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So it’s time to make the big apartment decision: Where should you live next? Whether this is your first time renting or your twentieth, it can be a daunting choice. Do you want that place with a ton of amenities that’s a little farther from work? Or do you want a pad downtown that’s in the middle of it all?

We’ve rigged up this Cosmo-style quiz to help you figure out what you should focus on: price, amenities, space or location. Then we’ve color-coded the pertinent information on more than 20 Springfield rental properties and complexes, which were selected by our staff because they had features that made them attractive to college students and young professionals not willing (yet) to brave the real estate market. Also, we’ve provided some advice for getting around your new neighborhood, which may be helpful even for those of you who already live there.

Note: all details, including fees and rent, were current as of 3/25/09. please call properties for exact info.

The GO Apartment Guide Quiz

1. How many rooms do you need?
(Or how many friends regularly pass out on your couch?)
a. 4+
b. 3
c. 2
d. 1

2. How important are “extras” in making a decision on an apartment?
a. Very
b. Kinda.
c. Isn’t wifi something on the menu at
McDonald’s?
d. I’ll just use the public pool, thanks.

3. What’s your price range per month? (Be sure to factor in how much you eat out.)
a. $300-$500
b. $500-$800
c. $800-$1,000
d.$1,000 +

4. How important is it not to have to take a cab home from the bars?
a. I love to walk (but not a straight line)
b. Dad can afford it.
c. I have yellow cab on speed dial.
d. I’m good to drive, officer, I swear!

5. Is dear old Fido, or some other pet, going to live with you?
a. Yes! He’s my best friend!
b. The super will never know he’s there
c. Fido can stay at Mom’s
d. I’m allergic to pet deposits

6. How far, exactly, can you be from Starbucks? (Or work?)
a. Gotta see it out the window
b. I can get my coffee on the drive to work
c. All things in moderation
d. Folgers, baby

7. Let’s talk size. What’s really important here?
a. I want to play stickball in my kitchen.
b. I’d like to at least be able to have my family over for dinner.
c. When it comes to the number of units in a hallway, the more the merrier!
d. I’m cool with my bed being in the living room

8. Just how new does your apartment have to be, anyway?
a. I want to smell the sawdust
b. The walls are supposed to be white, not brown
c. Age gives a place character
d. Is that crown molding, or just regular molding?

Scoring
• Give each answer a point total using this scale: A=5 points, B=3 points, C=1 points, D=0 points
• Write the point values next to your answers.
• Now it’s time to see how important certain aspects are to you. The higher the total below, the more vital the category.

Add Questions 1 and 7 = Space total (represented as ORANGE buildings on maps)       
Add Questions 3 and 8 = Price total  (represented as GREEN buildings on maps)
Add Questions 4 and 6 = Location total (represented as PINK buildings on maps)
Add Questions 2 and 5 = Amenities total (represented as BLUE buildings on maps)