In January of 2014, United States Admiral and Commandant of the United States Coast Guard R.J. Papp officially designated the city of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin as the "Coast Guard City.". This occurred after a 90-day review coordinated by the United States Congress.
Located in Door County, Sturgeon Bay has a population of about 9,144 according to the 2010 census. It measures at about 11.66 square miles and is located just 44 miles from Green Bay, home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers, which is perfect if you are an American football fan. With its beautiful harbor views, marina and park facilities, as well as its laid-back community, Sturgeon Bay is an ideal place to live.
Moving to Sturgeon Bay
When moving, preparation is always crucial for not only homeowners, but also renters. It would be wise to begin your apartment search several months in advance of your current lease expiring. This will give you adequate time to find the ideal home. Obviously, the size of your family determines how many bedrooms you will need. Using apartment locator services will give you an idea of the options each apartment has available regarding the size of the unit and the amount of bedrooms. They also may list some of the amenities that each apartment complex has on site. Another suggestion would be to physically view some of the apartment units. Walking in the apartment and seeing the rooms, carpet, flooring and kitchen firsthand often gives you a better feel for the place as opposed to seeing pictures online.
In addition to the look and feel of the apartment, you must also consider affordability of not only the monthly rent, but also the security deposit. Most apartment properties reimburse the security deposit once you move out, as long the as the apartment was kept in good condition, so don't go around putting holes in the walls. However, you need to make sure you have enough funds to cover the upfront costs. If the establishment allows pets, there may also be a pet deposit.
Most people begin moving into the new apartment the day of, or around the day the lease begins. Some apartment may allow you to begin moving some of your belongings into the unit a few days before the lease begins, as long as the unit is ready to go.
In most cases, you will need a copy of your driver's license or photo I.D. Additionally, a letter of reference from a previous landlord would be helpful. If the application was filled out online, you will need to bring in the printed document. Depending on the apartment complex, you may also need a letter from employer, recent W-2's or tax returns, vehicle information, and credit report.
Neighborhoods in Sturgeon Bay
Choices are aplenty as there are several nice apartment complexes in Sturgeon Bay.
Marina View Apartments: These apartments have a beautiful view of the harbor and are located near downtown Sturgeon Bay.
Orchard Estate Apartments: This establishment has one bedroom apartments for single people or couples. Two bedroom apartments are also available. This apartment complex features amenities such as on-site management and maintenance, as well as a playground for children.
If you are looking for house rental properties in Sturgeon Bay, there are several nice neighborhoods to choose from. For example:
Lake Forest Park: This neighborhood has nice homes with waterfront views, thus the rent may be a little high for some potential renters. As Lake Forest Park intersects with Canal Road, you will notice the U.S. Coast Guard Canal Station. The Canal Station includes a lighthouse and an off-street parking lot, and is open to the public for fishing and sightseeing.
Knollwood Subdivision: There are also classy rentals here and they may offer lower rent payments. Many of the houses were built in 2012 or sooner and they have nice sized lots, most over a half an acre.
Living in Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay has a wide variety of restaurants and diners. For fancy dining, the Stone Harbor Resort has an elegant dining room and pub that offers entertainment such as live music. McEvoy's Culinaria and Donny's Glidden Lodge Restaurants are always delicious choices. If you are a golf enthusiast, then you will no doubt enjoy the Idlewild Golf Course. While it may not be the Augusta Nationals, this beautifully landscaped course received Golf Digest Magazine's 4-star rating. Shoppers will not be disappointed with a visit to the Third Avenue District. This includes many stores and boutiques with windows allowing shoppers to actively window shop. In addition to stores, there is a nice selection of restaurants and taverns on Third Avenue.