Renting Paradise

I have been scoping apartments since I moved here. Much like my search for the perfect man, my perfect apartment may not exist. At least, it may not exist in my budget.

My desired locations are: Keaukaha (beach park road), downtown, and Hilo lagoons. My budget is $1200/month including utilities. I am frugal (I had to Google how to spell frugal - thanks brain fog), so I am always tempted by the cheaper options.

I would like an aesthetically (I had to Google how to spell aesthetically - thanks brain fog) pleasing space with a full kitchen and a bathtub. A one bedroom one bathroom would be nice, but I would also be fine with a studio.

Here are my options:

1. Lehua Studio in Wainaku: $800 including utilities

1. Pros

   1. CHEAP!

   2. Very cute

   3. While not my desired location, this is close to downtown and the library and the ocean. I am familiar with the neighborhood.

   4. Full sized fridge and stove

   5. Big closet!

2. Cons

   1. It looks pretty small.

   2. Wainaku is kind of sketchy. My sister once saw someone running up and down her street with a machete.

3. Status: In order to view this apartment, you must submit a rental application and $20 for a background check. I need to print out my paystubs and turn in my rental application, so I can go look at the apartment.

2. Hilo Village studio apartment at Hilo Lagoons: $1100 electric not included

1. Pros

   1. Cute!!!

   2. Desired location

   3. Pool

   4. Full sized fridge and stove

   5. Lanai (patio/porch)

2. Cons

   1. With electricity, it could be over budget

   2. The studios look pretty small

   3. This is a big apartment complex, so it could be kind of loud. I don't do well with loud apartments.

3. Status: Going to look at available units on Monday morning.

3. 700 sq foot studio $1250 - Wainaku?

1. Pros

   1. Good size for a studio

   2. Very pretty

   3. Beautiful kitchen

   4. Beautiful bathroom

   5. Patio

   6. Gated entrance

   7. Utilities and internet included

2. Cons

   1. Top of budget

   2. No bathtub

   3. Unknown location (guessing Wainaku)

3. Status: LL hasn't responded to my request for information

4. Kukuau Apts - 1 bd 1 ba $925

1. Pros

   1. 1 bedroom-1 bathroom = more space

   2. Great downtown location

   3. Good price especially if utilities are included

2. Cons

   1. Ugly cinder block walls

   2. Small (but full) kitchen

So far #1 is my top choice due to the price being so low. However, I would like to see all of apartments 1-3 in person before I make any decisions.

Does anyone have an opinion? Let me know!