Going for it....

I crunched numbers last night.  I didn't even have to manipulate it to make the numbers work.  I can feasibly afford to rent the duplex.   It means I can't be careless with my spending as I have been since getting this position.  But it doesn't leave me scrimping every penny either.  I should still be able to put a good portion into savings and have a little over $150 in personal money every month (this is money that pays medical, unexpected or unusual expenses, and non-necessity expenses).  I have gas and food budgeted separately.   I increased my expected utility expenses although I don't know what to budget for water since I don't pay for it now. I talked it over with my mom, who is very good with budgets and she agrees.

I'm still going to see if I can get the rent lowered if I do the yard work. 

The hard part will be coming up with first and last month's rent plus deposits.  Then there is the cost of a washer and drier and, if I'm doing the lawn, a rotary push mower.  There are always expenses in moving.  But, if the duplex is what I want, then I'm going to go for it!

Well Crap!...

The duplex is in Harrisburg, not Junction City.  Harrisburg is a smaller town about 5-7 miles north of JC and it has very few amenities...no grocery store (a small convenience store), no fast food, no gas (or reasonably priced gas anyway)...

Now I don't know what to do.  It's slightly closer to work and probably about twice the square footage, but farther from friends, family, and all amenities.