I have to agree with this. So I live in Midlothian and had previously looked at places in Scotts Addition and the fan. I also live in a large complex, not small privately owned apartment.

My rent over a year ago was $1325 for 880 square feet. 1 bedroom 1 bath, patio, high ceilings, dishwasher, microwave, a large island, and everything is pretty new as the complex was built in 2019ish. Rent has now gone up an additional $200 (which is fair given inflation, and a typical amount for renewals). Just for comparison, a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom is $2095-$3425 and all are 1,500 square feet - with all the same amenities as mine.

Our additional fees:

• pet owners pay $25 a month, there is also an upfront fee that’s no refundable which is crazy. I want to say it’s $200
• mandatory trash collection (they pickup your trash bags outside of your apartment) $8
• Options for a storage center and a few others that I don’t use , but are offered

Square footage DEFINITELY matters when considering how much you’re paying for your space. Which is why I stayed away from apartments in Scotts and other Richmond areas. They were asking the same price (and often more) for 500-700 square feet.

Ditto. I love the beach, but I also LOVE going to the mountains. I don’t feel like I need to travel out of state to get different experiences, or to meet people for a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs.

Usually I travel out west to the mountains in the fall and winter. Travel to wineries (not quiet as far west) in the spring. Travel the VA east coast and 757 in the spring and summer.