What do you value most in the place you live?

The physical qualities of the apartment or the neighbors that surround you?

I would have to agree, from my own personal experience, there is definitely a sliding scale when weighing these two considerations.

First, the quality of the apartment itself. I think there are a few items that you need to consider:

1. Does the apartment meet the physical space needs of your family? If there is only one bedroom and your family includes yourself, your husband and two children, that's probably not going to work.

2. Do you feel safe in this environment? Are there deadbolt locks? A good sturdy door? A good neighborhood?

3. Are the amenities you desire available at this location? It may be a non-negotiable point that the apartment building has a pool for your use. Or, if you don't own a car, your apartment should be easily accessible to alternative transportation, i.e. bus routes, subway, etc.

Second, how much of a role do your neighbors play in your apartment selection?

1. Are you interested in a particular section of the city based on housing options and style of housing offered?

For example, if you are interested in living in a neighborhood that has a mixture of apartments and single family homes, or maybe a large apartment building in the inner-city, or some grass and trees to offset the mass density of humanity.

2. What is the crime rate in the area? Personally, I value security, both for myself and my living space. So, a neighborhood that is currently the location of a gang war would not be a good choice for me.

3. Do you spend a lot of time in your living space or are you frequently gone? This can affect your choice as well. If you are at home all day and desire quietness, or lots of noise, this could determine where you choose to live.

Or if you work all day and are inundated with noise, and you desire a quiet refuge when you come home, living next door to a rock band who practices all night, is probably not a good option.

During my time as a property manager, we spent a lot of time focusing on community building within the apartment community. To put that in simple terms, thinking of your neighbor as well as yourself.

Respect was one of the cornerstones of our community -- respect for others, for the building and yourself.

It's like living with your family. Remember those days when your mother told you that it wasn't o.k. to punch your brother in the arm or if Misty was doing her homework, George couldn't have the television blaring in the same room.

Much of being a good neighbor is practicing the Golden Rule, Do unto others what you would want them to do to you.

Common courtesy.. sometimes it seems like a lost art.

Education and modeling good behavior ourselves can be a good starting point.

Also, in many cities and in your lease, there may be laws and rules about what is an acceptable level of noise.

In Spokane, there is a Noise Ordinance, about noise after 10 p.m. In our apartment community, we were diligent about enforcing this rule.

Residents who don't get enough sleep don't function well during the day.. this applies to property managers as well. :)

Also, there is a responsibility on your part as a renter to inform management if there is a problem. Alas, property managers and landlords are not mind readers even though you think we are.

Good luck to the reader who made this comment. I agree that your neighbors do contribute to the quality of life in your apartment.

Here's to being a good neighbor!