Since moving to Columbus Ohio, I have occupied the same apartment. In 2005, It was a reasonably priced 2 bedroom apartment in a suburb on the west side of the outerbelt. Close enough to downtown but far enough outside of the typical traffic headaches and noise of any city. I had moved from LA and in comparison I was in what best could be described as a sleepy burb.
This apartment served me well for 10 years. It was my batcave. People seldom, if ever visited. I had to seek out people, they did not cross my threshold. I had lots of stuff, Computers, TVs, DVD collections, Video games… I even had 2 full sized arcade cabinets. One was a conversion of a Virtual On sit down System and the other was a Mortal Kombat 4 Upright Cabinet. I was comfortable, if not a little cramped.
Then I met my Girlfriend who was from out of town, but moving to Columbus for a job. We got along well in our short time and she quickly moved in. It just kind of worked out. So, now a space that was comfortable for one, became a 2 year ordeal of Cramp-ee-ness. (i know its not a word…it should be). Our lack of space and the condition of a 10 year old apartment environment, coupled with an insane rent increase required by the New Complex owners forced our hand. We went hunting for a new place. I have to say we got lucky.
The neighborhood is a little rough and rent went up 200 dollars, but what we got in return has made up for it. The house was remodeled lovingly. Their were very few corners cut and it has much more space than my old apartment. We are slowly working out what is what in regards to areas. I was able to score a Gameroom up stairs in the cape cod. Which I am filling with my game collection and consoles. and I have a space in the basement that would have gone unused, for my Musical instruments and a 2nd (or3rd) entertainment area. Which has more of a Bar feel.. and it WILL have Karaoke. I have speakers mounted to my overhead floor Joists and a basic entertainment system with TVs setup. (I will cover the specifics in another article).
It was a big step to move for me, because I am resistant to change, but this has worked out up to this point.
What are your thoughts?