Apartment Rat Race

What up with all the competition for apartments here in Denver?

So, after many years of co-habituating (and by many I mean 28) I am finally ready to take the plunge and live on my own. I've never been so excited about anything in a long time. I need the space, both literally and figuratively. I've romanticized the idea of having my own place and ultimately set myself up for disappointment-no not disappointment about living on my own, but how much money "my own" can afford. I don't need much-just a cute, affordable, washer/dryer within arms reach, safe, cool neighborhood, hardwood floors, porch, exposed brick, bath tub-i'd take a hot tub, city views etc. etc. I've been pounding the pavement for the past 2 weeks and literally stalking craigslist. Every time I find what could be a cute place (and of course after I've visualized myself sitting on the couch with my feet up, writing the next great American novel, drinking tea and listening to classical music), I call, I go look at it and one of two things always happen.

1.) the apartment is literally the size of a closet or worse

2.) someone came to check it out 5 minutes before I did and filled out an application before me. ("I'm sorry but someone JUST left right before you got here and she/he/it took your dream apartment right from your fingers")

So, what I have gathered from research in apartment hunting, thus far, in Denver is this: Apparently everyone and their mother is looking for the exact same apartment I am-same price range, same amenities, same neighborhood, same, same, same...

I've decided that I will lower my standards (i.e give up on the hot tub) and take the next apartment that comes my way.

After all your space is what you make it, no? I can create a creative environment, make a living space that screams laid back, relaxed and a high strung-free zone.

currently listening to: Rouge Wave, "eyes"