Hmm…What do I Want??

I’m curently on an apartment hunt – it’s fun and exciting, but begs the question: what do I want in an apartment? I was talkingto the boss today about this and was advised to make a “Must Have” list and a “Want to Have” list. I think getting it written (typed?) down and not just as random thoughts floating in my head will be helpful, so here goes:

“MUST HAVE” LIST:

1. Extremely T and/or bus (depending on the bus) accessible
2. Laundry IN THE BUILDING!! Never again will I be fooled by a realtor telling me that the laundry is in the basement, but he can’t show me because he doesn’t have the right key. Never. Again.
3. Dishwasher
4. My commute must be less that 1/2 hour – even during rush hour
5. Windows :) I need lots of light – this definitely makes the “must” list
6. Grocery store within (close) walking distance

“NICE TO HAVE” LIST

1. Balcony/patio/deck/some sort of outside area that is “mine.” I’m very tempted to put this on the “must have” list but am know that the balconies are more prevelant the further from the city you get, would would mean a long commute, thus negating #3 above
2. A “pet friendly” apartment (right, bf?)
3. Not on the ground level because I’m easily scared by the thought of people breaking in – also, it isn’t easy to have a balcony on the first floor
4. A kitchen with an island/half wall looking into the living room – I really like this setup because it a) gives you more counter space and b)opens up a kitchen
5. Lots and lots of closet space (or is this a must??)

There. That’s not too many things, right?? I’ve also been frequenting numerous sites online to try to get ideas of the types of things I want IN an apartment. For some reason I really like this set-up…although maybe a little more room. Ignore the squiggly blue line…

see? 1/2 wall kitchens can be cool in smaller apts. This is one I found on http://www.apartmenttherapy.com