.
Apartments in Keego Harbor, MI
Keego Harbor is another great city, in the state of Michigan, with a population of 2,970, according to the 2010 census. With a land area of 0.50 square miles, Keego Harbor is the third-smallest city in the state, just above the cities of Petersburg and Clarkston.
Living in Keego Harbor can turn out to be the best decision ever for your family, considering the range of benefits the city offers to its residents.
Comparing Apartment Living in the Two Cities
When it comes to apartments, both cities have benefits that will likely ignite the interest in you.
In some aspects, they tie, and equally differ in other aspects, as far as apartment living is concerned.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and check out how the two cities compare, when it comes to apartment living.
Affordability
When searching for apartments, at the top of the checklist is the price, right? You will want to know how much an apartment will cost you a month around the location you pick.
So, between the two cities, which one has the bragging rights for affordable apartments? Let’s find out!
According to RentCafe, the average rent for an apartment in Keego Harbor is $931, which is a 3% increase compared to the previous year, when the average was $901.
In reference to its counterpart, the average rent in Sterling Heights, MI apartments is $1,016, which represents a 7% increase compared to the previous year. So clearly, Keego Harbor gets a win here.
For example, Maple Grove Apartments, located at 8600 Beech Dr, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, will cost you $905 on average for a one-bedroom. On the other hand, renting a one-bedroom apartment at Cass Lake Front Apartments, in Keego Harbor, MI, will cost you only $825 per month.
With that said, the average size of a 1 bedroom apartment in Sterling Heights, MI 48310 is 653 sq. ft., while in Keego Harbor, the average size is 774 sq. ft.
Which City is Best in terms of Education?
You will be happy to hear that in both cities, the schools are well above average. Schools are also a top priority when searching for apartments in a new location. You will want to live closer to your kids’ school in an effort to cut down the cost of commuting, right?
You will find top-rated public schools in Sterling Heights, MI 48313 based on a variety of measures, including academic performance and equity.
Additionally, you will want to know the curriculum of the schools around before enrolling your kid. Some of the best schools within Sterling Heights include Messmore Elementary School, Dekeyser Elementary School, and Henry Ford II High School.
Keego Harbor, on the other hand, has plenty of schools that have received both state and national awards, while also being recognized as National Exemplary Schools.
Needless to say, people move to Michigan in search of quality education. Such acts demonstrate the willpower of education within the state of Michigan.
According to PayScale, Keego Harbor, Michigan’s cost of living is 11% lower than the national average.
In contrast, Sterling Heights apartments’ cost of living is just 4% lower than the national average.
Which City is Safer?
According to Second Wave Media, for the second year in a row, Sterling Heights was ranked the safest big city in Michigan.
Also, the city recorded lower crime rates than the previous year in nine of the 10 recorded crime categories that the FBI tracks.
On the other hand, Crime Grade reports that the rate of crime in Keego Harbor is 25.04 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Among the safest places in Keego Harbor is the Southern part of the city.
And The Winner Is… Keego Harbor, MI
There are many reasons why you should pick Keego Harbor as your next home. Living in Keego Harbor, MI will give you a lot of benefits, and here are some that will blow your mind.
Quality Restaurants Galore
One good thing about Keego Harbor is the surrounding restaurants that will serve your needs. Imagine living within walking distance to a local restaurant and having dinner with your family?
Gino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, on Cass Lake Rd, and Early Bird’s Café are some of the local favorites that you’ll find in Keego Harbor. In fact, the latter is known for its affordability.
Groceries Shops within Walking Distance
Choosing to live in Keego Harbor can turn out to be the best choice, as such, it’ll be convenient for you when shopping for groceries.
You shouldn’t worry about traveling far before buying your groceries. The good thing is that you‘ll have many options to choose from located right in downtown Keego Harbor.
Several Recreational Places
The city gives you a range of options, as far as fun activities are concerned. You may pick to visit the art gallery one day, then next you might want to check out the historical sites and landmarks.
If you want to know the culture of the city, consider visiting Orchard Lake Museum, right on the corner of Orchard Lake Rd and 18 Mile Rd.
If that doesn’t work out, visiting Cass Lake will certainly be both refreshing and relaxing.
Things You Should Know Before Moving to Keego Harbor, MI
Relocating to a new city means you have to get used to the new environment, right? You don’t want to feel stuck at any point after moving in, wondering where to go for fun, or maybe simply just taking a walk.
So, which apartment complex should you choose? Well, there are a couple of things you should know, and here are some that might surprise you.
Cass Lake Front Apartments offers the best apartments in Keego Harbor!
If you want an apartment, you shouldn’t worry about looking anywhere else other than Cass Lake Front Apartments. Cass Lake Front offers a great array of apartments, so you’ll certainly find a perfect match. You can easily schedule a visit and serve your curiosity.
If you are into sailing, you should check out the Pontiac Yacht Club
You’ll never find an excuse not to have fun while living in Keego Harbor, MI. If you feel sailing is your favorite, Pontiac Yacht Club offers small size sailboats for lease.
Sailing is just one of the many fun activities that you can take advantage of, while exploring the beautiful scenery of Cass Lake with friends and family members.
The Final Say
Both cities offer a range of options that anyone can fall in love with at first sight. With that said, based on the cost of living, affordability of apartments for rent, and education, we can ultimately conclude that Keego Harbor, MI is the better option.
Whether you are in search of a 1 bed, 2 beds, or 3 beds apartment, you should always prepare a checklist to make your hunting a lot easier.
By using Map Data 2021 Google, you are likely to find apartments a bit faster as you virtually get insights into the apartment you want.
For a hack, you should always focus on apartments posted a few days ago to save on time and find apartments faster. Best of luck!
If you’re planning on settling in Michigan, then there are plenty of places, especially apartments, where you can live. Some of the best apartments include Plymouth Park Apartments and the Cass Lake Front Apartments.
With that said, it isn’t easy choosing between these two options. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two apartments to make it easier for you to choose.
Plymouth Park Apartments
Is independent living your top priority? Are you tired, as far as your home’s upkeep is concerned? Are you open to moving to a new location? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then Plymouth Park Apartments are the perfect place for you.
Life is fulfilling when you decide to settle at Plymouth Terrace. Independent living is part of the experience you’ll have at Plymouth Park Apartments.
Plymouth Park Apartments happen to be a senior living community with neighborhood family style living. The apartments are located at 107 N. Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170.
When required, Plymouth Park Apartments provide the ability to relocate easily into assisted living and memory care. Plymouth Terrace Apartments has a campus, 70 unit capacity, 3 floors, and lower level elevator access.
At Plymouth Terrace, our independent living and assisted livelihood will ensure that you enjoy your stay. You also get a chance to move to Plymouth Terrace with ease.
If, by any chance, you’re planning for retirement, Plymouth Park Apartments might be the perfect place for you. You’ll meet great friends and have good times, which will enable you to create memorable moments and valuable experiences.
Floor Plans and Pricing at Plymouth Park Apartments
At Plymouth Park Apartments, you can access either one-bedroom or two-bedroom units. The one-bedroom includes one bathroom, and has a size of 600 sq. ft., all for the cost of $1,150 per month.
There is also a two-bedroom unit floor plan that comes with one bathroom. This unit has 750 sq. ft. and costs $1,300 per month.
Amenities at Plymouth Park Apartments
If there is one area that Plymouth Park Apartments stands out, it’s the amenities offered to tenants. First, there are several community amenities, including, but not limited to, storage space, disposal chutes, multi-use rooms, laundry facilities, security system, on-site property manager, elevator, maid service, and lounge.
Their apartments have exciting features, that include satellite TV, high-speed internet access, storage units, range, oven, refrigerator, balcony, patio, tile floors, linen closet, carpet and a smoke-free environment.
The good thing about Plymouth Park Apartments is that pets are allowed, however, there is a monthly pet fee of $40, along with a pet deposit fee of $500.
If you want your children to access the best schools, 107 N. Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170 is the place to settle. Plymouth Park Apartments are close to Oakland Community College, Madonna University, and Schoolcraft College.
The Plymouth Park Apartments area has several quality private and public schools, including Branch Line School, Frederick Douglass International Academy, Farrand Elementary School, East Middle School, Starkweather Cec, Canton High School, and Churchill High School.
There are several recreational parks that you can access nearby, which includes Mill Race Village and Maybury Riding Stable.
Plymouth Park Apartments also has a good transportation network. This means that you can easily access other areas such as the city of Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan from Plymouth Park Apartments.
Cass Lake Front Apartments
Apart from Plymouth Park Apartments, there are other great areas and apartments in Michigan to rent from. One such apartment complex is Cass Lake Front Apartments.
Cass Lake has been popular for a long time for offering tenants with the best amenities and rental services. In addition, Cass Lake is located in Keego Harbor, where you’ll have a wonderful lake view experience.
There are several reasons why this is the ideal place for you:
Apartments are Affordable
In normal cases, lake living isn’t affordable. However, at Cass Lake Front, you’ll have a luxurious stay, without spending a lot of money. For instance, both two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments go for less than $1,000 per month, which is far less expensive than what you’ll pay at Plymouth Park Apartments.
Excellent Amenities at Cass Lake
In addition to leading an affordable lifestyle, you should be ready to access quality amenities. For instance, there is 24-hour maintenance support, along with a resident portal system to manage secure payments and access immediate assistance.
Furthermore, there are personal storage cages, spacious balconies, patios, and energy-saving appliances. You’ll also access pet parks, picnic areas, onsite laundry facilities, and comfortable outdoor spaces.
Ideal Location in Keego Harbor
One good thing about the Cass Lake Apartments is that they are located at the center of Keego Harbor. This means that you can easily get everything you want within minutes. There is quick access to freeways & major roads, excellent schools, and nearby shopping centers.
Keego Harbor is known for having plenty of outdoor recreational activities and a summertime vacation vibe. There are also impressive city parks, waterfront restaurants, museums, historical sites, and several lakes.
Other added benefits of staying in this area are that you’ll have access to employment opportunities, have the ability to interact with a diverse population, and experience a low crime rate.
Pet Policies are Friendly
Just like Plymouth Park Apartments, Cass Lake Front Apartments also allows you to own pets. If you decide to settle here, you don’t have to sell your dog or leave it with your parents.
The pet policy here allows multiple pets and large dogs. You are also allowed to engage in morning runs with your dog, with a chance to interact with the other pet owners staying there.
Plenty of Parking Spaces
One of the challenges with most apartments is the lack of parking space, especially for tenants who own vehicles. This means that even when you have guests, they’ll find it difficult to park their vehicles.
At Cass Lake Front Apartments, parking is the least of your worries. There is spacious parking for both guests and residents. What is even more exciting is that you’ll have access to resident-only carport covered spaces. The parking lot here is also well-lit and secure.
Well Designed Floor Plans
Another reason why you should settle at Cass Lake Apartments is that you’ll have access to beautifully developed floor plans. There are both two-bedroom and one-bedroom units.
One-bedroom units here are 750 sq. ft., which is more than the 600 sq. ft. units at Plymouth Park Apartments. The layout is also lovely, and includes:
Sizable dining area
Ample storage
Spacious living area
Breakfast nook
Fully equipped kitchen
Two-bedroom units here are 950 sq. ft., which is also larger than those at Plymouth Park Apartments, which are only 750 sq. ft. Cass Lake’s units offer hardwood flooring, spa-like bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and granite countertops.
Friendly Community
Cass Lake Apartments stands out as far as a community-positive environment is concerned, especially when compared to Plymouth Park Apartments. The apartments offer you an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and interact with new people.
Here, it’s possible to engage in management-hosted events and walk down the lake to meet new people. You can also let your kids interact with other children during these organized activities.
Perfect Sized Units
Apart from being a welcoming community and having excellent floor plans, Cass Lake Front Apartments are designed with perfect sizes for retirees, growing families, and young professionals. The apartments are large enough to offer an authentic and exciting apartment living experience, yet small enough to enable you to experience a sense of belonging and community.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in Michigan looking for apartments to rent, you can not go wrong with Plymouth Park Apartments. They will likely provide you with excellent features and amenities.
With that said, if you are looking for the absolute best apartments at an affordable cost, we recommend that you go for Cass Lake Front Apartments. Apart from these apartments being more affordable, they also come with a pro-tenant pet policy, excellent amenities, and a friendly community.
Most importantly, whichever you choose, we hope you find the perfect apartment for you and your family.
When looking for a place to call home, you will get various options to choose from, including condos and apartments. Even though condo buildings and apartment buildings come with many similarities, it is worth noting that there are also significant differences between them. The many differences between these two mainly stem from property ownership.
For instance, while apartments in a community are all managed and owned by corporations (property management company) or one landlord, condos within a community are each owned by different landlords. Such differences are enough to help you determine your best choice between what is an apartment and a condo.
Keep reading to understand the differences between apartment and condo complexes to decide which option is perfect for you.
Apartments vs. Condos
To get a good perspective of the two, let’s first consider what each is made of:
What are Apartments?
Apartments are rental units managed and officially owned by corporations or property management companies and are always located in an apartment complex, community, or building. Here, the units are similar in the whole apartment building, and tenants follow the same rules set by the same property owner or management company.
The apartment renters can report any issues to the same property manager, who is typically located in the leasing office.
What are Condos?
While corporations own an apartment, a condo is a private residence owned by one landlord. Even though a condo is often located in a residential building with many condos, the individual unit is privately owned and managed by someone who acts as its landlord.
The landlord has the final say on who rents the unit. If you decide to rent a condo, it will be more of a one-on-one and personal experience compared to renting an apartment. With that said, for a condo, it is rare to find the landlord living on-site.
Differences Between Apartments and Condos
There is no real difference in physical attributes between a condo and an apartment. They more or less have similar physical features. The major difference between the two really all comes down to ownership.
An apartment is owned by an independent entity, often a corporation, and is housed within a residential complex with other similar apartments. It is then leased to individual tenants.
On the other hand, a condo is owned by one individual. Also, it is either managed by the individual owner or placed under the umbrella of the community’s Homeowners Association (HOA). For this reason, the owner is responsible for paying property taxes.
To clarify, for an apartment, the property managers working on behalf of the corporation acts as the apartment landlords, but the individual condo owner is the landlord for a condo.
Features of a Condo vs. Apartment
Apart from ownership, there are additional differences between a condo and an apartment. Let’s consider some of the different factors below:
Renting Costs
If you are wondering whether an apartment is cheaper than a condo, the straight answer is yes. Based on location, renting an apartment will typically cost less than a condo.
In most cases, an apartment will cost you at least $100-$300 less than a condo within the same location. However, the actual amount you will save depends on the location you rent.
In some cases, a condo and apartment located in the same part of a city cost almost the same. However, this is subject to the quality of the units. If one is upgraded more than the other, you will notice a difference in rental costs.
One thing to note is that apartment property managers usually price their rentals depending on their location’s average month’s rent by running comparisons with other surrounding apartment communities. This may also be done by condo landlords, too; however it is more common to see condo owners ask for higher rents due to their personal attachment and appreciation of the condo. The result of this sometimes is unreasonable pricing.
Condo Rent Payment
There is a major difference between apartment units and condos in how you pay for utilities, rent, and other fees. As we mentioned above, owners of a condo are part of its homeowner’s association (HOA). For this reason, they have to pay HOA fees to take care of the community’s common areas.
A challenge with paying rent to a landlord of a condo is that you may not always be able to make payments online. However, you can pay by cash. It would help to confirm the allowed payment options with your landlord before signing the lease (learn how to read an apartment lease here).
On a side note, becoming a condo owner is not only expensive, but also involving. You will be forced to make a down payment (security deposit) and pay for a home inspection fee. Additionally, there are closing costs to be paid for a mortgage.
Apartment Rent Payment
Most apartments allow tenants to pay monthly rent and utilities by check or through an online portal. For the additional utilities excluded from rent, such as electricity, internet, water, and gas, you will have to pay for them separately. Most external service providers require you to make monthly payments for such utilities.
This is very different from condos, where the monthly rent might come with a flat rate for all common utilities.
Apartment Amenities vs. Condo Amenities
You should always expect different amenities when renting a condo and an apartment. Below are notable amenities offered in each unit:
Amenities in an Apartment
You will note in apartments that there is no special or personal touch with either the choice of flooring or the kitchen’s color scheme. The unit layouts here also happen to be identical, unless some have undergone an upgrade.
With apartment living, you may find basic amenities such as a gym, outdoor pool, laundry room, indoor mailroom, trash pickup, a dog park, or even tennis courts. Some apartments go a step further to provide luxury amenities.
With that said, the type of apartment amenities depends on the quality and location of the apartments.
Amenities in a Condo
A condo typically has more personal touch to it than an apartment. Most units are designed with upgraded features, including stainless steel appliances, upgraded wooden floors, and granite countertops.
You will get variety in almost every condo within the community. Remember, everything in condos is managed by the individual condo owners; thus, the emphasis is put on finer details. Downside to this is that the condo usually is designed with the owner’s style in mind, which may not vibe with your own personal taste.
Most condos also have luxurious community amenities, such as outdoor areas, an outdoor pool, fitness center, garage parking, and concierge services.
Rental Property Regulations
Whether you are renting an apartment or a condo, it is important to abide by the regulations set forth. However, such regulations might vary depending on the rental unit you choose. Let’s consider them below:
Apartment Rules
Apartment building rules are almost similar to those in condos. However, with apartments, all the tenants must abide by the same rules regarding the apartment interior.
With most apartments, you won’t be allowed to make permanent decorations, paint walls, or hang heavy objects on the walls.
Generally, apartment rules vary from one property owner to another; but whatever they are, they hold true to all residents.
Condo Rules
All the rules and regulations in a condo building are developed by the HOA. These regulations might include rules against keeping pets or having trash outside the front door.
Again, the condo community might be pet-friendly, but the owner of the condo you are renting fails to allow the same. Ensure that you understand the rules and regulations even before signing the lease. With that said, generally condo owners have more lenient rules than property management companies of apartment communities.
Maintenance in Condos and Apartments
Maintenance challenges are always common in both apartments and condos. Regardless of the problem in question, you should always find a solution to it. Whether you are responsible for the maintenance or not depends on the type of rental unit you go for.
Maintenance in an Apartment
With most apartments, the apartment communities are responsible for around-the-clock maintenance. Tenants do not involve themselves with most repairs.
If you want something to be fixed in your apartment, just place a request through the apartment community online portal or call the leasing office. Luckily, most apartment complexes offer a 24/7 maintenance service. Learn what is considered emergency maintenance in an apartment here.
Maintenance in a Condo
Here, maintenance responsibilities can fall on you or your landlord, depending on the circumstances. When it falls on you, you might be forced to incur an extra cost. The landlord would typically arrange everything for the repair through hired maintenance, then flip the bill to the renter upon completion.
With that said, maintenance services related to the building and shared amenities are covered by the condo association (HOA). You should be ready to handle small maintenance issues, such as fixing a leaky toilet, in order to save on costs.
Why Choose an Apartment Over a Condo?
If you do not want the expense and responsibility of homeownership, apartments are perfect for you. They offer many benefits and features that resonate with many tenants over condos.
For instance, an apartment offers flexibility to relocate, especially to those without a plan to stay in a certain area for long. If you are the kind of person who does not spend more than two years in a location, think no further than apartments.
Generally, apartments have low or no maintenance burdens on tenants. In most cases, the landlord is responsible for fixing any damages. However, this is something you must confirm from the lease.
Finally, renting an apartment means close proximity to social amenities, such as shopping centers, restaurants, etc. This can be attributed to them being closer to cities.
Why You Should Avoid Condos
First, you will be subjected to higher rental prices due to monthly HOA fees if you rent a condo. These condo fees may increase over time, which usually depends on the condo association amenities available.
Also, many people avoid condos because every tenant is subjected to unique rules. The rules and adjustments can be changed by your landlord whenever they see fit.
Final Remarks
When looking for a home to rent, you can comfortably choose between an apartment and a condo. However, before you do, you need to understand their differences.
The main difference between these two is their ownership, with apartments being owned typically by corporations and condos by individual landlords.
However, we recommend that you go for an apartment since it offers flexibility to relocate, low maintenance, and close proximity to various amenities.
All in all, choosing an option that makes you feel at home should be your top priority.
