How Much Rent Can I Afford and Other First Decisions?

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

You may not know how much rent you can afford, but your government does. The US Housing Department guideline says that your rent should be no more than 25-30% of your gross salary.

Top Five First Apartment Mistakes

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Mistake #1. Paying Too Much. This is the most common beginner’s mistake. It is easy to forget that rent is only part of expenses you’ll have to deal with living on your own – there’s also gas and electric, cable and phone, not to mention commuting to work, food and dry cleaning. You may even…

New York City – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

The Big Apple is made up of five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Each has its own special character, neighborhoods, and dialect (some would say).

Los Angeles – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Moving to Los Angeles? It's a jungle out there for sure, but if you're armed with neighborhood knowledge and price guidelines, the task isn't so daunting — in fact, finding an apartment can be downright FUN.

Chicago – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Chicago, like your mama, has been called many things in her time. There’s the one involving large air gusts, the one about how it’s second to none, even the one about it being the Hog Butcher for the World.

Boston – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Boston, the Beantown, is home to the World Champion Boston Red Sox and location of many TV series (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, Cheers, Crossing Jordan, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and St.Elsewhere among the more memorable.)