Rents, expenses and one more about apartment recomendations :) (Milwaukee, Luck: apartments, rentals)

[berenices]

Hi!

I've been lurking for a while in this forum because I'm moving to Milwaukee next month. I've started looking for apartments in the web and I have some basic questions.

In some apartments it's not included the utilities, and I wondered how much can they amount to (heat and electric service, water, sewer and trash removal services) in the case of a 1 br apartment for 2 people, specially in the winter (heat!)? I'm from Europe and have no idea about the prices of those things over there . Also, are there any additional expenses apart form the rent and the utilities (taxes, community fees or whatever?)

Also, although I've read some threads about it, I wanted to ask for suggestion of downtown/eastside/third ward apartments with some amenities (specially gym) that are affordable (and cat-friendly). In other threads people were looking for high buildings, but I prefer all the contrary. Do you know something about "Library Hill"?

And what % of our income do you think it's reasonable to spend in the rent? I'm a little worried about the winter blues (I've always lived in a very mild climate city), so I've thought that it can be worth finding a good place with things to do even when I don't dare to go out of the building , but this kind of apartments seem to be quite more expensive than those without, so I'm not so sure. Is it worth it? Opinions? (Buy the way, how much does usually cost a monthly membership in a gym?)

And last, do you know about some nice furnished place for short stays, for the first days (weeks?) we will be there looking for the apartment?

Thanks

[MrBiloxi]

Library Hill is managed by Mandel Group. I use to manage with the company. Library Hill is only 3-5 stories and is downtown, it is very nice and Im pretty sure they have a fitness center. Most all of there properties take pets, dogs/cats. As far as expenses for Heat, most apartments will not include heat, so you will have to budget for it. Of course, it will depend on how warm you like your place as to the cost. You will also have to pay for electricity, which, more than likely, will be your stove/oven, running of your furnace if its individual; of course your lights, and possibly your own water heater if it is not common. More than likely, you will not have to pay for water, sewer or trash collection. You probably will have to pay for cable tv. We do have what is called a "budget" plan with electric and gas, so you may want to consider getting on that plan, that way the bill will be the same each month. I personally, as a single person, I budget about $160.00 per month for my heat(gas)/electric, land line phone and cable. Keep in mind if you have gas heat, you will have little or no bill during the summer months, however your electric will go higher due to air conditioning use. Most local gyms charge about $35.00 to $60.00 per month, depending on your membership choices, like time of contract/no contract etc...all will be a little different.
If you speak to Mandel Group, they will be able to accomodate you for a short term stay in a furnished place while you look for your new home. I would also go online and acquire some rental guide books before you get here, that way you will be able to narrow down some of your choices. Go to Apartments for Rent and Resources for Finding Apartment Rentals Nationwide - ForRent.com or call them and request a current copy of there rental guide for Milwaukee...its a great way to start your search. Good Luck, and Welcome to Wisconsin!

[berenices]

It has been very useful