Best Of...

There are pros and cons to every apartment complex, that’s just how life goes. Living Guide visited and toured to find the “best of” Norman complexes, broken down by the things you find important: bedroom, pool, bathroom, distance to campus, kitchen, living room and distance night life.

We’re going to tell you the best place to throw that wild hot-tub party or -- if you’re a little more on the quiet side -- where to find the biggest bedroom.

One warning, though: Usually every pro comes with a con, so be cautious when picking what characteristic is most important to you.

Pool

Winner: The Cottages

The phrase “resort-style pool” is thrown around a lot when apartment hunting. You see it on the brochure, they’ve made it look like a resort in Bora Bora but you get there to discover a pool donated by Goodwill. The Cottages do not disappoint when it comes to its pool and hot-tub area, making for the nearest thing to a tropical vacation.

Runner-up: Crimson Park

Bathroom

Winner: The Edge

When touring apartments, sometimes the bathroom is overshadowed by the size of the living room or bedroom and it’s easy to not pay attention to how big or small it is. When it comes to bathrooms, yes, size does matter. The Edge provides something larger than an airplane bathroom, unlike the typical college apartment complex. Enjoy the faux-granite, the abundance of space and a bathroom all to yourself.

Runner-up: Crimson Park

Distance to campus

Winner: The Reserve

If you don’t own a bike already, get one. There’ll no longer be a need to purchase one of those overpriced campus-parking passes. It’s a effortless five-minute bike ride from The Reserve, which is also the winner of best bedroom. The only problem standing in the way is a slight patch of ghetto between The Reserve and campus.

"I love how close to campus the apartments are," says Taylor Hartley, zoology senior. "It's so nice not having to worry about parking before class, instead I can just hop on my bike and be on campus in about 5 minutes. Its also super nice on game days because we all know parking is a mess on game days."

Runner-up: Bishop’s Landing

Kitchen

Winner: The Cottages

The stainless steel appliances take the cake in this baker’s extraordinaire. Granted, the appliances are cheap grade but with plenty of cabinet and pantry space, who cares? The pantry looks like a walk-in closet. Perfect for storing your Ramen noodles, Mac and cheese and tuna, because that’s all you’ll be able to afford after paying for the hefty price tag of rent.

Runner-Up: The Edge

Bedroom

Winner: The Reserve

The world is your canvas, or in this case, the bedroom. Fully furnished, have fun and design this beige-walled room with lights, posters and decals. Get even more space by fighting your roommates for the handicap room. The Reserve’s rooms are clean and comfortable with cushy carpet.

Night life

Winner: Key West

Key West takes the night away because of its close location to both Campus Corner and Main Street. Within walking distance of Logan’s, O’Connell’s and Brothers, feel free to party it up every weekend. Your DD turns DW, designated walker, to make sure you walk back to your bed and not accidentally your cute neighbors. Not a drinker? You can walk to Main Street for a burger at McNellie’s.

Runner-Up: The Other PlaceRunner-Up: Avalon

Living room

Winner: The Edge

Worth the price tag, The Edge’s living room is spacious and furnished with a 42” flat screen TV, comfy sofa and chair and a great storage place for the Wii and Xbox Kinect. Or, move the furniture aside and host the back-to-school bash of the semester.

Runner-Up: The Cottages