DigsDigest: Apartment Hunters

ISO: Downtown digs with hardwood floors + in-unit laundry

Introducing DigsDigest: A new CHStoday series where we profile people in search of the perfect #digs.

Most Americans move during the summer months– so chances are, you– or someone you know– is in the throes of finding + moving into a new place. Since our team knows firsthand how fun (read: agonizing) apartment hunting can be, we thought we could play a little House Hunters-esque game to remind you– you’re not alone.

Here’s how it works: we’ll tell you a little bit about someone searching for new #digs in CHS. Then, we’ll show you three real options that are currently on the market. Finally– unlike on House Hunters– we’ll let you pick which apartment (or house, office space, food trailer, etc.) they should choose. Beats yelling at the TV when a couple picks the “wrong” place, right?

Ready to play?

First things first. It’s time to meet our prospective Digs tenant, Jessica. (Jessica had reached out, asking us to assist her with resources to find her new #digs).

A little bit about her:

• Age: 21 (college student)
• Budget: $1,500
• Location: Downtown
• Roommates: One
• Bedrooms needed: 2
• Bathrooms needed: 1+
• Pets: No

Here are her must-have amenities:

• Laundry in-unit
• Parking (reserved spot preferred)
• Hardwood floors
• Updated kitchen

So, our primary apartment hunter, Jessica, + her roommate are set on finding a place downtown– and are hoping to do it within a budget of $1,500 (or $750/person). Can it be done? Here’s what we found out:

Apartment #1: Townhome by the tennis courts

📍21 Hester St., #11
🛏 2
🛁 1.5
💰$1,500/month

This two-story, brick townhome on Hester Street is just a couple of blocks above Hampton Park, and right around the corner from Corinne Jones Park– which has both a soccer field + tennis courts. At $1,500/month, this dig falls right on the money in terms of budget.

There are 2 bedrooms + 1.5 bathrooms, with 924 sq. ft. of space– not too shabby. The unit has hardwood floors upstairs + what looks like laminate on the lower level (so not carpet– which is what Jessica wants to avoid). Unfortunately, the kitchen appliances are looking pretty dated, and it’s unclear whether parking is available.

PROS: Has laundry. Within budget.
CONS: Kitchen isn’t updated. Parking may not be available.

Click here to see the full listing.

Apartment #2: Charleston single south of the Crosstown

📍 133 Line Street, Apt. B
🛏 2
🛁 1
💰 $1,610/month

This classic pink pad is conveniently located just south of the Crosstown. And it has almost everything Jessica is looking for: new appliances, hardwood floors, + washer/dryer in-unit. However, at $1,610 a month, it’s $110 over budget. And while there is neighborhood parking– there is no private parking.

PROS: Laundry. Location.
CONS: Price. Parking.

Click here to see the full listing.

Apartment #3: Backyard bungalow across the Ashley

📍 530 Savannah Hwy., Apt. C
🛏 2
🛁 1
💰 $1,300/month

This charming West Ashley oasis is located just off Savannah Highway, and within walking distance to Avondale. While it isn’t downtown, it’s only a short drive away– making it not a total dealbreaker for Jessica. Plus, not only is it $200 under budget, but the water bill is included with rent. The downside is that, while there is a washer/dryer– it’s located outside of the unit– and is shared with other tenants.

A bonus perk is that there’s this cute, fenced-in backyard:

PROS: Under budget. Private backyard.
CONS: Not downtown. Washer/dryer is shared + located outside of the main unit.

Click here to see the full listing.

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Alright, you’ve seen your choices. You know what Jessica is looking for. Now, it’s time to make the decision: which apartment should she choose?

And while we’ve got you here… did you enjoy “making moves”? Let us know what you thought of the “game”– and whether this is something you’d like to see from us again– in the comments below.

– Jen