Apartment hunting in any city can be a formidable task, but when you are searching for one out of state, it presents a whole new set of challenges.  No matter your reason for the move, we found a few tips that can help make you go a little smoother.
 
IF POSSIBLE, VISIT YOUR NEW STATE AHEAD OF TIME
If your schedule permits, it’s advised to visit your new city ahead of time. Getting a feel and the vibe of your new city and potential apartment in-person is the best way to start your search. If you are fortunate and have a company relocation package, they may provide you with temporary housing while you’re visiting.  If not, visiting your new city will afford you the opportunity to visit different areas in relation to your new job or school.
 
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Today, information is readily available via the internet. Most reputable apartment communities have websites that offer images of their grounds and apartments, along with amenities and special features.  And with Google Maps, you can research the area to get a feel for local features, hangouts, shopping, neighborhood groceries and other points of interest.
 
SEEK LOCAL HELP
Many times, the university or your HR department can shed light on relocation. Check with these sources first, usually, someone there will have the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Consider reaching out to the leasing agents at apartment communities. Often, they can share distance to the school or business that brings you to the city and possible benefits or hindrances of their location. It’s their job to stay informed on the area, so be sure to ask questions. 
 
SEEK OUT VIRTUAL TOURS
Most apartment communities are going to share their best images on their website.  But the more tech-savvy apartment communities are jumping on board with 3D touring. This technology gives a more accurate depiction of your new living arrangements and is considered the next best thing to a live tour. 
 
BE AWARE OF THE LOCAL MARKET
While we all like to shop around to find the best bang for our buck, keep in mind the rental market of your new city. College and large cities often have a high demand for temporary housing arrangements. The earlier you start looking, the better, and if you find something you like, you need to act quickly or could end up missing out. 
 
FOCUS ON LOCATION
Finding an apartment near your employer or school would be great and relieve you of the stress associated with learning your new city's layout. But occasionally, where you are employed or go to school may be in high demand area and out of budget. If this turns out to be the case, look for alternatives that are close to public transit or near the interstate just outside of your desired area.   
 
BE READY WITH A SECURITY DEPOSIT
If you are relocating for work, your deadline may be out of your control. Make sure you have a security deposit ready when you start looking. While you are at it, have your references and bank statements available as well. It would be very disappointing to miss an opportunity for a lack of preparation.
 
MONEY MATTERS
For students and fist time renters, take time to understand the full cost of renting. Most apartment managers can share the average utility bill for a 1-bedroom apartment. But you need to factor in groceries, transportation, internet/cable and possibly renters insurance. Be sure that the apartment you are considering works well within your budget. Also, keep in mind that your credit score plays a role in your approval to rent. If you have not established credit, now is a good time to do so. If your credit score is low, consider taking steps to improve your score. Most local banks can help you understand the steps you need to take to establish or clean up your credit.
 
HONESTY REALLY IS THE BEST POLICY
If you are honest with the property manager about your credit situation, you might find they have a little wiggle room or discretion in this matter and can offer solutions to help you secure your first apartment.
 
Apartment hunting can be stressful, especially when you are out of town or state. Our friendly property managers are here to help   If you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette,LA be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments to take a tour or call to schedule your virtual tour. ​

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Halloween just over a month away, what better way to get you and your Apartments in Lafayette Louisiana into the spirit than to do some fun Halloween Kids Crafts? With so many fun ideas we thought we would share a few of our favorites with you. 
 
Spooky spiders top our list.
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Spider Handprint
Supplies you need to make this Spider Handprint

• Orange construction paper
• Black construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Glue stick
• Black glitter glue or you can make your own
• Scissors

 

1. First, fold your black paper in half and then half again.
2. Trace just four fingers and leave about 1/2 an inch from the edge of the paper.
3. Cut out your handprint. You should now have two spiders.
4. Draw your spider webs on orange construction paper in the corners with a pencil or black pen. Add two web lines down to where you will place your spider handprints.
5. Carefully trace your web with the black glitter glue. If possible, make a continuous line when you are tracing your spider web to avoid the glue from making clumping marks. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
6. Glue your spider's eyes on.

 
Paper Spider
Supplies you need to make the Paper Spider.

• Black paper – one sheet will make one spider
• White paper
• Black pen
• Black bakers twine for hanging
• Glue stick
• Scissors

 

1. Begin by cutting out four 1/5 inch strips off the top of your sheet of paper – set aside for the legs.
2. Next, use a small cup to trace and cut out 8 same-sized circles from the rest of sheet – however many you can fit.
3. Fold each circle in half to create semi-circles.
4. Add glue to half of the semi-circle and place another semi-circle on top, then add glue to the next layer and repeat.
5. When all of your circles are glued together and stacked high, cut a piece of bakers twine – about 8 inches long fold it in half and tie a knot.
6. Add a generous amount of glue to the spine of your paper circle stacks and place the baker's twine against it. Add glue to the top semi-circle, unfold the circle and bring it round
7. Make the legs with the strips of paper you cut first, make 4 longer legs and 4 shorter legs for each side of the spider's body, 8 total.
8. Fold the legs about 1/3 of the way down to make a right angle and then fold again about ¾ of the way down the opposite direction to make the foot
9. Last, you'll add your spider’s eyes. Draw two circles the size of a dime, cut out and add pupils. Bend the two middle flaps of your spider back slightly and glue the eyes on.

Craft Stick Spider Webs
Supplies you’ll need to make Craft Stick Spider Webs.

• Popsicle sticks
• Glue (or a hot glue gun)
• Paint in Halloween colors
• Yarn in black, white, and/or orange.
• Scissors
• Optional: Spider stickers

 

1. Paint your popsicle sticks with paint.
2. Once dry, glue three popsicle sticks together. Use a hot glue gun to eliminate drying time.
3. Now tie one end of the yarn to one base of the glued popsicle sticks.
4. Wrap your yarn around each popsicle stick or simply feed it in between each stick in a circle fashion twice.
5. Once you’re done wrapping the web, tie a knot to the end of the last stick, leaving a long trail of yarn to hang your spider web.

Any of the crafts we described above can be scaled by using larger craft supplies. Are you looking for a fun and inviting, family-friendly apartments in Lafayette, La? Stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take a tour.

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Summer has been fun at our apartment community in Lafayette, La. But now it’s time to think of the school year ahead, so we’ve compiled a few tips from the pros below on how to smooth the transition — wishing our residents and students a successful school year. 

Back to school fills children with excitement and a little of the first day jitters, while parents are consumed with thoughts of “Have I prepared enough?” To help remove these thoughts and get you and your children prepared for the school year, all you need is a little planning and organization. Here’s a list of proven back to school tips to get you started on the right foot.

1. Sleep routine - get back into it. To help ease the stressful school mornings, restart a regular bedtime and morning time routine. Start your usual school sleep routine a week or two before school starts.

 2. Start shopping for school supplies together.  Entering a new grade is exciting and a little scary. When shopping, allow them to pick out their lunchbox, backpack, etc.  Set a budget and share with them how much they can spend on these items, so it doesn’t stress you out. This is an excellent way to teach them about money and gives them a little bit of responsibility too!

 3. Re-establish school year routines. Start setting the alarm and have them wake up at the same time every day and eat breakfast at the same time they would before or at school. Now would be an excellent time to have them start reading a book in the afternoon, preparing them for their homework routine.

 4. Speaking of homework, set up a homework station. Talk with your child about a designated time and space where they can do homework. Depending on your child’s ability to finish homework without help, consider a time and place where you are available in case your child needs assistance.

 5. Prepare for the unpredictable.  As working parents can attest, it can be challenging to find a last-minute sitter when your child is sick. Now is a good time to start lining up sitter on the off chance you get a call from the school that your child is ill.

 6. Create your after-school game plan.  If both parents work, where will your child go after school? Depending on the age of your child, will they attend an after-school program, stay at a neighbor’s or will they be allowed to stay home by themselves? This helps eliminate confusion during the already crazy first weeks. If they will stay at home alone, go over house rules, safety concerns and what to do in case of an emergency.

 7. They are not going to like this one. Turn off the video games and TV.  It’s going to feel like you are cutting their summer short, however two weeks before school starts is a good time to start weaning the electronics. Shock sets in when they realize that six to eight hours of their day will be spent learning and not gaming or binge-watching favorite shows. Ease your child back into the learning process by limiting the electrics and encouraging them to read or play quietly.

 8. Go over school materials and information. Most schools provide a packet online or via email with a ton of information on your child’s teacher, important dates, emergency forms, and transportation arrangements. Jot down important dates on your calendar or put them in your phone.

 9. Get organized.  Perhaps you remember, back to school means lots of paperwork that can consume the counters in your home. Designate a spot in your home for permission slips, upcoming projects and any other school-related papers. This can help eliminate surprises like last-minute runs to school to sign paperwork and midnight Target, Walmart or Dollar Store runs for project supplies.

 10. Summer is also a good time to get your child’s yearly checkup. Germs and school are synonymous, so getting your child’s well checkup in before school starts is optimal. It allows for a baseline when you do have to bring them in for something more severe and you can also take care of any required vaccinations. 
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While a smooth transition is not guaranteed, these tips are likely to take the edge off the rocky start. If you are looking for a new apartment in Lafayette, Louisiana, stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take advantage of our back to school promotions. ​

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​College students headed to life away from home for the first time may fair better in an apartment community with the amenities and privacy of home, than in living in a dormitory.  Consider the following when looking for college freshman living accommodations in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Freedom:  while rules and regulations lend themselves to a civil society, dorms life comes with many more restrictions than an apartment does.  The ability to welcome guests without someone watching over your shoulder, like a resident assistant or advisor would, is one such freedom.  Also, having control over your roommate selection is a welcome advantage to apartment living.  There will still be rules that the college student will have to observe, like paying your rent on time, keeping the noise level down, and avoiding anything illegal on the premises that risk eviction.  Many would argue that living without an RA (resident advisor) builds maturity more rapidly.

Space:  A dorm room, well, is a room.  No private full bath, well-equipped kitchen, or separate study space exists.  An apartment that comes with an appliance equipped kitchen will save many a trip to the dining hall with limited offerings and hours.  Imagine your late-night study sessions not having to be interrupted for coffee runs or trips for snacks.  Your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator can be well-stocked accommodating special diet needs.

Having a private bathroom is a wonderful plus when it comes to health and hygiene needs.  Rather than having to share facilities and tote your toiletries down the hall, an apartment allows privacy.  Having your own private bath stocked with your personal items is a small luxury for the first-year college student.

Parking spaces come with most leases at an apartment complex.  Campus parking at the dormitories can be limited and further away from some buildings than most apartment complexes in the Acadiana area. If you have a vehicle and visitors with cars, the ability to park in designated areas within a well-lit gated community is a considerable safety advantage.

Finances:  Dormitories may cost more in the long run.  Consider meal plans and having to move to another room at the end of a term may end up costing more in time and effort than renting an off-campus apartment. 

Additionally,  establishing a great renting history at an early age is another advantage of renting an apartment off-campus.  You will have established credit and rental history before holding your first professional job.  

The ability to stay year-round and not leave for holiday breaks is an advantage students don’t always think of when deciding where they will live while earning their degree.  24-hour fitness centers, high-speed internet connections, and nearby shopping, entertainment, churches, and restaurants that come with leasing at Lafayette Gardens Apartment makes economic sense.

Looking for a place to live minutes from campus in Lafayette?  Tour Lafayette Garden Apartments in Lafayette, La and ask about student move-in specials.

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Spring hasn’t officially sprung according to the calendar, but those of us who live in the South have already experienced temperatures in the seventies, frequent showers that brought flowers, and enough pollen in the air to turn our vehicles yellow.  Allergy sufferers have been hit hard with various particles in the air that cause eyes to water, skin to itch, and repetitive sneezing episodes.  What to do?  Clean up!
Whether routine or deep Spring cleaning following these allergen lessening tips from the American Medical Association will help allergy sufferers (and everyone else) from encountering too much of the things that make us sneeze:

• Start at the entry points to your home.  Clean the doors, windows in doors, and the threshold of your home making sure to throw away leaves, dirt, and buds that collect on the doormat.
• When cleaning inside or outside, start at the top and work your way down.  That way any dirt or debris that isn’t trapped in a cloth can be swept/mopped up.
• Always use damp rags and mops when cleaning.  The dampness gives something for dust particles, hair, and other allergens something to stick. 
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.  Dust everything down, even the light bulbs, with a damp cloth or vacuum using an attachment.
• Vacuum out vents and air exchanges if you have central air and heat.  If you use window units, vacuum the vents and change the air conditioner filter. 
• Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner and frequently clean it off.
• Dust all surfaces.  Make certain to use some a furniture polish or a damp rag.  Dry cloth on dust spreads it around instead of trapping it on the cloth for disposal or laundering.
• Get rid of the clutter.  While you were dusting your surfaces, you may have had to move all sorts of objects or move a stack of magazines and books.  Whatever is cluttering up surfaces or corners in your home, clean it out!  Dust, cockroaches and other insects, and mold (especially in humid Louisiana) can lurch between the layers of stuff that builds up. 
• Clean the bathroom thoroughly.  Cannot launder or wipe down the shower curtain?  Get a new one.  Mold trapped on bathroom surfaces is a significant allergen.
• Mop floors with a damp cloth.  Don’t use a wet mop because, with the humid air in Louisiana, floors, and baseboards dry faster and thoroughly from a damp mopping.  Wet mopping can cause moisture to hang around long enough to grow mold.
• Vacuum carpets regularly.  Only shampoo carpets or rugs in temperature-controlled environments.  The extended drying time can cause mold to grow.
• Limit cleaning products to one scent; some scents cause allergies to act up, consider using unscented cleaning products.
• Wash real and artificial plants down in the shower.
• Wash your linens once a week and in the hottest water possible.
• Vacuum twice a week.
• Brush pets outside if possible.
• Wipe your pets daily with a damp washcloth to lessen dander.
• Frequently empty your trash can.
• Wear a mask while cleaning or if you are highly allergic consider asking someone else to clean for you or hiring someone during the allergy season.

Now that you have plenty of tips, spring and to action and lessen the possibility of sneezing due to allergens in your Lafayette La Apartments.​

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​More and more college students are choosing apartment living as an alternative to a stint in a dormitory.  Apartments offer more by way of choice in living arrangements and are much more versatile when family and friends come to visit.

Whether you are a recent graduate that is headed to college, technical school or starting a job training program, apartment life may be for you! Apartment living, when compared with dorm living, offers the opportunity for increased privacy and many amenities that campus housing does not include.

Living in an apartment means you will have a kitchen with all major appliances so you can prepare meals when you want and keep a greater variety of fresh food for a healthy diet.  No depending on a cafeteria with limited choices and hours when you need something to eat if you have an apartment where you can study the time away.

Study time is another important reason to be in an apartment.  If you have more space, you can set up an area as a study/office nook that will allow for increased concentration on the subject matter at hand.

Other amenities to look for when selecting an apartment include:

Safety:  do they have 24-hour surveillance and security guards?  Is the complex gated so that only residents can enter?

Convenience:  is the location near to campus?  How far do you have to drive or walk for restaurants, shopping, and groceries?

Activity:  is there a clubhouse with meeting rooms and common areas for socializing with your neighbors when you would like to do so?

Recreation:  are there safe walking areas? What about playgrounds or sports courts?  Is there a gym or swimming pool?

Pets:  what kind of pets are allowed?

Furnished:  can you rent a furnished space and that way not have to worry about anything when you are out on your own for the first time?

Staff:  are office staff and maintenance personnel available 24/7?  Do they quickly to requests?  Are they familiar enough with the area to assist you with things located outside the complex?
 
Parking:  is it adequate to provide for residents, guests, and visitors?  Is there front door parking?

There are so many bonuses to living in an apartment complex rather than on campus.  With the additional conveniences of apartment living, you may be surprised to learn that apartment living can be an economically sound choice as well.  Not having to pay for hotel rooms and having a self-contained unit for parents’ weekends is just one more reason that an apartment may be able to save you money in the long run.

You owe it to yourself to explore apartment living before making your final living arrangement choice before classes start.  Explore the options available to you and consider what will make for the best situation for your study, work, and lifestyle.

Whether you desire a one, two, or three-bedroom apartment, furnished or unfurnished, visit Lafayette Garden Apartments and tour the beautiful facility.  This complex offers a beachfront pool area, parks, barbecue stations, clubhouse, and two 24-hour fitness centers. Everything the college-bound student would enjoy.

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​Lafayette Gardens Swimming Pool Safety.

With Summer in full swing, we hope our residents are enjoying their time at the pool. We would like to remind everyone that our property is a family community and have provided the following safety guidelines to ensure every resident's enjoyment of our amenities. We ask that our Residents and guests adhere to the rules and regulations posted in the pool area and Management policies provided to you upon leasing.

• We do not have a lifeguard on duty. We advise against any horseplay as Lafayette Gardens Apartments is not responsible for accidents or injuries. Horseplay includes running, jumping, diving, wrestling or any other activity that may lead to injury.

• Our Pool hours are 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. We respectfully ask that all abide the designated pool hours to avoid enforcement of a temporary ban on use of the pool by residents and their guest found in violation.

• So that our residents and their families may equally enjoy our amenities, we require that residents limit their guest to 2 people not living on the property. Residents must be present with their guest while visiting the pool.
 
• We don’t allow fur babies (pets) in the pool area. We have 3 lovely pet parks designated for these special members of your family. Su

• Swimwear conducive to maintaining a FAMILY friendly environment is required. Cover-ups are highly recommended when leaving and entering the pool area.

• Our facility is family friendly and as such we do not allow alcoholic beverages in the pool area. To ensure the safety of all, GLASS OF ANY KIND is not permitted in or around the pool.

• Please respect others by monitoring noise and picking up after you and your guest.

• For the safety of all, we require the pool gates be keep shut at all times. Please check regularly for gate closure as younger residents and guest have a tendency to forget.

• Standard policies throughout the U.S. require children under the age of 16 be accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian and we adhere to this policy as well.

Our guidelines and policies are not meant to limit your entertainment, they are simply to ensure the fun and safety of all our residents. To recap: NO GLASS, NO PETS, NO HORSEPLAY, NO BBQ PITTS, NO BIKES, OR SKATEBOARDS are permitted in the pool area. We hope you enjoy our amenities and as always please let us know if something is amiss.

Lafayette Gardens Apartments. Where you can have it all, in the middle of it all.  One bedroom, two bedrooms, and three bedroom apartments
for rent in the River Ranch area of Lafayette, LA 70508.

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​The place you live and create memories needs to be welcoming to you. It should please your senses and entice you to participate in activities surrounded by décor that comforts, inspires, and gives you a sense of well-being. Whether you are decorating your first apartment or you’ve become bored with your present décor and need a change, these ideas will help.

1) Picture This
Photographs can tell your story and are appropriate for every room in your apartment. Print out photos in black and white and frame them in a signature color to scatter around a bedroom. Print random shots and make a collage by gluing them onto a huge black canvas that becomes a focal point in the living room. Hang pictures from that special dinner party or Thanksgiving in your kitchen. Photographs of you poolside or at the beach are terrific accents in the bathroom.

2) ​Can I Quote You?
Use an inspirational quote in every room. Take hints from the things that quote conquers up in your imagination on how you should decorate. For instance, print out that famous quote from Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home”, and put it on your nightstand. Rather than ruby slippers, a couple of red sequin accent pillows will add a splash of color and make you smile because you know what they represent.

3) Go Bananas, Go Cherries, Go Grapes, Go Whatever
What’s your favorite fruit, animal, or place? Use just a touch of that ‘whatever’ in every room. One of the simplest decorative touches is to use the same theme throughout without going all out. Instead of decorating the whole room to look like Paris, an Eiffel Tower statue on the coffee table reminds you of that special place. One of the best examples of this is an apartment that had a monkey in every room. Monkey candlesticks on the dining table, monkey toothbrush holder in the bath, monkey lamp on the bedside table, Curious George book on the coffee table, you get the idea! A little touch in each room brings a sense of unity and fun overall.

4) Go Big
Get that oversized chair, king size bed, exquisite antique, or table for eight and let it rule your décor. A great investment piece will be with you for a lifetime and can set the stage in your first home or forever home when it comes to the mood you want to create. Let the magnitude of your signature piece do the decorating for you.

5) Let Me Collect
My… Those baseball caps, books, vacation spot t-shirts, crosses, dolls, or linens that you’ve collected for years inspire great home décor. They can become your theme when decorating one room or your entire apartment. Display them grouped together instead of letting them remain unseen taking up space in your closet.

A few things to keep top of mind as you go to decorate:

• Decide and keep to a budget - the above ideas work on a tight budget or one that gives you plenty of leeway.
• Use non-damaging hangers - if you rent, be mindful of the rules you need to follow to hang things.
• Tidy up - a clean, uncluttered space looks better.
• Ideas are a magazine or store display away - walk through Paul Michael, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, or Rooms to Go for ideas on furniture arrangement. Look at a copy of Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Dwell, or Country Living for inspiration.
• You’re your best decorator - no one knows you like you do, so trust your ideas.

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Looking for the perfect place to decorate? Lafayette Gardens Apartments offer one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Lafayette LA.

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Sharing an apartment with a roommate makes great economic sense. How do you find the best roommate to share your living space? Utilize these tips and make your search using criteria and methods that will help you select the best potential match for your style of living.
 
Tip #1:  Ask Your Friends and Family 
Get the word out to your friends and family. Informing them that you are on the hunt for a roommate is a great way to find out who else they know that is out there looking for a roommate. These are people that already know your habits and lifestyle. They can help steer you in the direction of a potential 'roomie' that shares some of the same interests.
 
Tip #2:  Know What You Are Looking For  
You are about to make a major decision. Take the time to make a list of criteria your roommate must match. Define the things that are important to you in a living situation so you can weed through the potentials that will be headed your way soon. Be honest with yourself about what's important to you. Start with some easy choices:  non-smoker or smoker, male or female, shift worker or non-shift worker...to get the ball rolling.
 
Tip #3:  Advertise Online and Places You Frequent 
We live in an online world and that world has websites like Roommates.com, Craigslist, Roomiematch.com, and Facebook. Take a look at these sites and post and/or advertise to find your roommate. You can create a profile or post listing your expectations and target it to your geographic area. Check websites and/or physical message centers of places you visit like your place of employment, gym, church, and alumni centers, and see if you can place an advertisement or notice there. 
 
Tip #$:  Share Your Interest and Expectations in Advertisements/Posts
Your potential roommate is checking you out to see if you are someone they can get along with as well. Give them some information on what you like to do and what it would be like to room with you. Discuss the types of movies you enjoy, what type of books you read, hobbies you pursue, and places you frequent. Tell them what type of housekeeper you are, what your tastes run to in decor and a quick description of your personality. Remember to keep it real and honest.
 
Tip #5:  Ensure They Can Cover Expenses 
It's a reality that is costs to live. Have a frank conversation with any potential roommate about monthly expenses outside of rent. Make sure to include all bills and how much their portion will be each month. Explore what their occupation is and make sure their work is steady. You don't want to have to find another roommate a few months from now because their employment was temporary.
 
The above tips can help you consider the things you need to in the selection of your perfect roommate. Using these tips will help narrow your choice to someone with similar habits and personality traits that will make sharing living space a dream.
 
You've found the perfect roommate; now find the perfect well-furnished apartment. Contact Lafayette Gardens Apartments  and choose the best floor plan for you and your 'roomie' today!

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