The Ultimate Apartment Checklist: Does Your Current Lease Measure Up?
The 7 "Must-Haves" You Didn't Know You Needed (Until Now)
Finding a new home is one of the most exciting—and exhausting—things you can do. You spend hours scrolling through listings, saving your favorites, and scheduling tours. But after seeing the third or fourth community, they all start to blur together. Was it the first place that had the granite countertops, or was that the second one? Did the third one have a garage, or was that the one with the carports?
It is easy to get overwhelmed and just "settle" for a place that meets most of your needs. But we believe you shouldn't have to settle. Your home is where you unwind, entertain, and recharge. It should check every single box on your list—and maybe even a few you didn’t know you had.
To help you navigate your search, we have put together the Ultimate Apartment Checklist. This isn't just about the basics; it’s about the features that actually change how you live day-to-day.
The "Elbow Room" Test (Square Footage)
Most modern apartments are shrinking. It is becoming common to see "luxury" two-bedroom layouts that barely crack 900 square feet. That might be fine for a minimalist, but if you have a sectional sofa, a dining table, or a work-from-home setup, things get cramped quickly.
The Checklist Item: Does the floor plan offer over 1,500 square feet of living space?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Pass with Flying Colors. This is our biggest secret weapon. Our residences are not typical apartments; they were built with condo-style living in mind. Our layouts go up to a massive 2,200 square feet. That is bigger than many starter homes in Indianapolis! We are talking about true "house-sized" living without the hassle of mowing the lawn. You have room for a full dining set, a home office (or two), and plenty of space to entertain guests without bumping elbows.
The Winter Weather Factor (Parking)
We all know what Indiana winters are like. One day it’s 50 degrees, and the next you are scraping a layer of ice off your windshield before your morning commute. When you are looking for a new home, don't just ask if there is parking—ask what kind of parking it is.
The Checklist Item: Is there attached, climate-protected parking?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Yes. Say goodbye to the ice scraper. We offer an underground parking garage with elevator access directly to your floor. This means you can go from your front door to your car without ever stepping out into the rain, snow, or humidity. It offers peace of mind for your vehicle and unbeatable convenience for you. Grocery runs in the rain? No problem.
The "Work From Home" Setup
Remote work isn't just a trend anymore; for many of us, it’s a permanent lifestyle. But trying to take a Zoom call from your kitchen island while your dishwasher is running isn't ideal. You need a space that fosters focus.
The Checklist Item: Is there dedicated space for a home office that isn't the bedroom?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Yes. Because our floor plans are so expansive, many of our residences feature "bonus rooms" or dens. These spaces are perfect for setting up a dedicated home office that is separate from your living and sleeping areas. When the work day is done, you can close the laptop and actually leave the "office" behind—even if your commute is just walking down the hall.
The "Active Lifestyle" Check
Almost every community lists a "pool" on their website. But are there unique ways to stay active outdoors without having to drive to a public park?
The Checklist Item: Are there unique outdoor recreation amenities?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Yes. While we have a convenient fitness center for your daily cardio needs, our outdoor amenities are where the lifestyle really shines. We feature a beautiful swimming pool with a spacious sundeck, perfect for relaxing on weekends. But the real standout is our private tennis court. It is a rare find in apartment living! Whether you are a seasoned pro or just want to hit some balls around for fun, having a court right in your backyard is a luxury you won't find everywhere.
The Laundry Standard
In many apartments, laundry is a hassle. You are either dragging a hamper down the hall to a shared facility, or you are forced to buy and move your own heavy machines. In a true luxury home, convenience should be standard.
The Checklist Item: Does the home come with a full-size washer and dryer?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Yes. We believe your move-in should be as easy as possible. That is why our residences come equipped with full-size washers and dryers. There is no need to visit an appliance store or haul heavy machines up the stairs. You have the modern convenience you need from day one, so you can spend less time on chores and more time enjoying your new home.
The Convenience of Services
Luxury isn't just about granite countertops; it’s about making your life easier. Who handles the trash? How easy is it to pay rent or request repairs?
The Checklist Item: Does the community offer Valet Trash and easy digital management tools?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Yes. We offer Valet Trash service, which is a total game-changer. No more walking heavy bags to a dumpster in the dark or rain—just set it out and we handle the rest. Additionally, we make your life easier with a resident portal that puts control in your hands. You can pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and view community updates instantly from your phone. Our professional management team is responsive and dedicated to ensuring your experience is seamless.
The Neighborhood Connection
You aren't just renting a home; you are joining a neighborhood. You want to be close to the action but tucked away enough to enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Checklist Item: Can I easily access shopping, dining, and nature?
How Pinnacle on Meridian Measures Up: Yes. Our location on North Meridian puts you in the sweet spot. You are minutes away from the luxury shopping at The Fashion Mall at Keystone, the trails at Holliday Park, and the dining at Nora Plaza. Plus, hopping on US-31 or I-465 is a breeze, making your commute to Downtown Indy or Carmel incredibly fast.
The Verdict
If your current housing search feels like a list of compromises, it’s time to raise your standards. You shouldn't have to choose between a good location and a big floor plan, or between garage parking and a fair price.
At Pinnacle on Meridian, we believe you can have it all. But don't just take our word for it—bring this checklist with you! Compare our 2,200 square foot layouts to the competition. Walk through our underground garage. Stand in our spacious living rooms and feel the difference that extra space makes.
Are you ready to see a community that checks every box? We would love to show you around. View our current floor plan availability and schedule your private tour today. Your new home is waiting!
