Jeremy and I went looking at apartments yesterday. There's one in particular that I've always thought was really nice, so I got off work 30 minutes early so that we could tour it. I get there and we find out that there's an income limit - $31,080 gross for two people. Frustrated we moved on to the next set on the list. These were $475 a month so we figured, "Surely there's no limit on these" (that's kinda high for a 2 bedroom here in Athens) but we get there and find out that the same limit is on these apartments! Both of these apartments are less than 5 years old and are really nice, so we were disappointed, but moved on.
We found a set that doesn't have an income limit but they won't be open until mid September, and they only have one that will be available. Mid September, as in when we're going to be on vacay! We went home at this point, but I was obsessing over it so much that we went back into town to drive around and see if we couldn't find anything else. And we did. There's this gorgeous set that are brick and have to be almost brand new. They're in the townhouse style that we want and they have a pool and a cabana looking thing. We think, "Surely this place doesn't have an income limit. Why would they go to so much trouble if they were going to send people away for making too much money?" but when I called this morning I find that they are limited to the same $31,080 gross for two people. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?!?!
I think it's great that they have really nice places that the rent is based on income. I think it's fabulous, but why are they turning us away? And besides, we'd have a hard time affording $475 a month plus other bills if we didn't make more than the limit. It's not like we're rich - we just don't have kids yet and we both work two jobs!!! GAH!!
*deep breaths* I don't understand, but I'll accept. There's one more that has townhouses and doesn't limit your income. They don't have any openings right now and the landlady was rude to me yesterday, but we'll see if it's any better than the first one. The hub has said that I can pick where I want to move, which is nice since it's hard to get us both in town while the office hours are open and I'm off work. I'm tempted to rule out the rude landlady on principle, but I guess I should forgive and forget. We'll see... :o)
Okay. I feel better having gotten that out. It's going to be a little stressful in Mandyland for the next month or so, but I really feel like the benefits far outweigh the stress right now. I feel bad for the hub, though. He'll be starting seminary again in September and he'll be sharing pastor's duties with another associate pastor then, too. I'll just have to be really good at uber planning. I feel the need to make lists...
:o) Thanks for listening to all this. I did great yesterday with WW until some chocolate moosetracks found it's way to my mouth repeatedly. Stress eating anyone? It'll be okay. It's a journey and I'll have to learn to control my intake while under duress. (me? a drama queen? surely not!)
I hope ya'll have great OP days!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Well, that's odd. These sound really nice, but to have income restrictions too?? I hope you find something soon that you will LOVE!
Yes, it's going to be stressful, but you will conquer all that stress and come out on top! I know you will!!
I hate it when food just climbs up into my mouth all by itself... Strangely, it's never HEALTHY food that does this, it's always the junk!
Good luck with your apartment hunt... I'm sure you'll be blessed to find something that will work for you!
I have never heard of income limits...that is just stupid, who turns people away? I know you will find something soon.
Stress eating has been my enemy as of late. You are doing fine and will get through all these changes just fine!
ugh....
There are many apartments in Houston like that. Really nice and brand new and with income restrictions. Personally I think they should allocate so many apts and then let the rest be for anyone who wants to move in. Frustration I know.
Thanks for the kind words, I needed them.
Hey Mandy - I work for Social Services in NC & those income restricted apartment complexes are creeping up everywhere! Great for low income families, but very unfair for others who just want a nice safe place to live! We also have complexes that block apartments to be income controlled and the others in the complex are market value. Too bad Athens doesn't do that!
-Chris
WOW. That is crazy, I've never heard of that before. I wish you guys the best of luck in searching for a new place. How did open house go?
I've never heard of that either...How frustrating! I understand the reasoning, but almost punishing people for making good money. I hope you find something you like soon...
I've seen the income limits in Miami. Sorry you had to deal with them and bluey on that rude landlady! Good luck with the hunt... and hang in there, maybe the mooses will find someone else to track all over! ;)
I've never heard of a max gross income for an apt. usually it's a min.
$475 a month for an apartment. WOW, you can't even get a box in the Bay Area for that. I know it's expensive to live here but having grown up here it seems normal until I hear something like $475. I though my old 1 bdrm condo for $1175 was a steal.
Stay positive and things will fall into place and you 2 will find an amazing place that is perfect for you. It just has to be the right time.
I develop apartments and unfortunately, in order to actually build in some areas, jurisdictions require that you build "affordable" housing. In fact, the state and federal governments have programs that give developers tax credits and low interest bonds to build these developments, as a sort of offset to the losses you normally operate under by having such small revenue streams. It's pretty rare to see the entire complex affordable, though.....20% of units is more the norm.
It does stink for you-- this day in age, a working couple undoubtedly makes more than $30,000/year. Out here, affordable units go to people with combined incomes of $55K or less. That is a tiny bit more accessible to people! I have to say, am very, very jealous of your rent. A room in an apartment out here is running $800. Craziness!
Post a Comment