Crestwood Apartment Homes

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit At Crestwood

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:18:53 GMT

At Crestwood Apartment Homes , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us.

1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App

The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs:

Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card.
Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow.
Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime.

2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinat a

Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata.

How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.)

3. More Ways the App Helps You

Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Lake Forest community. You can:

Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs.
Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details.
Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents.

At Crestwood Apartment Homes , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.

The Top Holiday Events this Season Near Lake Forest, CA

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:15:35 GMT

Who said it’s not the holidays without snow? If you’re seeking a warmer place to spend this holiday season, consider visiting Lake Forest, California. Trade heavy jackets, mittens, and snow for lightweight cardigans, sandals, and sand. California’s mild weather allows for more opportunities to spend time with your loved ones enjoying outdoor festivities.

For those who are unfamiliar with the area, we’ve created this holiday guide to give you the inside scoop on the best holiday activities, performances, shopping events, and volunteer opportunities. If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays near Lake Forest, California, keep reading!

Fun-Filled Activities

There are so many holiday activities near Lake Forest that can help you feel the holiday spirit. Here are a few of our favorites.

Winter Fest OC : Southern California’s largest winter festival will be at the OC Fair and Event Center from November 24 through January 7. Enjoy a massive tubing slide, snow play area, carnival, and market, along with more than 1 million lights at this amazing winter wonderland. Take your family on a North Pole journey, play snow games, and end the evening with a photo booth.

Christmas in the Canyons : Looking for old-fashioned Christmas cheer? Located 20 minutes up the canyon in historic Silverado, Christmas in the Canyons offers hayrides, caroling music, craft vendors, tasty food, and a Santa Claus photoshoot! This is the perfect opportunity to support local artists while embracing holiday festivities with a country twist. Enjoy a country holiday at the Silverado Community Center on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Live Performances

There’s something about live performances that brings the holidays to life. Beautiful music paired with dazzling costumes and stunning scenery always makes for a great holiday event. Here are a few must-see holiday performances near Lake Forest.

Holidays Around the World : Celebrate the holidays with a multicultural experience from around the world. Musical acts and dance performances will be showcased at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza on December 10. A variety of performances will display holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. The kids will also love doing crafts and playing in the snowfall in the Plaza.

The Nutcracker : Don’t miss American Ballet Theatre’s annual production of The Nutcracker, starting on December 8 at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa. Journey with Clara as she befriends a nutcracker prince, helps defeat the evil Mouse King, and travels to the Land of Sweets. You’ll fall in love with the choreography and live orchestra as you watch the stage transform into a winter wonderland.

Shopping Events

Don’t wait until it’s too late to finish your holiday shopping! Here are some of our favorite shopping events near Lake Forest that offer unique items and gifts.

Mission Viejo Gifts & Goodies Holiday Boutique : For more than 50 years, Mission Viejo has been organizing Goodies Holiday Boutique every holiday season. Hosted at the Murray Community Center on November 18, this holiday extravaganza will feature specialty items, holiday decor, ornaments, and more from over 80 local artists. Enjoy free parking and admission and get ready to shop until you drop!

Christmas Tree and Holiday Market : Skip the Clark Griswold Christmas tree hunt this year and let Tanaka Farms do the hard work for you. Tanaka Farms in Irvine is your holiday destination for Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. Take your pick from a variety of Christmas fir trees straight from the farm in Oregon. Grab some wreaths for the door, garlands for the staircase, and even rustic decorations for the table.

Service Opportunities

One of the best ways to experience the holiday spirit is by serving others, but sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re interested in spreading some holiday cheer to those in need, consider one of the following events:

Santa Claus for a Cause : For our avid runners, Santa Claus for a Cause on December 16 in Huntington Beach is the perfect opportunity to help others while doing an activity you love. Register for the 5K or 10K run, and don’t forget your Santa suit or ugly sweater! Proceeds will be used to provide Christmas dinners to families in Africa and help support the ranch pets at Miss Pam’s Ranch. If you’re unable to attend the race, you can help the organization by donating toiletry items, health care products, and books.

Orange County Food Bank : The OC Food Bank partners with over 300 charities to end hunger and malnutrition in our Southern California communities. The organization serves low-income families and individuals and distributes over 23 million pounds of food each year. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, visit their website to learn more about how you can help those in need this holiday season.

Safety Celebration Protocols

Holiday celebration is meant to be fun, and one way to ensure that your experience is positive and light is to follow safety celebration protocols. While everyone loves a pumpkin- or pine-scented candle, it’s important to light and enjoy candles safely. On average, 21 home candle fires are reported each day, and Christmas is the peak time for candle fires. We ask that you never leave a candle unattended and that you blow all flames out before leaving your home.

Additionally, live Christmas trees can also be a fire hazard. To ensure your safety, please water your tree regularly to prevent it from drying out, keep all open flames away from the branches, and turn off any decorative lights when you go out. Following these protocols will ensure that you have a happy and safe holiday season!

For those who will be spending the holidays near Lake Forest, California, refer to our holiday guide for the top holiday events nearby. Embrace the festive season by participating in local activities, watching live performances, attending holiday shopping events, and taking advantage of service opportunities. We at Crestwood Apartment Homes hope your holiday season is merry and bright!

How to Puppy-Proof Your Pet-Friendly Apartment

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:55:00 GMT

Bringing home a brand-new puppy can be just as stressful as it is exciting. How do you potty train your fluffy friend? Which toys are the best? How do you pick the right food? In addition to these questions, one thing you should think about is how to puppy-proof your living space.

Similar to baby-proofing, puppy-proofing involves preparing your space so it’s safe for your new puppy. Before you pick up your furry companion, follow these three tips to puppy-proof your pet-friendly apartment.

Designate a Space for Your Puppy

Set aside a safe space in your apartment for your new pet to enjoy. Whether that space is near your laundry room, at the foot of the bed, or in the corner of your living room, it should be a place for your dog to relax and sleep. If you plan to crate your dog when you are gone, this space would be the perfect place to keep it. Here are some other items to consider adding to the area to make it cozy and inviting:

Designating a safe place for your puppy will help it acclimate nicely to its new home.

Remove or Hide Toxic Items

At Crestwood Apartment Homes , we love house plants. Not only do plants help clean the air, but they make lovely decorations! As pretty as house plants are to look at, though, some types of greenery are toxic to dogs , including tomato plants, aloe vera plants, and ivy. If you have any of these plants in your home, it’s best to remove or hide them where your new puppy can’t reach.

Likewise, certain foods are toxic to dogs, and if eaten in bulk, can harm your furry friend. Items such as avocados, citrus, grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate contain substances that aren’t good for your pup. We recommend cleaning up quickly after mealtimes, not leaving food in areas where your puppy can reach, and storing baking items such as chocolate in upper cabinets. Doing so can help protect the health and well-being of your cute pet!

Use Child-Proof Locks

If this is your first experience as a dog owner, you’ll learn that dogs have a great sense of smell. In fact, it’s believed that their sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than a human’s. Considering this information, it’s no surprise when a puppy sniffs out food under the couch, treats on the table, and trash left outside.

To fully puppy-proof your pet-friendly apartment, consider buying child-proof locks to put on your lower cabinets and drawers. Doing so will prevent your pup from getting into medication, skincare items, trash, and cleaning supplies, and it will help ease your nerves while you are away.

Bringing a new puppy home can be exciting and stressful at the same time. To have a smooth transition, we recommend puppy-proofing your apartment to protect your new fluffy friend. Designate a safe area for your puppy, remove toxic items, and child-proof lower cabinets and drawers. Doing these tasks will help make pet ownership paws-itive and fun! And of course, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Lake Forest, California, give us a call !

Lake Forest Spotlight: Heritage Hill Historical Park

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:18:00 GMT

When you think of sunny California, you probably think of sandy and rugged beaches, National Parks, palm trees, the Boulevard, and Disneyland. While those are some of the things we love most about living here, we also love finding new places to explore that are a little more hidden from plain sight. For example, here in Lake Forest, one of our favorite places is Heritage Hill Historical Park.

Heritage Hill Historical Park features over four acres of land with beautiful, fully restored and furnished historic buildings. These buildings represent the rich history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro areas, with some buildings built as far back as 1863. Not only is the site a peaceful staple of the area, but it’s also free for public use. Keep reading for more information about our favorite historical site in Lake Forest.

A Brief History of Heritage Hill Historical Park

The history of Heritage Hill goes all the way back to the 1840s when the Mexican government provided land grants to Don Jose Serrano in 1841 and 1846. By 1863, the family had built their first home, the Serrano Adobe, on their land. Over the years, the Serrano Adobe passed through several hands until it was eventually given to the Whiting family. The first restoration to the adobe was completed by the Whitings in 1932, and it became an official State Historical Landmark that same year.

After its restoration, the Serrano Adobe was used as a vacation home for the Bakers. In 1969, the Bakers not only sold their 5,000-acre ranch, but they also donated the Serrano Adobe to a public agency to be preserved. Finally, the adobe was donated to Orange County, and the 4.1 acres of land were officially developed into a historical park. Thus, one of our favorite historical sites was born!

Things to Do at Heritage Hill Historical Park

One of the highlights of the historical site is taking a guided tour. Not only are they the only opportunity to walk through the buildings themselves, but they also provide information about the Saddleback area through important events, artifacts, and people. Even better? There are no fees for entrance or public tours at the park.

Besides offering four free walk-in tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m., Heritage Hill Historical Park also hosts special celebrations throughout the year. With Rancho Days Fiesta, Victorian Christmas, Candlelight Tour, and Autumn Harvest Festival, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy history all year.

What Makes Heritage Hill Historical Park Special

Heritage Hill Historical Park is the best place in Lake Forest to learn about the history of California. Not only are tours informative and interesting, but the guides are also welcoming and knowledgeable. Plus, the entire staff is dedicated to providing a peaceful and interesting place for the public to enjoy.

Two locations are offered for weddings . They allow pets, have an interpretive center, and offer interpretive programs. Plus, their events provide a special opportunity to connect with your community in a beautiful location.

Don’t hesitate to visit Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest. You won’t regret it! It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of our state and enjoy some time in the sun. If you’re looking for apartments in Lake Forest, California, consider Crestwood Apartment Homes . We would love to welcome you home!

Image Credit: https://ocparks.com/historic-sites/heritage-hill-historical-park

Dive into Summer with These Three Local Activities

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:56:00 GMT

Summer in Lake Forest is a fun time. At Crestwood Apartments , we’re near Disneyland, Los Angeles, and the beach, and our city itself has some great, unique activities. From the Laguna Hills Farmers Market to city-run activities to the Arden Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, here are three of the best activities in Lake Forest, California.

Laguna Hills Certified Farmers Market

Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can buy a variety of delicious local food at the Laguna Hills Farmers Market . There’s fresh fruit, breads, vegetables, dips, granola, oils and vinegars, and more. It’s small but filled to the brim with high-quality products. Head over to the Laguna Hills Mall to check it out!

City Activities, Classes, and Clubs

Lake Forest holds a ton of activities, classes, and clubs . There’s something for everyone! Here are a couple of highlights:

Arden Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

The gorgeous century-old home of Madame Helena Modjeska , a famous actress of Polish descent, is situated in a beautiful grove of live oaks. Today, it is both a California historical landmark as well as a National Historic Landmark. One of our favorite activities in Lake Forest, California, is to explore the grounds. The grounds are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can take a guided tour those same days. Reservations are required, so be sure to book ahead of time.

There are so many great activities in Lake Forest, California—these are just three we couldn’t wait to share. Get out and explore our awesome city, and have a great summer! After you experience these activities, we know you’ll fall in love with Lake Forest. When you do, consider living at Crestwood Apartments .

Crestwood Apartments offers two- and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Lake Forest, California.

Image credit: Orange County Parks

Want an Easy Way to Improve Your Credit Score? Pay Rent Online!

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 23:22:00 GMT

You might not realize it, but your credit score can have a major impact on your quality of life , including where you live, where you work, and more. In today’s society, a good credit score is crucial to living a comfortable life.

Are you looking for an easy way to improve your credit score? Paying rent online is an easy solution! Here is everything you need to know about paying rent online and getting it counted toward your credit score.

Pay Online

If you are paying your rent with a check or going into the office, the first step is to start paying rent online. At Crestwood Apartment Homes , we make this easy for our residents through our online resident portal . Not only is this more convenient, but it ensures that the rent payments are recognized in your payment history that gets factored into your credit score.

Ensure Payments Are Reported

Once you have paid your rent online, you need to make sure your payments are recognized by the credit bureaus and calculated into your report. This can be done through rent reporting, which is “the reporting of monthly on-time rent payments to credit bureaus in order to boost an individual’s credit score,” according to RentTrack . This process doesn’t happen automatically, but using a reporting agency such as RentTrack will make sure your payment is seen by credit bureaus.

Use a Credit Card If You Can

Finally, you can also ensure that your rent is reported by paying rent with your credit card . This makes rent show up automatically in your payment history, and most credit bureaus now include rent payments in their reports. By paying rent on time and in full, you can quickly improve your credit score.

If you decide to pay rent with a credit card, make sure your landlord accepts credit card payments. Here at Crestwood , we accept credit cards and encourage residents to pay with a credit card to get the full benefit of their payments toward their credit.

If you want an easy way to improve credit, implement these adjustments, including paying online and making sure your payments get reported to credit bureaus. Then, you can reap all the benefits of good credit!

AMC Holds Memorial Tree Planting to Honor the Lives of Three Outstanding Employees

Fri, 21 May 2021 15:42:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 22, three AMC properties held memorial tree planting services to celebrate the lives of three beloved and outstanding employees: Salvador Saenz (Serena Vista Apartments in Fountain Valley), Efren Diaz (Countrywood Apartments in Redlands), and Tuesday Beard (Lakewood Manor Apartments in Lakewood).

Salvador was an incredible individual. For 12 years, he came to work with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. From carrying our residents’ groceries to assisting them with their needs, Salvador lived a life of excellence and kindness.

Efren graced our company with his friendly personality, contagious smile, and strong values. His dedication to our residents shone through his actions and words. He was considered the heart and soul of every job because he had no enemies—only brothers, sisters, and friends—and he was an example to us all.

Tuesday Beard was a talented, kind, and dedicated woman loved by every member of her team at Lakewood. After she was hired as a leasing consultant in December of 2017, she quickly gained the recognition she deserved for her hard work and dedication to the community when she won Leasing Consultant of the Year for 2018.

These individuals have positively impacted the lives of so many VIPs across several AMC properties. We are honored to have known and worked alongside them. The beautiful trees we planted are reminders of the amazing legacy they left with us. May we cherish their memory always. Thank you, Salvador, Efren, and Tuesday, for your wonderful examples and kind spirits.

Enjoy a Sustainable Lifestyle at Crestwood Apartments

Mon, 17 May 2021 21:47:00 GMT

Most people have careless habits that they don’t realize are harming our environment. Did you know that 2.5 million plastic bottles are thrown away each hour in the United States? That’s 42,000 bottles per minute, or 695 bottles per second! Throwing away a plastic bottle might seem like a small thing, but when everyone’s doing it, it adds up.

Are you wondering how you can live a more sustainable lifestyle? Read here to learn what we do at Crestwood Apartments to promote a sustainable lifestyle for all our residents.

We Use Less Water

Since California is prone to droughts, we aim to be conservative in our water use. First of all, our property has drought-tolerant landscaping, meaning that we use plants, such as succulents, that don’t require much water. We have also installed a drip irrigation system and replaced some grass and mulch areas with beautiful stone. This saves gallons of water!

We also save on water with our plumbing system. While most toilets use about 3.5 gallons of water every time they flush, our low-flow toilets use about 20 percent less water than regular toilets. Each low-flow toilet can surprisingly save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.

We Use Less Paper and Plastic

At Crestwood Apartments, we use less paper by doing all of our rent payments, service requests, applications, and notices online. This is not only convenient for our residents, but it eliminates the need for unnecessary paper waste.

In our community, we strive to provide quality services to help make your life as a resident a little easier. Visit our new resident portal to pay your rent online, enter a maintenance service request, browse our calendar for upcoming activities, and much more!

We Recycle

A significant way to live green is to recycle. We have recycling bins in our office, and we encourage all residents to recycle as well. Things you can recycle include plastic bottles and containers, empty cans, paper, and flattened cardboard. However, you cannot recycle food, liquid, plastic bags, plastic wrap, or cups with wax or plastic coating.

Near Lake Forest, you can recycle at Ponce Recycling Center . This small effort to recycle can make a big difference for our planet.

We’re Excited to Announce Organic Waste Recycling!

Organic waste recycling will be coming soon to our local community, and we can’t wait to participate! This initiative will help keep millions of pounds of food waste out of landfills and turn them into compost and renewable natural gas. You can learn more about organic waste recycling here . We’ll keep you up to date as this program expands throughout the state.

The more people that strive to live a sustainable lifestyle, the more we can collectively reduce the impact on our environment. If you are looking for apartments in Lake Forest where you can live a sustainable lifestyle, check out Crestwood!

Looking for Apartments in Lake Forest? Here Is Why Crestwood Is the Best Choice

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:35:00 GMT

The rich heritage of Lake Forest is preserved and enhanced in this contemporary city, providing a beautiful place to live for those looking for a suburban feel for their new home. With historic parks and houses, golf courses, wineries, and delicious restaurants, there are so many ways you can enjoy the sunshine and spend some quality time with your favorite people without traveling too far from your home.

We love living in Lake Forest, and we think you will too. If you’re searching for apartments in Lake Forest, Crestwood Apartment Homes could be the best place for you because our apartment homes are fun, spacious and quiet, and convenient. Keep reading to learn more about Crestwood and why you might have just found your dream home.

Fun

Located in South Orange County, our apartment homes in Lake Forest offer access to a wide variety of fun and exciting activities. With Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm about 30 miles away, you can spend your days soaking in the sun once they open in April and May , or enjoying the amenities throughout our grounds. For days when you’d rather hang out in our community, we offer the following amenities to ensure you live a happy life here:

As a pet-friendly community, we are also proud to provide a happy environment for you and your furry friends. We have a thoughtfully designed pet policy in place to make sure your pets enjoy your new home as much as you do.

Spacious and Quiet

Crestwood Apartments are also nestled in a quiet area of Lake Forest, which means you can have all the privacy and beautiful views you need—right in your backyard. Our courtyards are wide and lined with garden walkways, allowing you to enjoy all the time and space you need outside while breathing in the eucalyptus trees and fresh air.

Even when you’re inside, our two- and three-bedroom floor plans are spacious and provide plenty of space to spread out. Our apartments are newly renovated and feature custom cabinetry, energy-efficient appliances, private balconies, Nest thermostats, and more.

Convenient

Not only are we located closely to attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, but we are also conveniently located only driving distance from Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo Lake, and Irvine Spectrum. With outdoor attractions like swimming, hiking, golfing, and horseback riding all located in Lake Forest, you will never run out of places to go and things to try.

In addition to many options for fun, we are also conveniently located near Interstate 5 Freeway, which means you can easily get to any location within California that you may need.

Lake Forest is a beautiful place to live, especially if you love the outdoors. If you’re searching for a new home and are looking for apartments in Lake Forest, Crestwood may be the perfect option for you. Reach out today to schedule a tour and explore the possibility of making this your new home!

Three Local Restaurants to Try in Lake Forest

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:47:00 GMT

Lake Forest is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces, and we’re lucky to have some pretty great restaurants, too! We at Crestwood have put together a list of three of our favorite local restaurants for you to try this weekend. Check them out!

Kanji Japanese Cuisine

One of our favorite local restaurants is Kanji Japanese Cuisine , which serves sushi and other delicious Japanese food. Located just eight minutes away from us on 21212 Bake Parkway in Lake Forest, Kanji has a little something for everyone.

For sushi lovers, there’s everything from the classic California, spicy tuna, and sunset rolls to the more unusual rolls like popcorn (California with fried crawfish, green onion, and masago) or salmon skin (with salmon skin, avocado, and cucumber). For anyone who’s not as keen on sushi, there’s teriyaki, noodle soups, and tasty barbecue bowls. They also have an all-you-can-eat option!

They aren’t open all day every day (their hours are 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Tuesday–Friday and 4:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), but you can always count on them for friendly service at lunch or dinner!

Hole in the Wall Burger

We all have our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant; there’s just something overwhelmingly charming about them! Hole in the Wall Burger at 25262 Jeronimo Road in Lake Forest wears that title proudly. They are just eight minutes away from us, and their simple menu means if you’re hungry, you’ll be eating in no time.

Their burgers are similar to In ‘N Out’s, but they take it up a notch with bigger sizes, super fresh veggies, and their own special sauce. They serve a California Burger, Hole in the Wall Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, and Spicy Chicken Sandwich. You can also order a tasty Carne Asada Taco Plate or Pollo Asado Taco Plate. Give them a try!

Biagio’s Italian Restaurant

With all the scrumptious Italian options you could hope for and All You Can Eat Spaghetti Sundays, Biagio’s Italian Restaurant is a great spot for casual family dinners or more formal celebrations. They’re just 10 minutes away from us at 24301 Muirlands Boulevard in Lake Forest.

This family-owned restaurant serves everything from a classic pepperoni pizza to linguini with clams! For anyone who’s not a fan of Italian cuisine, there are options like rib-eye steak with French fries or grilled chicken salad. For dessert, try their homemade cannoli, tiramisu, or cheesecake. Yum!

From sushi to burgers to Italian fare, we have some amazing local restaurants super close to us at Crestwood! Check out one of these three spots and let us know what you think.

Picture credit: Hole in the Wall Burger

Three Self-Help Exercises to Utilize When Setting Goals

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:51:00 GMT

Here at Crestwood Apartment Homes, our goal is to help you live happily! And that goal is especially on our minds as we begin 2021. So we thought we’d talk a little bit about how to set and reach goals as we work together towards a happier life. Here are three goal-setting exercises to help you get started.

Set Your Goals Backwards

Not sure where to start to reach your ultimate goal? Try working backwards! This tip is known as Backward Goal Setting.

As PositivePsychology.com explains, “With Backward Goal Setting, you start with your ultimate end goal (quite similar to traditional goal setting). But instead of thinking about what the first step might be, then the second, third and so on, you start at the end goal and work backward.”

In other words, this technique helps you dream big without getting overwhelmed. Give it a try!

Fill Out a SMART Goals Chart

When you set a goal, you want it to be SMART! SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based. Here are more details on this goal-setting exercise:

Try One of These Goal-Setting Apps

We are so fortunate these days to have so many helpful apps at our fingertips. Here are some great ones for goal setting.

If your goal has to do with money, try one of these:

Want to improve your fitness? Give one of these apps a try:

If you’d like to improve your goal setting skills in general, these apps may be helpful:

Our goal is to help you live happy. What’s your goal? Let’s try these goal-setting techniques together and make our 2021 the best it can be.

The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Communities and What That Looks Like at Crestwood

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 18:47:00 GMT

Animals are a big part of families all around the world, and having a pet is only getting more popular. In fact, nearly 85 million homes across the United States have some sort of pet. If you have a pet or are considering getting one, finding a pet-friendly living situation is essential.

Finding a pet-friendly home means more than just a location where your dog, cat, or goldfish can live. At Crestwood Apartments , we offer pet-friendly amenities such as green space, waste stations, and more to help you in your pet ownership journey. Here’s why a pet-friendly community is so important, what Crestwood can do for you and your pet, and how to make the most of our accommodations.

Supporting Your Health

You may not realize it, but your pets can actually keep you healthy. Pets help your mental health by providing social support and lowering your stress levels. They can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, so you can live a longer and happier life. Owning a dog gives you a reason to go for walks, which gives you a chance to exercise and maybe even meet new people. A pet-friendly community gives you the support you need to have animals in your life and reap the rewards of owning a pet.

Owning a Pet at Crestwood

At Crestwood, it is important to us to make your home a welcoming place for your family, and we know pets are part of the family too. That’s why we allow small dogs (25 pounds or under) to cats, fish, birds, and small, caged pets. It is important to note that we have dog breed restrictions due to size and behavior traits. Additional or other pets must be approved by the management—only authorized pets with the owner’s approval are allowed on the premises.

Giving Your Pets Room to Roam

You don’t need to own a Great Dane to know animals like to have their space—and yours too, while they’re at it. We’re happy to be able to give your pets lots of space, inside and outside your home. Our two- and three-bedroom apartments provide a lot of room for your Shih Tzu to run its little legs off, and your tabby can have its own space to sun itself (and perhaps even allow you to scratch its belly from time to time). You are welcome to explore the beautiful ground with your leashed pet, and we provide several pet waste stations around the property to help you clean up after Fluffy. And if you ever need more space, Barker Ranch Dog Park is less than 10 minutes away, an excellent dog park with a separate entrance for small dogs and water stations for your pup.

At Crestwood Apartment Homes, we believe your pet is an integral part of your family, and we offer pet-friendly policies and amenities to help take care of your beloved animals. Come home to Crestwood, where your two- and four-legged family members can create memories to last a lifetime.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Appliances before the Holidays

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:43:00 GMT

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and people all over the country are making plans for delicious meals. There are plenty of things to stress about as you prepare, but you shouldn’t let appliance issues be one of them.

Putting holiday home maintenance services to use can help you avoid appliance meltdowns over the holidays. With a little work ahead of time, you can see to it that your appliances make your life easier. Here’s how holiday home maintenance services can help you stress less.

Give Your Appliances a Scrub

It’s not uncommon to have trouble with an appliance now and then. In fact, a large Consumer Reports survey found that 6 percent of respondents reported problems with cooking elements not lighting or heating up on ranges, while 5 percent of people reported refrigerators that didn’t cool properly. An even larger 11 percent of people said their dishwashers stopped properly cleaning.

Cleaning out the refrigerator or scrubbing the oven isn’t anyone’s favorite job, but keeping appliances clean is essential. Not only does it feel good to see your face in the shiny reflection of your fridge, but performing regular cleanings can keep appliances in good working order.

Take some time in the coming days and weeks to pull the fridge away from the wall and clean out the dust from the mechanical coils . Deep clean your oven and stove top, making sure all heating elements or gas burners heat and ignite fully. And make sure to clean your dishwasher by setting a single dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack and running a full cycle. These extra steps will help ensure a happier holiday season.

Cook Up a Pre-holiday Storm

The only thing better than a delicious holiday meal is two or three delicious holiday meals. Use appliance checkups as an excuse to perfect your recipes with a few trial runs. Whip up some mashed potatoes and a pie and be sure to check if your oven and stove are on point. Even the dishwasher and fridge can benefit from a trial run to make sure they’re up to the task. If they aren’t, you have plenty of time to get any issues addressed.

Leave It to Us

At Crestwood Apartments , we want your holiday celebrations to be as magical and memory-filled as you envision. To help ensure that seasonal magic, our management and maintenance teams will help if you are having problems with your appliances. If you have discovered that your garbage disposal or a stove burner has quit working, simply visit Crestwood Apartments’ Resident Portal and submit a work order. Our team will schedule a time for the repair, getting you back on track to holiday happiness.

Holiday home maintenance services can transform holiday stress into bliss. Testing out your appliances, taking care of them, and getting issues addressed will help you avoid obstacles when it comes time to cook up your favorite holiday meals. Our staff at Crestwood Apartments is here to assist you with any appliance needs.

Three Good Reasons Why You Should Rent Instead of Buy

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 19:52:00 GMT

If you are looking to move and considering renting, you are in good company. According to RentCafé, 34 percent of America’s population rent their homes. That means there are over 100 million people just like you.

Renting offers many advantages that vary for each person. But, more and more people are recognizing those advantages and choosing to rent. Curious why you should rent? Read on for three of the benefits of renting.

You Have Fewer Expenses to Manage

Finding a new home can be daunting, and the expenses even more so, especially when you buy property. Between maintenance, taxes, insurance, and more, costs add up quickly. Renting, on the other hand, is a set cost each month. This makes renting much more affordable, and most renters agree. In 2019, 82 percent of renters surveyed said renting is more affordable than owning, jumping up from 67 percent the year before.

Right from the get-go, costs are lower when you rent. Buying a home requires a burdensome mortgage and a large down payment of around 20 percent of the total purchase price of the home. When renting, all you pay is rent month to month and a security deposit that is equal to one month’s rent—and that deposit is returned to you when you move out.

Costs also are more affordable over time when you rent. When you rent, you don’t pay property taxes and only have to budget for affordable renter’s insurance. The costs of buying are much higher. As a homeowner, you would have property taxes to pay. In addition, according to a 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute , the average renter’s insurance policy costs $180 per year, while the average homeowner’s policy costs $1,211.

You Don’t Have to Make Repairs

Life is not always easy. Sometimes, the unexpected happens around the house, and you won’t know how to fix the flooding dishwasher or the broken window. When you rent, you don’t need to stress about repairs because they are not your responsibility . For example, at Crestwood , we have a skilled and friendly staff certified to help with your repairs. Our team is there to help you keep your home in tip-top shape.

You Have Freedom to Move

The freedom of renting is one of the main reasons why you should rent instead of buy. Renting allows you to test out an area to see if you like it before you commit to it for the 30-odd years a mortgage requires. This lack of long-term commitment is great for young people who may need to move frequently for jobs. As Robert Pinnegar at the Washington Post writes, for people new to their field, “the ability to relocate is a major factor. Even if they are in a financial position to purchase a home, millennials may choose to rent to have the flexibility to take advantage of new job opportunities as they arise.”

While we aren’t eager to say goodbye, at Crestwood , we know you may need to change your home base. That’s why we instated our loyalty bonus: $250 dollars if you move from Crestwood to another AMC property or vice versa, so we know you are taken care of wherever you go.

With fewer expenses, less responsibility, and greater freedom, it is easy to see why so many have chosen to rent and why you should rent too. At Crestwood , we want to make coming home the best part of your day; give us a visit and see what the benefits of renting can do for you.

3 Things to Avoid at California Beaches This Year

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 04:41:00 GMT

Ready for some fun at the beach? Who isn’t? There’s still plenty of time before the weather gets too cold for a good time in the sand and sun. But before you venture out to any of California’s gorgeous beaches, remember that this is a unique season. Check this list , which is updated regularly, to find which beaches are open. Also, keep social distance a priority. These days, it just has to be done. Here are three things you have to make sure to avoid at the beach:

Sharing Food

Bringing food to share at the beach, like a bag of chips or some fresh fruit, is typically all part of the fun! With COVID-19, however, you’ll want to bring this to a halt for a while, as germs can spread very fast by hand and mouth . You can still bring food, don’t get us wrong. Just add a little bit of extra preparation before you come to make sure your portions are ready for each person you are going to meet at the beach. And make sure to wrap your food. If you need any ideas for some amazing snacks to bring, click here .

Big Groups

Our California beaches are wonderful, amazing, and very relaxing places that are enjoyed by a ton of people. This means you might find yourself dealing with issues that come with overcrowdedness, especially at the more popular beaches near Lake Forest . Guidelines say to stay at least six feet apart , so perhaps it is best to go during down times, or maybe consider going to one of California’s other beaches.

Close Contact Sports

If you’re used to playing volleyball, frisbee, baseball, or other sports at the beach that require contact with others, you might want to reconsider—unless you happen to live in the same house. We are still learning much about the transmission of COVID-19 , so it is safe to avoid large groups in sports. Instead, you can engage in games that do not require actual contact, such as walking, hiking, surfing, and of course swimming. There are still plenty you can do to have fun at the beach while helping to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Even though this year is very different from any other year prior, we can always have a good time soaking up California’s perfect weather and beautiful sandy beaches. By avoiding sharing your food, overcrowded areas, and contact beach sports, you can do your part to help promote better health.

Wondering How to Improve Credit? Pay Rent Online

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 23:29:00 GMT

Paying rent is a part of many people’s routines, but it can also be a great tool for building credit. In 2017, TransUnion studied 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to credit bureaus and found that they were able to improve their credit score by an average of 16 points within six months. Those with credit scores below 620 benefited the most from doing so.

Paying rent online is an easy way to make sure a record of your consistent, timely payments are being reported to credit bureaus. Here’s a breakdown of how it works.

Ensures Your Payments Are Reported

“Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” according to Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

How do you know your rent payments are being reported to credit bureaus? At Crestwood, our online rental payment system does the work for you. In order to opt in for the credit reporting, follow these steps:

Shows Credit Bureaus What They Are Looking For

Building credit is easy when you know what credit bureaus are looking for. Experian, for example, determines credit scores through the following elements :

Since payment history plays a key role in your credit score, it helps to have consistently on-time and in-full payments reported. That’s where paying rent online comes in handy: You can take a payment you already make on a monthly basis and use it to build a long record of payments for credit bureaus to look at.

Combines with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

While paying your rent online, consider using a credit card for an extra boost to your credit score. LaToya Irby , a credit expert for The Balance, advises, “Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month. The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Paying rent online does not require a credit card, but it does help build a long record of on-time and consistent payments that you make monthly, boosting your credit score.

Ready for better credit? Make the change today and pay rent online using our resident portal . Simply log in and pay. Don’t forget to consider using a credit card to pay rent and boost your credit score even more. Happy credit boosting!

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month by Supporting These Local Businesses

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:05:00 GMT

When you Google “ice cream shops near me” and scroll through the long list of delicious options, all the choices can be paralyzing! In honor of National Ice Cream Month, we rounded up our three favorite local spots for that creamy, cold goodness. Check them out!

Homemade Variety for the Whole Family

About a 13-minute drive to the east of us on Santa Margarita Parkway, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream makes their ice cream fresh each day, and they have lots of fun options! You can get quarts and pints, Handel Pops (a scoop of ice cream covered in gourmet chocolate and served on a stick), a four-scoop sampler for when you just can’t decide, smoothies, and more.

They also have a huge selection of flavors . On top of the classic favorites, some flavors include caramel corn with nuts (popcorn-flavored ice cream with Spanish peanuts and a caramel ripple), grape, and vanilla with lemon Oreo. For anyone with specific dietary requirements, they serve no-sugar-added, fat-free, and vegan options. Take out is available.

Unique Flavors to Satisfy the Tastebuds

Another ice cream shop near us is La Michoacan Premium , located about 10 minutes southwest of us on the corner of El Toro and Rockfield with takeout available. Some of their unique ice cream flavors include marzipan, Snickers, pecan, cajeta, chicle, and tequila. On top of ice cream, they also serve chips, beverages, and paletas, so you won’t leave hungry!

Amazing Ice Cream Creations

At Crestwood , we love any reason to celebrate, especially when there’s ice cream involved! Join us in celebrating this fun national month by visiting one of the ice cream shops near us: Handel’s, La Michoacan Premium, or Afters. Or Google “ice cream shops near me” and let us know what unique finds you come across!

Join us for the Virtual Beach Cleanup – July 25

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 20:11:00 GMT

Every year in September, thousands of people get out and clean up their local beaches. Believe it or not, over 300 million pounds of trash have been collected over the past 30 years.

Inspired by these efforts, members of AMC and their families are putting together a cleanup event this July 25. While we can’t gather physically due to the pandemic, we can make small efforts individually that can lead to big results. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits, the cleanup, and the safety.

The Benefits

Cleaning up parks and beaches is not only satisfying but helps it also helps wildlife and the economy to flourish—and it’s a good physical activity for burning some calories.

Whether you go to Baker Ranch Community Park or Alton Park or take a trip to Laguna Main Beach, you’re making California a more beautiful place to live.

The Cleanup

Once you’ve circled July 25 on your calendar or picked the day that works best for you, it’s time to gather supplies for your cleanup. On top of a reusable water bottle and quick-energy snacks, add these supplies to your list:

The Safety

With coronavirus guidelines still in full effect, your cleanup crew might be a tad bit small this year. If you’re inviting family and friends to join in your cleanup, consider the advice from the CDC and avoid physical contact. And in keeping with California’s new mask mandate , make sure to wear your mask and stay at least six feet apart.

Cleaning up beaches and local parks can really make a difference and is fun. So make an effort to join us on July 25 or anytime during this month. Tag @CrestwoodApartmentHomesLakeForest in your pics and use the hashtag #AMCcleanup and #livehappy. We can’t wait to see the difference you’re making!

4 Fun Summer Activities for Kids

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 21:51:00 GMT

Summertime can be absolutely magical for kids. And, it doesn’t take much to get them excited! Anything involving dirt, noise, experiments, or the outdoors is sure to be an instant hit. Here are four kid-friendly activities to do this summer that check each one of those boxes:

Tend to a Garden

Kids love to play in the dirt—so let them! Plant some seeds in small pots and watch your windowsill garden grow. Or, if you’re not quite ready to commit to letting your little ones grow their own garden, you can still teach them all about the process at the nearby Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab . Here, they’ll have all kinds of hands-on, gardening-geared learning opportunities. There’s truly something to interest everyone—including you!

Get Musical

We all know how much kids love noise! And if that noise is actually music, there are plenty of brain-boosting benefits as well. Create your own instruments , have a dance party with different styles of music, or even delve into introductory music theory together through an online course . It could even be as simple as sharing your favorite songs from your growing-up years with them. Thanks to the incredible nostalgia-inducing abilities of music , you’ll probably enjoy that walk down memory lane too!

Enjoy the Outdoors

Kids seem to often find their “happy place” in the outdoors. Go on a walk around the neighborhood or find a spot at the park and play some fun games together —while practicing social distancing, of course. You could do a water balloon toss, hold a three-legged race, or simply throw the frisbee back and forth. Being outside together will make for a great time while keeping your family active and healthy.

Conduct a Science Experiment

Kids love to experiment with new materials and textures. There are lots of kid-friendly science experiments that use common household supplies that you likely already have on hand. From making snow fluff to a paper hovercraft, there’s something to interest every child. As an added bonus, you may begin to recall some forgotten scientific principles from your school days.

Summer is an exciting time for kids! Try these four fun summer activities with them to make this time even more magical. The time you spend together may very well become cherished memories that will last long past summertime!

There’s No Place Like Your Apartment: 5 Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:21:00 GMT

There are few things as exciting as moving into a new apartment. With a new space, new routines, new places to go, new friends, and new sights to see, you’re starting a fresh chapter in your life. And decorating that new space is so much fun!

Despite how enjoyable it is to decorate, sometimes people don’t know where to add that personal touch to make their new apartment feel like home. But feeling at home in your apartment is vital, so here are our best tips for doing just that.

Use Some Elbow Grease

First things first: give your apartment a deep and thorough clean . Declutter, throw any garbage away, and give all surfaces a good scrub. With your apartment now a clean, blank canvas, you can clearly see where your apartment could use that personal touch.

Get the Lighting Just Right

Have you ever stepped into a poorly lit room and felt sluggish and even down? Lighting , whether good or bad, can affect your mood in many ways. While insufficient lighting can contribute to depression, better lighting can actually help people feel more energized. If the lighting in your space is a little off, experiment with lamps that help you feel relaxed or alert—whatever the situation calls for.

Get Those Sentimental Items Out

Once you have the new place clean and the lighting is just right, get out the sentimental pictures and items that give you warm fuzzies. Doing this will really give your apartment that personal touch as you see familiar memories all around.

Spritz a Scent You Love

Speaking of memory, smell is a powerful way to remember positive emotions and events. Is there a scent that helps you feel calm or happy? Go to the store and look through the air fresheners to find the smells that help you feel great. Spritz your home regularly, and you’ll feel a difference!

Throw Yourself a Housewarming Party

Even if you aren’t finished setting everything up the way you want it, consider hosting a get-together when it is advisable to do so. If you can’t wait, give your friends a virtual tour of your new place! Having people you care about see your home makes it feel more like yours.

The sooner you’re all settled in, the sooner you can feel at home in your apartment. So try these tips and see the transformation!

4 Ways to Keep Your Air at Home Clean

Thu, 14 May 2020 06:22:00 GMT

When we talk about keeping the air clean, we’re usually thinking about the environment and doing our best to stay green. But the air inside your home matters just as much, especially for your health. So in honor of National Clean Air Month, let’s look inside.

Fortunately, cleaning your apartment air is much simpler than closing a hole in the ozone layer. By throwing out bad cleaning chemicals and fighting dust mites, you can keep irritants out of your lungs and live a healthier life.

Cut the Chemicals

It’s a bit of a pickle: You need to clean up pet dander, junk, and dust, but cleaning products can often contain lung irritants. Even walking into a freshly cleaned home can hurt your lungs, and wearing a mask won’t always help. If you use chemicals sparingly, you should be okay, but even better would be to start using vinegar and regular soap with water—anything without fragrance. You should also stay away from glues, paints, hair spray, perfumes, and—believe it or not—air fresheners if possible.

Keep Dust Mites Away

Dust mites love to burrow down into your mattresses and bedding. Using mattress covers, however, and bug-proof pillowcases can be very effective. When choosing your pillow, pick the kind that is made out of foam rubber—not feathers or goose-down. Washing your linens in water above 130°F once a week will also help keep those pesky dust mites away.

Stay Away from Smokers

In the US alone, cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year. That includes more than 41,000 deaths from inhaling secondhand smoke. To protect our residents, we are a smoke-free zone. While you won’t have to worry about smoke inside your apartment, try to stay away from smokers. If you smoke (outside of the apartment, of course), now’s the time to work towards quitting—for the sake of your family, the community, and the air we breathe.

Just like the food you put in your body, you have to be careful about the quality of the air you breathe in your home. Reevaluate your cleaning supplies, fight dust mites, and stay away from smokers. Remember, no one has ever regretted taking care of their health before.

Three Common Courtesies of a Good Neighbor

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:36:00 GMT

Just like people, families have their own personalities. And so do apartment communities! Some are shyer and keep to themselves, while others are more likely to plan and party it up at community functions. No matter the vibe in your building, there are standards of etiquette that apply to all. Here are some tips:

Keep It Quiet

Rule number one: don’t run around and scream at the top of your lungs in the middle of the night. Be courteous to your neighbors who live on the other side of your walls and take your band practice elsewhere.

Instead of honking your horn every time you pull into the apartment parking lot, use your cell phone to get the attention of the person you’re picking up. Or, if you’re picking a special someone up for a date, consider showing how classy you are by knocking on the door.

Make the Outside of Your Apartment Look Nice

Whether it’s your front porch or even the apartment parking lot, the outside area of your apartment sends a message about you and your neighbors. So keep it clean! Throw away your trash. Alert maintenance if there is mold or peeling paint. Make sure that any potted plants or decor don’t creep over into your neighbor’s space.

And when it comes to toys, skateboards, and bicycles, make sure each has a designated place and looks neat. There are times when it’s appropriate to use your patio for an organized storage space and times when it’s better to keep these items inside. When in doubt, check with the office.

Smile and Wave to your Neighbors

Remember those personalities we talked about earlier? If you’re an introvert, it might be hard to introduce yourself to your neighbors. You don’t have to become everyone’s best friend, but do your best to show your neighbors that you’re a friendly, contributing member of society. You’d be surprised just how far a single smile and wave can go.

When you get the opportunity, spend a few minutes getting to know them. If someone ever tried to break into your home while you were gone, would anyone that lived next to you go the extra mile to call you to let you know? Or call the cops for you? Whether or not you care to make friends, getting to know your neighbors can really help you out when hard times come.

Being a friendly neighbor helps everyone involved feel welcome. There’s peace of mind in knowing that you are all surrounded by people who could look out for each other. The community will look more beautiful, and chances are you’ll be more content at your home.

Give Back and Gain New Skills

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:03:00 GMT

Are you looking to take your life in a new direction? Do you feel like it’s time to take that leap of faith? Perhaps having the opportunity to build new skills could be the silver lining amid this pandemic we’ve all been looking for.

Because of COVID-19, opportunities at your job may be currently waning, or maybe you’ve always just wanted to do something a little different? Perhaps you need a change, or you’re at an uncertain or unfulfilling career plateau? Community volunteer work can vastly broaden your exposure and experience to what’s out there where your regular day job doesn’t or can’t.

Volunteering offers a space to connect with new people, experience something new and different, and give back to your community. And, of course, it provides a gamut of new skills to learn.

Ask your colleagues, family, or friends who volunteer. Ask anyone who volunteers—they’ll probably tell you that community service has added more depth and purpose to their lives and has helped them gain new skills that have aided them professionally.

Community volunteer work also gives you a way to reconnect with the professional world after a much-deserved break and an opportunity to charge up your existing skills and talents.

Here are just a few examples of skills that volunteering can help you obtain and develop:

But where to look for volunteer work?

There are plenty of virtual volunteer activities to participate in during COVID-19. It’s not just practice that makes perfect, it’s planning as well. Approach your search for virtual community volunteer work like you’re looking for a part-time job. Let your interests and passions guide your path. Do a self-inventory of your skills, find out how and where you can make a difference, and then seek a role that will help fill in the community gaps.

Looking for the Recipe to Healthy and Happy Living? Try Being More Kind.

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:09:00 GMT

Kindness. We just can’t get enough of it. Millions of us click on viral posts of random acts online: people proudly post images of the exorbitant tip left to an unsuspecting waitress or videos of a rescue team saving a horse from drowning. Even today’s workplaces are exploring the emotional effects of kind acts among coworkers.

“Office culture can be cutthroat and competitive, leading to hurtful criticism, lack of collaboration, and miscommunication,” says Dr. Pragya Agarwal . “However, now we are increasingly talking about wellbeing in the workplace, and bringing an authentic quality to our work, being gentle with ourselves, and with others around us.”

Research shows kindness and well-being are closely linked. Although the benefits to the recipients of kind acts are evident, science is uncovering connections between kindness and one’s health and overall happiness.

If you need an incentive to take the high road when you interact with people, here are four healthy and happy rewards for choosing kindness.

1. Improves Heart Health

There’s a reason why kind people are known for having big hearts—literally. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , the emotional reaction to acts of kindness release the hormone oxytocin.

“Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide in blood vessels, which dilates (expands) the blood vessels,” explains Hamilton. “This reduces blood pressure and therefore oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone because it protects the heart (by lowering blood pressure).” So it seems science proves that having a heart is actually good for it, too.

How can you reap these heart-health benefits? Plenty of studies have shown that social support is associated with better health, including cardiovascular health. So get out there in the community, make friends with your neighbors, and see how it benefits your heart—emotionally and physically.

2. Reduces the Risk of Depression

A study headed by Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we share our time, resources, and other selfless acts, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced, and wellbeing and good fortune are increased.

At Cedars-Sinai , scientists are studying the links between kindness and increased dopamine levels. As dopamine is known for elevating feelings of euphoria, research is focused on the effects dopamine has on mental health.

“Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions,” say doctors at Cedars-Sinai. “The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”

Essentially, practicing kindness increases your dopamine levels, which ultimately helps improve your overall happiness and health.

3. Reduces Anxiety

In a study published by the University of British Columbia Study , a test group comprised of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction, as well as a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. The act itself didn’t need to be big to be effective. Kind acts took larger forms like donating to a favorite charity and small gestures such as putting a quarter in a stranger’s parking meter that was about to expire.

“We found that any kind act appeared to have the same benefit, even small gestures like opening a door for someone or saying ‘thanks’ to the bus driver,” says Dr. Lynn Alden, who led the study. “Kindness didn’t need to involve money or time-consuming efforts, although some of our participants did do such things. Kindness didn’t even need to be ‘face to face.’”

In other words, it isn’t the size of the act that promotes happy feelings but the act itself. When anxiety creeps in, try being more kind. Doing so can help reduce your anxious feelings and replace them with positive ones.

4. May Extend Your Lifespan

Some experts believe one of the keys to a long life is our social network. “What we call loneliness—the feeling that you have no one to turn to, that no one understands you—is a form of stress,” explains Health.com writer Ray Hainer . “And if it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on your blood vessels and heart.” With heart disease being the number one killer among Americans, the connection between improved heart health and avoiding stress contributes to a longer life.

Socializing with purpose also has healthy effects. “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains,” writes Christine Carter in her book Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. “People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”

Looking for a new strategy for better health and happiness? Try kindness. Studies show that performing kind acts have a positive effect on everything from reducing depression and anxiety to longevity. “We all seek a path to happiness,” says Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai . “Practicing kindness toward others is one we know works.”

The surprisingly wonderful benefits of rental living

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:26:00 GMT

If you are considering moving into an apartment, you are not alone. Experts estimate there are just over 43 million renter-occupied housing units in the US. And while renters are renting for a variety of reasons, there are some common perks that renters enjoy.

Here are four of the most common benefits of rental living.

1. Location, location, location

Sometimes, the easiest way to live close to the communities you frequent isn’t to buy property, but to rent. “Renters can live virtually anywhere—a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village or a townhouse in Queens,” says professor of economics Teresa Ghilarducci . “Homeowners are more restricted to neighborhoods they can afford.”

There are certainly times when paying rent over is more expensive than paying a mortgage. For example, many renters will see their lease increase the moment their contract is up for renewal. But in some cases, experts say there are financial advantages to renting in desired locations rather than trying to buy property. “If you live in a market where you can rent an apartment for substantially less per month than you could own a home, you can invest the difference,” explains David Weliver , founder of Money Under 30. “The difference doesn’t have to be huge.”

Weliver presented an example like this: If you compare $1,000 rent per month versus a $1,300 mortgage payment on a comparable home, that generates $3,600 each year that you can save or invest. “And, unlike home equity, those savings are liquid,” added Weliver. “You can use them to build an emergency fund, pay down student loan debt, or fund a retirement account. None of which you can do with home equity.”

2. Awesome amenities

Most of us haven’t included installing an in-ground pool on our to-do list. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t enjoy having access to recreational amenities like a swimming pool, a fitness center, or tennis courts. And today’s rental properties are offering even more options to entice would-be renters.

Some of the more popular features include onsite laundry facilities or a washer and dryer within the unit. Many offer cable or satellite television and free Wi-Fi. Others offer fully-furnished units. And as a person just starting out on their own, having options for these types of services can help the transition to apartment living.

3. Flexible career options

The workplace model is changing, with more employees at varying job levels working from their homes. Experts estimate that almost half of the US workforce works remotely. But that also means employees are more mobile. And that is where the convenience of renting a home or apartment works well. Renting gives workers the freedom to move more frequently than they could otherwise. Additionally, some apartment communities offer amenities for workers. In some of our communities, for example, we offer dedicated workspaces, perfect for individuals who work remotely.

Have job, will travel. That’s an effective way to set the pace for job promotion or move to a better job opportunity should the need arise. “You need to be able to credibly leave a job to be well treated by employers,” says Ghilarducci . “Mobile workers can move for a pay raise or to make a career move.”

4. A sense of community

There are varying degrees of socializing among renters. You can be as social or reclusive as you choose; the fact remains that you are sharing common space with other people. Whether it’s the parking lot, the pool area, or the fitness center, apartment living offers a unique opportunity to befriend your neighbors.

“Apartment buildings draw an array of residents and visitors. Your neighbors, their families, their friends, their delivery people, and anyone offering an at-home service will pass through your shared entryway. Your children will learn to share a space with these people—and perhaps even open the door for them,” says Natalie Saaris , writing for Zillow. “While living in an apartment may deprive you of the privacy of a standalone home, the feeling of community may more than compensate for the loss.”

Whether your apartment is a temporary arrangement or a permanent decision, the benefits of apartment living offer pleasant and financially strategic opportunities for you.

Reasons why setting goals is a good thing

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 03:12:00 GMT

Don’t let New Year’s resolution failure fool you. Setting goals is a good thing.

Let’s talk about goals.

Wait! Not New Year’s resolutions. I mean regular, everyday goal setting; those goals that you can (and should) start at any time. Although around 80 percent of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions, setting a goal—a SMART goal—will make you feel better. And in some cases, literally.

A SMART goal is a task based on something Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. And while resolutions may bite the dust two months after we set them in place, the truth is that almost half of us (40 to 45 percent) continue to make goals for ourselves each year.

We, as humans, struggle with following through on New Year’s resolutions. But the practice of continually setting goals is a good thing. Here are six reasons why.

Do you know how it feels to merely coast through life, where you find yourself simply reacting to things? When you target your energies into achieving a specific goal, you are forcing action.

“ Goal setting helps you align focus with behavior because you get feedback on your progress,” says Forbes contributor Jeff Boss . “The actions you take—or avoid—offer clues about your values, beliefs, challenges, strengths and weaknesses which allow you to course correct as necessary and reset your goal achievement strategy (and subsequently, your focus).”

Goals that truly make an impact are those that are specific and follow a timeline toward completion. For example, instead of making a goal to be thinner, a well-thought-out goal will include a series of smaller goals that encourage weight loss and are arranged over a month, a year, or two even years.

“ Think of your goal as the destination. Now think of each step you take toward that goal as a smaller yet attainable step to get you there,” explains Dave Richards , a performance and leadership coach. “If your goal is to launch a business someday, your smaller steps would include defining your products or services or getting funds to start up.”

There is no better feeling than one of accomplishment. And when you set attainable goals, your success at achieving those goals is an incredible boost to your self-esteem. Keep in mind the operative word here is “attainable.”

“By setting goals and achieving them, you send a signal to your brain that you are successful which builds confidence and pride in yourself and that helps build your self-esteem,” says Jennifer Silvershein . “We all love to feel accomplished and meeting or exceeding your goals does just that.”

By setting up a primary goal, which is your main objective, and secondary goals, which are the stepping stones that move you toward your primary goal, Silvershein believes “you can set yourself up for success with the right mindset and the right tools.”

This process of identifying a primary goal that’s supported by secondary goals boosts your self-image. But it can also stave off mild forms of depression. “ Setting goals and targets can sometimes help when a person is feeling demotivated,” reports Jayne Leonard . “However, it is important to make sure that goals are achievable, specific, and realistic.”

For instance, a goal to no longer be depressed may not be all that successful as a stand-alone goal. But setting a goal that is proven to help treat minor forms of depression, such as to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables every day or exercise daily, makes reducing or eliminating depression an added benefit to your primary goal, which may be losing twenty pounds. This brings us to the next benefit: your health.

Of Inc.com’s ten top New Year’s resolutions of 2019, five dealt with improving our health. So while we may not always follow through on those resolutions, they are certainly on our minds. In fact, out of the 2,000 people surveyed, 71 percent of them wanted to eat healthier in the coming year. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed planned to exercise more, and over half (54 percent) hoped to lose weight. Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, making conscious goals about lifestyle changes will have a positive impact on your overall health.

“Staying engaged in life as you age is essential for your health,” say experts at Harvard Health . “Goals should revolve around a purpose in your life: What matters to you now? What is important?” Once again, setting up a SMART goal will help connect your goals with a meaningful outcome within a specified amount of time. And when it comes to goals about your health, the end result feels great.

Let’s consider for a moment what the process of setting goals is doing. According to research by goal-setting theorists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, goals not only affect behavior and work performance, but they also ignite a desire to put forth a higher and more persistent effort. And because with every action there’s a reaction, people around you are impacted by your efforts.

For example, if your goals are to be more productive and efficient at work and to manage your time better, you’ll likely return home sooner. Depending on what goals you’ve made regarding your habits at home, your family will benefit from the time you are able to spend with them. Perhaps you’ve made a goal to be more patient or a better listener. Those efforts impact others.

You will likely see similar positive effects if you have a goal to volunteer in your child’s school every month or plant a vegetable garden and share your harvest with neighbors. And as the cycle of goal-setting continues, you’ll be motivated to set more goals because of the positive feedback you receive from those who’ve benefited from your efforts. See? Win-win.

Don’t let the bad publicity surrounding resolutions fool you. Setting goals is a good thing. Nothing else is more effective and empowering than setting goals that improve your health, quality of life, focus, and contributions to the things you care about most. So let’s hear it for the new year and make it a goal to ensure it’s the best one ever.