THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2007
APARTMENT GUIDE 3
3
Some students forgo apartments for homes
BY ALLIE WILMES
Finding a place to live can be a sticky situation in Lawrence. With a high demand for housing, many students struggle finding somewhere to call home.
Including roommates, utilities and environment, students have a lot to consider before settling on an apartment or house. Many students find apartments, but for others that isn't an option.
Availability can be a problem for househunting students. For this reason, many students end up buying a house instead of renting.
Buying a house is one investment opportunity for students.
"I thought buying a house was a better investment than renting. Lawrence has great property value," said Jill Johnson, mother of a Basehor, Kan., student.
The KU Department of Student Housing and local apartment complexes such as Legends, 4100 W.24th St.,and
Highpointe, 2001 W. 6th St., come with paid utilities and maintenance. But homeowners are in charge of the upkeep of their property. Upkeep can include anything from roofing to painting and plumbing to landscaping. Jacolby Watts, Hiawatha transfer student, said she didn't mind doing the chores, though.
"I don't mind taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, or even painting instead of paying somebody else to do it for me," she said.
"I like the idea of owning my own house. There aren't any rules like there are at apartments. The only thing I miss that people living in apartments have is the security, pools and recreational centers," Watts said.
Johnson said one important issue was getting a good location.
"The main thing I was concerned with
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