We made a big decision. We're not going to buy a house and we're going to stay in campus housing. I'm actually really happy about this for a couple of reasons.
Why we LOVE the campus housing here:
1. A fantastic sense of community.
It's so easy to make friends here. People are always organizing fun activities for kids, or just hanging out and talking. Babysitting is in abundance-- everyone is looking to trade. Or, people just bring the baby monitor over to their neighbor's house.
2. The play structure and the huge fenced field.
3. I'm not missing out on much of what I wanted with a house. There are garden plots and clotheslines here. I can still have my pastoral romantic image of life. : )
4. CHEAP!!! Significantly cheaper than a mortgage, freeing up a lot of our monthly budget so that we'll be able to save up money.
5. Even though the apartment has less square footage (500!), there is a huge community building in the complex with a big kid play area. Great for the winter.
The reasons a house would have been bad:
1. We crunched some numbers and found that with the price range of houses we were going for, after six years we would only have built up about $5,000 in principle. Than, we'd have to pay a realtor to sell it. And what if something goes seriously wrong and we have to fix it? It just didn't make sense financially.
2. Significantly farther from campus. I would probably have to drive Dallin, or he would have to take the car in the winter. We are literally minutes from campus here.
3. More socially isolated, especially in the winter.
4. More expensive, once you count taxes and utilities.
So, that's it! We're really happy with the way things have turned out here. The apartment itself isn't the cutest thing ever, but I'll work with it.
5 comments:
Sounds like a wise decision! You guys are good about being frugal and looking for the best in every situation! I am glad you have a great set-up there. Hopefully you'll feel at home soon!
I'm glad you're liking your accommodations. A fun, young, happy community makes life so much better. We miss you! You can still do some of your wacky decorating ideas in your tiny apartment, right?
I'm excited for you guys! It sounds like you've really gone through the pros and cons.. you'll being close by to people i think ;) Good luck with the decorating and moving in!! sounds exciting!
You make student housing sound great! Now it's time to put all of your decorating blog-stalking to use. I'm sure it'll pay off.
Well I'm sorry to hear a house isn't in the near future but way happy for you guys that staying where you are sounds so great! It does make a huge difference in your quality of life when you're surrounded by wonderful people and a nice community. Have fun decorating! That's my favorite part. : )
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