The Ultimate Apartment Checklist: Can You Have "House" Perks Without the Mortgage?

There is a common misconception that if you rent, you have to give up the perks of a private home. You assume you have to deal with noisy upstairs neighbors, park in a crowded lot, and carry your groceries up three flights of stairs.

But what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could have the private entrance, the attached garage, and the quiet neighborhood feel of a house—without the 30-year mortgage commitment?

If you are looking for a home in Westfield that breaks the mold, we’ve created the Cottage Living Checklist. This list is designed to help you find a community that offers "house-style" living with apartment convenience. Print this out, take it with you on your next tour, and ask: Does this feel like a complex, or does it feel like a neighborhood? (We’ve already filled it out for Cottages at Sanders Glen to show you the difference!)

The "No Stairs" Standard (Accessibility)

In most apartment communities, unless you are lucky enough to snag a first-floor unit, you are living vertically. That means hauling furniture up narrow stairwells and listening to footsteps above your head all day.

The Checklist Item: Does the community offer single-story, cottage-style living?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. We are not your typical multi-story apartment building. Our community features single-story cottages that offer a level of privacy and ease you rarely find in rentals. There are no upstairs neighbors to worry about, and no stairs to navigate with heavy grocery bags. It feels open, accessible, and remarkably like a private residence.

The Garage Game-Changer (Parking)

Let’s talk about Indiana weather. Scraping ice off your windshield in February is nobody's idea of fun. While some places offer detached garages (for an extra fee and a long walk), real luxury is driving right into your home.

The Checklist Item: Does the home come with a spacious attached garage?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. Most of our homes feature spacious attached garages. This is a total lifestyle upgrade. You can pull in, hit the remote, and walk directly into your kitchen—dry and warm. It also gives you that extra storage space for bikes, holiday decor, or muddy hiking boots that standard apartments just can't offer.

The "Chef’s Kitchen" Audit (Finishes)

A "cottage" doesn't mean "rustic" or "dated." You want the charm on the outside, but you want modern luxury on the inside.

The Checklist Item: Does the kitchen feature stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. Step inside, and you will find a kitchen that rivals any new construction home. We feature open-concept layouts with sparkling quartz countertops and sleek stainless steel appliances. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just meal-prepping for the week, you have a workspace that is both beautiful and functional.



The Trail to Table Connection (Location)

Westfield is booming, and you want to be connected to the growth. But you also want to be able to enjoy nature without driving to a park.

The Checklist Item: Is the community connected to the Midland Trace Trail?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. Location is everything. We are situated with the Midland Trace Trail right at your doorstep. You can hop on your bike or lace up your sneakers and head straight to Grand Junction Plaza or downtown Westfield. It’s the perfect blend of suburban peace and urban connectivity. You can explore local restaurants for a night out and then walk or bike back to your quiet cottage retreat.

The Laundry Luxury Check

In 2026, no one should have to hoard quarters or drag a laundry basket to a laundromat. A true home has laundry capabilities built right in.

The Checklist Item: Does the home include a washer and dryer?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. We believe in making your life easier. Our homes come equipped with in-unit washers and dryers, so you can tackle laundry day on your own schedule, in the comfort of your own home. It’s a standard convenience that makes a huge difference in your weekly routine.

The Green Space Guarantee

Apartment complexes often feel like concrete jungles—parking lots, sidewalks, and buildings. A cottage community should feel greener, softer, and more open.

The Checklist Item: Is there ample green space to relax?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. Our community is designed with plenty of green space, giving you room to breathe. Unlike dense urban builds, our layout feels open and airy. It’s perfect for walking your dog (we welcome pets up to 70 lbs!) or just enjoying a sunny afternoon outside without feeling crowded by your neighbors.

The Spa-Inspired Standard

Luxury details shouldn't stop at the kitchen. In many apartments, the bathroom is where they cut costs with cheap counters and basic fixtures. You deserve a space that feels like a retreat.

The Checklist Item: Does the bathroom feature premium finishes like quartz?

How Cottages at Sanders Glen Measures Up: Yes. We carry our high standards throughout the entire home. Our bathrooms feature the same quartz countertops found in the kitchen, giving the space a clean, spa-like feel. It’s a small detail that makes getting ready in the morning feel a little more luxurious.

The Verdict

If you are torn between renting an apartment and renting a house, stop compromising. You don't have to choose.

Cottages at Sanders Glen offers a unique third option: the "Cottage Lifestyle." It’s the privacy of a single-story home, the luxury of quartz and stainless steel, and the convenience of an attached garage—all with the flexibility of a lease.

Are you ready to upgrade your lifestyle? Grab this checklist and come see us. Drive into the attached garage, walk the Midland Trace Trail, and see how spacious our open-concept kitchens really feel. Check our availability and schedule your tour today!