We are moving to Lincoln in less than 5 weeks. I have found two places for us to live- each one as different from the other as two places can be. But we are having a VERY difficult time deciding which place to rent. And that is the issue- we need to make a decision within the next 2 days!
Here are the details.
Home #1: CHARMING duplex. 1500 sq. ft. 3 stories. 3 bedroom/2 bathroom. Built in 1936. HUGE open kitchen with new counters and new stainless steel sink, LOTS of cupboards, gas stove/oven, Wood floors throughout, unfinished basement with large storage room, full bathroom, Washer and dryer (plus a laundry shute from the second story!), 3 bedrooms and a bathroom on the top floor. Large front yard, HUGE back yard with a garden, cement pad, grass, flowers, ceiling fans in every room, TONS of natural light, lots of storage space, very close to downtown and the University, the farmer's market and shopping. Rent includes water and trash and the other side of the duplex (owners) take care of the lawn and snow.
Downside: It is on a tree lined street in between 2 very busy streets. Also, the neighborhood at large has a reputation.
The owner and her family are very nice people with 2 children the same age as James (he'd have friends automatically).
Here's a link to the video tour of the property. Check it out.
Home #2: A single family HOME- built much newer than 1936. Carpets throughout except for the bathroom and kitchen which have very nice, new vinyl floorings. 2 bedroom/1 Bathroom. No basement. LARGE grassy yard with off street parking and fencing. Nice and clean and new. BIG closets. Washer and dryer in the kitchen. All one level- ranch style. Central air. New furnace and water heater. Located in a nice neighborhood a couple of blocks away from a main street (so its nice and quiet) but close to a shopping center.
Downside: Kitchen has NO counter space. None. which means very few cupboards. Smaller than the duplex by almost HALF. (850 sq.ft). More expensive than the duplex.
I don't have video of the house.
Bishop Christensen, who we have been in contact with to help us find a place to live, REALLY likes the little home, and says the duplex looks nice, but the area is less than desireable. But if we move into the house, we'll be paying a bit more, taking care of a LOT more and would have less area. My biggest concern is the Kitchen. I LOVE to cook and I cook every night for my family. How can I get around the NO COUNTERS problem while the duplex has a HUGE, NEW kitchen?
Neither place has a dishwasher- but I'm not so concerned about that.
HELP HELP HELP. I'd love to hear what you have to say.
8 comments:
I vote the duplex.
First of all, we're talking about Lincoln, NE, a "bad" neighborhood can't be that bad...really.
Second, the extra space makes a huge difference. Two kids take up 10x as much space as one, at least that is how it seems for us.
Being within walking distance of frequent destinations (school, shopping, etc.) will save you a lot of money as well, while also adding to your general "quality of life" there.
From what you explain it sounds like there is only one positive to the house, which is probably rather negligible. Plus, you could always consider that saving the money you would have spent on the house is going toward buying down the road.
Honestly. I would choose #1. I think the counters are a BIG deal. And..I think the SPACE is important. Plus less cost, and an extra bedroom!!! That makes ALL the difference. Good luck in choosing though . I hated these times! LOL! We moved 11 times in 5 years of marriage. GOOD LUCK!!
LOV EYOU!
It sounds like there are more positives for the duplex. You'd probably enjoy the extra space way more than you'd enjoy a slightly nicer area. As for the small counters, obviously bigger would be nicer, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a deal breaker. I love cooking too, and cook every night for my family too, and always have. At different times in our marriage we have had as little as 2 square feet of counter space, but I still managed fine. Bigger is nicer, but don't let that be the only deciding factor. I say go with your gut. It sounds like you're leaning towards the duplex, so maybe just go with that one. Good luck.
It's not fun living in a bad area. We lived in a less desirable area with a kitchen with NO counter space. We didn't even have room in our kitchen for our fridge. Anyway, you could always buy a microwave cart or portable dishwasher (we had one of those) for more counter space. But it sounds like the duplex is really nice. How bad is the area really? But I see your concern with two children. Good luck.
By the way, I can't believe I forgot to mention how cute the pics are in your last post! Darling.
OK, i didn't read any of the other comments, so sorry if I repeat. I say option #1 and have the house blessed and trust in the Lord that you'll be safe. Even 'safe' areas can have crime. We had our cars broken into a few weeks ago and we live in a very quiet area. Trust your instincts and I hope it goes well!
Laura
everyone had a different idea of safe...I suggest making a decision and then praying about it. Good luck and which ever way you choose...one way or another as a family you will make the best of it.
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