Auston Woods Apartment Homes Blog

There is so much going on for those of you living in an apartment in Charlotte, NC. Between the Lights on the Square Tree Lighting, ACC Championship Football Game, and the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tours, you have loads to do.

Uptown Charlotte is getting ready to kick into high gear for the holiday season, brave the weather and get into the spirit.

The Lights on the Square Tree Lighting kicks off the festivities tomorrow, Dec 1st at 5:45pm with a performance from the Nutcracker, the tree lighting and a performance from the Charlotte Jazz Orchestra. There will also be hot chocolate and hot cider.
 
But don’t forgot about football!  Before this weekend's ACC Championship game between Clemson and Virginia Tech kicks off on Saturday at 8pm at Bank of America Stadium there will be a huge Fan Fest held on Friday night at the Epi Center.

Looking for holiday decorating ideas? The Fourth Ward will be celebrating 34 years of showcasing their beautifully decorated homes during the season.

Enjoy all of the events that will be held around Uptown Charlotte during the weekend.

Information from Fox Charlotte

Summer vacation is now upon us in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sometimes it's hard to come up with different activities to keep the kids happy and the parents from going crazy. As much as your kids will tell you they can't wait for summer, the words "I'm bored," inevitably cross their lips – sometimes sooner than you think! While children do enjoy the freedom that comes with the summer months, they still like to have a little structure to their fun. This summer, more than ever, families are trying to stick to a budget while still having fun with their kids.

Give them some educational activities to do, but make them fun so they don’t have any idea! They can create a scrapbook of all their summer activities. Document their days through photos or drawings and write a paragraph about the favorite part of the day.

Have them cook one or two meals a week for the family. They can spend some time finding great and fun recipes. This activity also helps them with following written directions and math!

Stay cool! We have a beautiful pool here at Auston Woods. Or if you're looking to get out, hit the Spraygrounds. There are five different spraygrounds in the Charlotte area and they are all open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and most importantly, they're free of charge.

Don’t forget about Rockin & Reelin Summer Concert & Movies. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, food, family, and friends to see free movies and concerts this summer at Pineville Lake Park. They have a pre-show, just for kids, which begins at 7:00 PM. All movies will start at dusk, usually around 8:15 to 8:30 PM.

Are you looking for something to do with Dad in Charlotte this father’s day? Here are a couple great ideas from the staff at Auston Woods.

What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a barbecue? Enjoy some beautiful summer weather and tasty eats, but this time dad won’t have to man the grill. The VanLandingham Estate hosting a Father’s Day Brew & Q Lawn Party on June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. Live music, free parking, and a cash bar set the stage for lots of family fun. Bring your blankets, Frisbee, lawn chairs, and the dog too!

Perhaps before or after the BBQ, you’d like to challenge dad to a round of golf. Why don’t you surprise dad with the perfect Father’s Day gift – a free round of golf at the Golf Club at Ballantyne. On Sunday, dads can enjoy a complimentary round of golf with one paid round of golf. You have to mention this at the time you book your tee time.  And, if your dad needs a new putter or wedge, sample one in the pro shop and get 15% off your purchase of a new one!

What kind of American city is the best for small business? They're the ones that have prosperous economies, are expanding rapidly, and are densely packed with like-minded entrepreneurs. And the top two are in North Carolina.

The two markets with the nation's top scores for small-business vitality, according to a new BizJournals study, sit 140 miles apart in the Tar Heel State. IN the nation’s rankings, Charlotte is No. 2, second to Raleigh.

BizJournals used a six-part formula to analyze the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas, searching for the places that are most conducive to the creation and development of small businesses.

The two North Carolina markets emerge as the clear leaders, thanks to their outstanding records in four statistical categories with a direct impact on small-business activity:

1.Population: Raleigh and Charlotte picked up a combined total of 427,000 new residents between 2002 and 2007. Charlotte grew by 17.4 percent and dwarfed the national growth rate of 4.8 percent.

2. Employment: The entire country is endangered by the current recession.  But Charlotte had  outstanding job growth during the 2003-08 span—15.4 percent.  The U.S. gain was 5.8 percent.
3. Small-business growth: The number of small businesses grew dramatically in both markets from 2005 to 2006, the latest period covered by official statistics. Charlotte had a 4 percent rise. The national increase was 1.3 percent.

4. Small-business concentration: The typical U.S. market has 24.57 small businesses for every 1,000 residents. The North Carolina markets enjoy concentrations that are at least 10 percent bigger, with Charlotte at 27.07 per 1000.

And that's not all. Two other markets with North Carolina connections rank among the 30 best metros in the study, Greensboro and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk metro. 

The highest scores in the study went to areas that have prosperous economies, are expanding rapidly, and are densely packed with small businesses.

For more information see Portfolio.com

Finding your new apartment is just the first step in creating your home. Decorating makes your apartment feel like a home. It is important to create a space to come home to after a long day at work. It’s a good idea to start with a focal point for each room like a piece of furniture that can multitask. For example, in your living room, use a chest which could be used for storage and as a coffee table. Pick a piece of furniture you love or a color palette that feels inviting, and the rest will begin to fall into place. You can find affordable furniture at a number of stores as well as by asking around your new apartment community.

Once you've got the furniture in, it is time to make the space feel comfortable. There are several things you can do to warm up the space. Pay extra attention to lighting, which can make a room feel larger and increase the ambiance. You can use both natural and artificial light to make your apartment feel big and bright. Along with windows for natural light, lamps and ceiling lights can bring the effect you are looking for to your apartment.

Along with light, think about color selection as well. Use a fun and interesting color on the wall which will accent the quality craftsmanship, crown molding, or cathedral ceilings. Lighter colors on the walls and white ceilings with a darker floor, carpet, or throw rug will make the room look and feel larger and taller. For bright colors, you can use toss pillows with exciting and bold colors.

Accessorize your space with mirrors, plants, vertical pieces and lamps in vertical shape. Also, be sure to keep your eyes open at flea markets and garage sales for interesting items with character. If you keep the color, texture, and feel consistent in the items you buy, they're sure to look great in a room together. Greenery is a simple and inexpensive item that can enhance any room. Plants not only help to clean the air, they give your new place a splash of color and life. Enjoy your new apartment home.
 

The Charlotte North Carolina area has a lot to offer.   Whether you want exciting city life or the quiet country living, Charlotte has something for everyone. Charlotte's population has been growing anywhere from 5% to 10% the past few years, and shows no signs of slowing down. Charlotte has also been voted one of the ten best places to live. The city has many different neighborhoods, and there is no shortage of great food and fun night life. If you are relocating to Charlotte, you couldn’t have found a better place to live.

10 Reasons to live in Charlotte North Carolina:

1. It is a perfect destination. The Appalachian Mountains are only a two hour drive to the west and the sun filled beaches are only three hours to the east.
2. Charlotte N.C. was selected as one of the "10 Best Places to Live" by Money Magazine.
3. "Best Cities For Black Families", the city ranked #4 of 20. Bet.com compiled data on African Americans in the cities with the largest Black Populations.
4. Second largest center of financial transaction in the United States.
5. Some of the best known fortune 500 companies are located in Charlotte.
6. There are very good schools in and around Charlotte.
7. The cost of living in Charlotte is relatively low compared to the national average.
8. The weather is mild in the winter and warm in the summer.
9. There are numerous Pro Sports teams: Carolina Pathers, Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Sting, Charlotte Checkers, and of course, it is the home of NASCAR's Lowes Motor Speedway.
10. Last year, the city created 12,000 new jobs.

Charlotte, North Carolina is definitely a great place to move and raise your family. If you need help finding your dream home in a beautiful community offering numerous amenities, contact Austin Woods Apartment Homes and we can help you find your home.

If you are looking for what to do in Charlotte, NC this week. There is loads to do. The 15th Annual Charlotte St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at 11:00am in Uptown Charlotte on Thursday. The parade start is at Tryon and 9th Street. It will proceed south to Tryon and 3rd Street. With pipe bands, Irish dancers, floats, step bands and lots more, it should be a great time for all. Have fun at one of “the premier St. Patrick's Day parades in the Southeast.” No admission.

And, while you are there, don’t miss the 2011 Charlotte Goes Green Festival. All ages will enjoy the festivities which will be held on South Tryon Street between 1st and 3rd Streets. From10:00 am until 6:30pm you can see Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, food, vendors and plenty of beverages. Better yet, there is no admission fee.
 
Also this month in Charlotte, going on until March 27, is Cirque du Soleil: TOTEM, being held Under the Grand Chapiteau at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Totem traces the journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, which is the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.Cirque du Soleil: TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species and rarely disappoints.

We all need a place to call home but even with the real estate downturn, many people continue to think that buying a home is a good investment and a way for them to build wealth. When times were good, this was not really the case for most people. Wherever you choose to live, make sure it’s for the right reasons. Owning a home can be rewarding. Renting an apartment home with Auston Woods can also be very rewarding. Don’t just take our word for it - check out this article on Yahoo Finance - Why Your Home is not the investment you think it is. In recent months, the housing market, interest rates and the economy have been the focus of many news stories and are key issues in the political arena. Consumers have been inundated for years with visions of the American Dream and why homeownership is a great investment.

As seen with the recent housing crisis, homeownership may not be right for everyone.

• If you bought in Rochester, N.Y., in 1980, you would have seen only a mediocre 4% annual growth for the next 25 years.
• If you bought in Dallas in 1986, as the oil boom went bust, your home wouldn’t have appreciated at all before 1998.

It is also important to look at the “net appreciation”. Most people do not subtract all of the interest paid to the banks, maintenance, decorating costs, closing costs, taxes, and insurance from the appreciation. In many cases, especially if you do not own your home for more than a few years, there is not true appreciation and in more and more cases, there is negative appreciation. Many do not realize the real financial and practical advantages HHHunt residents experience every year when they decide to rent an apartment home at one of our communities.

There are just a couple of points to consider and think about. Renting is a long term investment and very rewarding. Especially in the North Carolina area we are a respected and very diverse community. Be sure to take a look at our communities and our activities we have to offer. Our unique apartment homes at Auston Woods combine convenience, comfort, and technology for today’s lifestyle in our apartment homes. Our beautiful interiors are designed to optimize the way you live, work, and play. Contact us today to learn more about renting at Auston Woods, or feel free to stop in and take a tour of our community.

Apartments in Charlotte, NC

Living in an apartment means that decorating can be a challenge. Since you don't own the property, there are only so many things you can do. If you want to decorate your spaces in a way that showcases your interests and personality then read on! Whether your living quarters are small or spacious, there are many things you can do to make your space your own. Here are some helpful hints brought to you by Auston Woods in Charolotte, NC.

Paint a Wall

Paint one wall of your living room a shade that complements or contrasts with colors in your upholstery and accents. It may be a soft blue, light teal or muted peach. Painting a single wall breaks up the monotony, and adds depth to the room. The walls aren't the only thing you can paint! Most tables can be painted as well, as can a lamp's shade and even its base. Just make sure you aren't painting some off-the-wall color like fuschia or something that cant be easily painted over. Be sure if you are going to paint the walls you contact our admimistration office first to ensure your color is acceptable.

Avoid Chunky Furniture

Unless your apartment is large, avoid using bulky or heavy furniture. Chunky furnishings often take up more floor space than necessary, and give the room a smaller feeling. Stick with furniture that is sleek and simple, and not over-stuffed or bulky looking. A sofa, recliner, coffee table and matching end tables are often the only furniture you really need in your living room. Have some over-sized throw pillows available for seating on the floor should you have several guests over.

Decorate Windows

An easy way to jazz up your apartment and add color is to use curtains with lots of color, or even a roll-up shade that contains hues that match your decor. Be creative; you can even make your own swags with a set of satin sheets!

Add Texture

The secret to pulling it all together is fabrics that use different textures. Consider nubby textures that are vibrantly colored for throw pillows, especially if your sofa is made of a sleek material; a tapestry for one wall adds more texture, and is a great focal point for the room. Accent rugs, silky table runners and beaded lamp shades all add various textures to the room.

We have had many of our residents spruce up their apartments and set themselves apart from the other residents. Should you have any other questions regarding apartment living such as activies, other floor plans, or questions in general feel free to contact us.