Let’s talk splits. A “split” style apartment is one where the living room is used as a second or third bedroom. For instance, a 1/2 split has two bedrooms but no living room. A 2/3 split has three bedrooms but no living room…and so on.
How is this accomplished? Well, while most apartments are laid out in a way where the living room is either open to another room or has a large entry way, a split style apartment will have a door on the living room. This allows both roommates to have their privacy. If you want to save money on BU off-campus housing or find a Boston split style apartment, turn to Encore Realty in Boston, MA, for expert advice.
So, what is the point of renting a split style apartment? Basically, the main reason is to save money. For instance, you can rent a one-bedroom Fenway area apartment for $1,500. You can rent a two-bedroom Fenway area apartment for $2,100. But, if you and your roommate wanted to save on rent and didn’t mind not having a huge place, you could rent a 1/2 split for around $1,700. That’s a savings of $400 total a month or $200 per tenant. Add that up over a year and you’ve got a serious chunk of change in your bank account, whether you’re interested in living in Back Bay or looking at apartments for rent near the Red Line.
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But what about not having a living room? Where will you spend your time? Well, most Boston split style apartments will either have a little foyer area or even a small alcove where you can put a TV or a desk with a computer. Obviously, this space is not going to be grandiose, but remember, you do have to make some sacrifices to save this much money.
Of course, with the right planning, you can each make your bedroom your entertainment area. Try using a futon instead of a standard bed. Fold it into couch mode when you have company over and it’s like you’ve created an instant living room. Just add a TV and a little music. Also, make the bedroom “your own”. Decorate it nicely and it will feel more conducive to entertaining guests when the occasion arises.
We all want a penthouse in the Mandarin Oriental, but so far, they keep rejecting my offer for $1,000 a month. So, sometimes we have to compromise. This is especially true of students looking for Boston off-campus housing. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned…and if you save enough, you can live a much more entertaining life than if you were scraping your wallet just to pay rent for one of the Brookline luxury apartments or Fort Hill apartments you’re eyeing.
For more information on Boston split style apartments, contact an All Access Boston agent today. We have listings for apartments near Tufts Medical School, West End luxury apartments and Boston no-fee apartments that you’re sure to love.
