Le Med Apartment Homes

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Le Med

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:44:54 GMT

At Le Med , 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 Pinata

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 Azusa 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 Le Med , 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.

Celebrate the Season with Holiday Activities in Azusa

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 05:12:00 GMT

The temperatures are cooling to mild and comfortable ranges —it rarely gets too cold in the San Gabriel Valley—and everyone’s gearing up for a magical holiday season. With holiday activities in Azusa, California, and the surrounding areas, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Even though you probably won’t see snow on the ground, you can discover plenty of holiday cheer in Azusa and the surrounding area. You’ll find parades, light displays, Santa visits, and so much more! So grab a cup of cocoa and keep reading to learn about many of the holiday activities in Azusa and close by that you can enjoy this year!

Holiday Activities

Join the Azusa Santa Tour: The Azusa Police Department has a long-standing tradition of hosting Santa in the city during December. This used to be a breakfast with Santa, but in 2020, officers began escorting Santa on a tour through neighborhoods in the city. This tour has since become a favorite holiday tradition for area residents. Watch the police department’s Facebook page for details on this year’s Santa tour or breakfast.

Celebrate with Christmas Music : The holiday season and music go hand in hand. For nearly four decades, Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music has hosted a holiday concert for the public: Celebrate Christmas. At this event, more than 150 musicians gather to perform traditional carols and Christmas songs. The popular annual show takes place at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, which can seat 1,000 people. The 39th annual event gets all jingle jammy with it on December 2, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. and the evening show at 7:30. Tickets range from $20 to $75. For further details, visit the event’s website .

Hone Your DIY Crafting Skills : Do you like to spend time making holiday decorations? The Azusa Public Library hosts crafting classes during the holiday season—either in-person or with grab-and-go kits. Past years’ grab-and-go crafts for kids have included a letter to Santa, a holiday ornament, and a polar bear craft. For adults, it was a DIY holiday ornament. Watch the city’s newsletter for details about the upcoming crafting events. For further information on upcoming craft classes or other library activities, call (626) 812-5146.

Attend the Tree Lighting and Winter Family Fiesta

The annual tree lighting and fiesta are traditional holiday activities in Azusa. Each year, the city gathers for fun and a holiday craft boutique in front of the city hall. The fiesta activities in past years included a synthetic ice rink, bounce house, sled runs, food booths, entertainment, arts and crafts, and more. The city also brings snow! The event culminates with the lighting of the city tree.

Watch the city’s Facebook page and newsletter for details on the 2023 event.

Venture Out into the San Gabriel Valley

Azusa isn’t the only city in the San Gabriel Valley teeming with holiday activities. If you’re interested in traveling a little outside city limits, you’ll find even more holiday fun!

San Dimas: Running Festival - This city is home to the annual Holiday Running Festival . The event this year takes place December 9 and 10, with a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and kids run hosted at Pomona Fairplex.

The running fun starts on Saturday, December 9, with the Holiday 10K at 7 a.m. Next up is the Holiday 5K at 8:30 a.m. The Kids Penguin Waddle starts at 9:30 a.m. The half marathon is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, beginning at 7:30 a.m. If racers run the 5K and half marathon, they’ll complete the Golden Snowflake Challenge. They’ll finish the Triple Snowflake Challenge by running the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. All challenge winners receive a special medal. A prerace Health & Fitness Expo will be held both days from 6 a.m. to noon. Over 9,000 visitors are expected at the Pomona Fairplex during the two days of the popular festival.

Ontario: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Trans-Siberian Orchestra is part-extravagant rock show and part-Christmas storytelling experience. TSO embarks on its annual holiday trek across North America, which makes an Inland Empire stopover at Ontario’s Toyota Arena on Saturday, December 2. This year’s theme is “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More!” Prepare to have all your senses dazzled in two stunning shows at 3 and 7 p.m.

Monrovia: Holiday Parade - The annual Holiday Parade is back in Monrovia! This year’s event starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 7. The route goes north on Myrtle Avenue from Walnut Avenue to Palm Avenue.

Irwindale: Spectacular and Tree Lighting - Irwindale kicks off the holiday season on Friday, December 1, with its annual Christmas Spectacular and tree lighting ceremony! After the mayor lights the tree, stay for snow, a play area for kids, Santa, and more.

Arcadia: Snow Festival - Everybody dreams of having a white Christmas, but they don’t take into account the extra hassle that entails on a day-to-day basis: Scraping car windows, shoveling driveways, being smothered in snowsuits like Ralphie’s little brother in A Christmas Story—the list goes on and on.

Now, what if you could tolerate the snow for one day of fun but switch right back to enjoying that temperate Southern California weather for the rest of December? Not to worry: The city of Arcadia has the answer with its annual free Snow Festival . There will be snow play, a sled run, crafts, train rides, an ugly sweater contest, holiday music, and food trucks. What more could you want? (Pelting a sibling with a fresh snowball, perhaps? You didn’t hear that from us!)

The Snow Day falls on Saturday, December 2, and will take place at the Arcadia Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Glendora: Gingerbread House Decorating - Do you love to decorate gingerbread houses but hate baking the pieces and cleaning up the mess? Then head over to the Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Glendora Public Library! This event happens on Saturday, December 2, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. You can make your own house, take photos with the Gingerbread Man, go on a gingerbread scavenger hunt, and more! The best part? It’s free!

Christmas Parade : This year’s parade will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, in The Glendora Village at Bennett. The route goes down Glendora Avenue, then Foothill Boulevard, and finishes on Grand Avenue to Bennett.

Duarte : Celebrate the holiday season with the Duarte annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Duarte City Hall Courtyard on Thursday, November 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event features crafts, carolers, photos with a jolly dude in a red suit, and treats before the tree lighting, which happens at 7:45 p.m.

Have a Safe Celebration

Don’t forget about safety while you're out celebrating with holiday activities in Azusa.

Before you leave home, make sure your Christmas tree is safe. Never leave the lights on if you’re asleep or not home, don’t use string lights with broken or worn cords, and never light candles on the tree. Every year, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that 160 house fires start with Christmas trees, and we don’t want you to be one of those victims.

Here’s another holiday safety tip: Practice candle safety. Holiday-scented candles can help you get into the holiday spirit, but they can be dangerous, too. Every year, firefighters respond to an estimated 7,610 house fires caused by candles. And guess what? Christmas is the peak candle-fire day. So remember: Never light a candle within 12 inches of anything flammable, and never leave a lit candle unattended.

If you love parades, Santa, holiday lights, crafts, and other holiday activities, you don’t have to look—or drive—very far. Holiday cheer is everywhere in Azusa and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. From all of us at Le Med Apartment Homes , we hope you enjoy these fun and magical holiday activities in Azusa, and we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

8 of the Best Summer Events in Azusa, California

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:43:00 GMT

Helping Your Pet Adjust to a New Apartment

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:50:00 GMT

Moving to a new home is an exciting—and stressful—occasion, and not just for people. About 67 percent of households in the United States own a pet, and those pets will likely go through a few moves of their own. With all of the hard work and preparation we humans put into a move, it’s easy to overlook how hard it can be for our pets.

A change in environment is no small event for a pet. Whether your whole family is moving to a new apartment or a new pet is just moving into your home, the change can have a big impact on your furry pal. At the Le Med pet-friendly apartments in Azusa, California, we want to make sure you and your pets are happy and comfortable in your home. Here are three tips to help your pet adjust to a new apartment.

Introduce Them to the Facilities

One of your top priorities—and your pet’s—is teaching your pet to potty in the right place. Whether you are bringing an older dog with you to your new pet-friendly apartment in Azusa, California, or adopting a new young pup, it’s important to teach them where they can relieve themselves. Put a leash on Fido, head out for a walk, and take advantage of the pet waste stations located conveniently around the Le Med community.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

When you are bringing a new pet home, you may need to make some changes to ensure it is a safe and stress-free environment for them. Just as homes can have hazards for a crawling baby, they can also pose safety issues for a pet. Curious little critters can gnaw on electrical cords, eat food that isn’t properly stored, or even turn your clothes to shreds.

These issues can be a nuisance for owners, leading to stress for your furry friend who keeps finding themself in trouble. Not only that, but chewing, clawing, or eating the wrong things can be downright dangerous for your pal. Do a favor for both of you and make sure your pet can’t get into anything they shouldn’t.

Make It Familiar

Bringing your pet with you to a new apartment or adopting a puppy or kitten can be stressful for them. They are moving quite suddenly to a new location, with unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds. Make their new digs as familiar as you can with a toy or blanket to remind them of home. If you are adopting, ask if the animal had a favorite toy you can bring home. If you and your pet are moving to a new place, surround them with toys and bedding they know and love.

We love to welcome you and your pets home to Le Med. Our pet-friendly apartments in Azusa, California, are the perfect place to settle in. With these tips, you can be sure that your pets will be happy in their new home.

Best Activities in Azusa during the Summer

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 23:07:00 GMT

We love summer! With more time each day to hang out with friends and family, explore your city, take road trips, and spend quality time in the great outdoors, there are a lot of things to love about this time of year. In California, the pristine weather, beaches, and sights make it one of the best places to explore during the summer months.

If you don’t want to travel far to enjoy some of the best things summer has to offer, don’t worry! There are plenty of things to do near your home at Le Med Apartment Homes . Here are a few of our personal favorite summer activities in Azusa.

Go for a Hike

Azusa, California, is full of beautiful parks, which makes it the ideal place for hiking in the summer. With its location right next to the Angeles National Forest, it’s not hard to find a variety of beautiful hikes near Azusa, including a few of our favorites :

Whether you’ve been hiking for years or are just getting started, there are a number of hikes with varying difficulties.

Visit the Bridge to Nowhere (Or Jump from It!)

The Bridge to Nowhere is one of the most infamous local sites just north of Azusa. Constructed in 1936, the abandoned bridge is now located on a washed-away road in the San Gabriel Mountains and is visited by outdoor-lovers from all over the country. The bridge also has a popular 10-mile round trip hike that includes wading through water, crossing four rivers, and climbing 900 feet of elevation change. Because it crosses several rivers, there are opportunities to stop and swim on a hot day.

If you aren’t satisfied with hiking the Bridge to Nowhere, maybe you’re interested in jumping from it. With Bungee America , you can bungee jump from the arch-shaped bridge over the rocks below. This may just be one of the most exciting summer activities in Azusa.

Play a Round of Golf

Golfing is one of the most enjoyable summer activities in Azusa because of the Azusa Greens Country Club , which features an 18-hole, par-70 course and a range of challenges such as bunkers and narrow fairways. The private country club has almost 6200 yards of space open to the public all year round. It also features some of the most beautiful views in the San Gabriel Valley.

Between access to the golf course, the ability to host your own tournaments, and golf lessons, anyone can enjoy a round of golf at Azusa Greens—regardless of their skill level. The club also features specials like Taco Tuesday, Monday Lunch Specials, and even monthly golf passes at a discounted price.

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you want to go for a hike in some beautiful places, visit—or even jump from—the Bridge to Nowhere, or play a round of golf, spending time in the sunshine is sure to boost your mood and make your summer unforgettable. After you try a few of these activities, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Azusa, California. When you do, consider living at Le Med Apartments .

Le Med Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent in Azusa, California.

Photo credit: Azusa Greens Country Club

Here’s a Simple Way You Can Improve Your Credit Score

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 22:12:00 GMT

If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your credit score, we have an easy solution: Paying rent online! In 2017, TransUnion studied 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to credit bureaus over the course of a year. The study found that renters’ scores rose an average of 16 points within six months. Those who started with a credit score below 620 saw the greatest benefit from doing this.

You can see a similar increase in your credit score by paying your rent online. Doing so ensures your payments are reported, shows credit bureaus what they are looking for, and can combine with credit card payments to increase your score even more. Let’s dive into how.

Report Your Rent Payments

While paying your rent alone will not necessarily help you build credit, reporting your rent payments can help you do just that. According to Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet, this is especially helpful if you are new to credit.

So how can you report on your rent payments? At Le Med, we have an online rental payment system that automatically reports information to the credit bureaus. This gives credit bureaus easy and real-time access to your timely rental payments, which will then improve your credit score.

Show Credit Bureaus What They Are Looking For

There are several things that go into a credit score, and they are continuously updated with new information based on your activity. For example, Experian determines credit scores through the following elements :

When you pay rent online, those payments become part of your payment history, which can improve your credit score—especially as you pay on time and in full and continue to do so. The more on-time payments you have, the more your credit score will improve.

Combine with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

Using a credit card to pay your rent can improve your credit score even more. If you need a big boost to your score, this may be worth considering.

Consider opening a credit card that you only use to pay your rent, then pay the credit card balance in full every month. According to LaToya Irby , credit expert for The Balance, “the timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

It’s not necessary to pay your rent with a credit card, but it can be a nice little boost to your credit score in combination with the other benefits associated with paying your rent online.

At Le Med Apartment Homes , our residents can improve their credit scores by paying their rent online through the resident portal . As you do so, your payments are reported to credit bureaus, showing them exactly what they are looking for. Plus, if you choose to pay rent with a credit card, you may increase your score even more. Happy credit-score-boosting!

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

Fri, 21 May 2021 17:27:00 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.

At Le Med Apartments, We Take Living Green to a New Level

Thu, 20 May 2021 18:44:00 GMT

Did you know that an American family of four on average consumes up to 260 gallons of water around the home daily? Everyday household activities such as washing dishes, showering, flushing toilets, and washing clothes use the most water. Roughly one-third of the world’s population live in areas where water is scarce. Southern California is one of the many areas that can face severe droughts.

Here at Le Med Apartments, it is our goal to protect the environment and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle—not just by preserving water, but also by reducing unnecessary waste. Here are three ways we are committed to living green at Le Med Apartments!

We Conserve Water

Since Azusa is prone to droughts, we do all we can to use water sparingly. Here are a few examples:

We Conserve Paper and Plastic

At Le Med Apartments, we go paperless by making rent payments, service requests, applications, and notices all online. Not only is this convenient for our residents, but it eliminates the need for unnecessary paper waste. In addition to this, we have a water bottle refill station throughout the property, significantly reducing the waste from plastic water bottles.

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 Promote Recycling

One of the best ways we promote living green is by recycling. To encourage our residents to live more green, we have recycling bins in our office for all residents and employees to use. Common items you can recycle include plastic bottles and containers, empty cans, paper, and flattened cardboard. Remember, you cannot recycle food, liquid, plastic bags, plastic wrap, or cups with wax or plastic coating.

Here in Azusa, there are multiple recycling stations available to the public. This small habit of living green can improve our environment.

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. We’ll keep you up to date as this program expands throughout the state.

We love living green and hope our residents do, too! If you are looking for an apartment complex that cares as much about the earth as you do, Le Med Apartments is the perfect place for you! Call us today for more information.

Looking for Apartments in Azusa? Learn Why You Should Choose Le Med Apartments

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:37:00 GMT

Right on the edge of Angeles National Forest, Azusa, CA, is the perfect location for anyone who wants to be close to both the great outdoors and the big cities of Southern California. If you are moving to Azusa and are looking for a quality modern apartment in a calm and friendly community, Le Med Apartments is the place for you!

Great On-Site Amenities

With our array of on-site amenities, you will never be bored at Le Med Apartments. Here is a list of our most popular amenities:

In addition to these amenities, we have spacious courtyards with barbecue grills, a firepit, and cornhole!

The Perfect Place for Pets

If you are a pet-lover, great news: We are too! We have a large outdoor area that is safe and roomy for pets. And we are only a two-minute walk from Northside Park , which is the perfect spot to take your pet to play. We currently have about 30 dogs living on the property, and there is room for yours too!

Plenty to Do Nearby

Le Med Apartments is close to a variety of interesting things to see and do. If you are into golfing, head right across the road to Azusa Greens Golf Course . You can also enjoy fresh air and exercise at the many parks and hiking trails nearby. And if you love good Mexican food, Max’s Mexican Cuisine is a favorite local restaurant located just down the street.

So, if you are looking for Azusa apartments, be sure to check out Le Med Apartments. We have quality modern apartments, an excellent array of amenities, and plenty of space for you and your pets. And we are located in the ideal spot to do everything you love! Call us today to set up your tour!

Types of Goals that Create Happiness and Success

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:10:00 GMT

Let’s face it: While setting goals can be fun and exciting, sticking to them is a challenge. How many New Year’s resolutions have you set, only to find that, by March, you have completely given up on them? Don’t worry, though: You are not alone. But the problem might not be that you lack discipline or aren’t committed enough. Rather, the problem might lie in the type of goals that you are setting for yourself.

There are certain types of goals that are bound for failure, but there are some types that encourage success. Keep reading to learn the best types of goals to ensure your long-term happiness and success.

Set Active Goals

A common mistake in goal setting is to focus on things you want to avoid. These are considered “dead man’s goals” because a dead man could be successful at achieving them. For example, goals such as “don’t eat fast food” or “don’t criticize people” are not as motivating as more active goals such as “eat vegetables with every meal” or “compliment three people a day.” You are more likely to be successful in your goals if you focus on what you will do rather than what you won’t do.

Focus on the Process

We all have somewhere we want to end up. The problem is that getting what or where we want doesn’t make us happy in the long run , because we eventually get used to our new life. Instead of setting goals that focus on a destination, try setting goals that are about the process. Then, you can find happiness in the journey and the person you are becoming instead of working towards an external reward and then having that happiness wear off.

Be True to You

Finally, make sure you set goals that align with your values . This is the key to staying motivated. If a goal is not in line with your beliefs and values, it will be easier to give up when difficulties arise. On the other hand, aligning with your values gives you a clearer perspective and a stronger determination to succeed.

At Le Med Apartments , we want our residents to live their best, happiest lives. Take some time to reflect on the types of goals you are setting for yourself, and apply these strategies to create goals that are true to you and will lead to your success and happiness.

Three Local Restaurants to Try in Azusa

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:59:00 GMT

There is a lot to love about the Azusa community. The scenic, natural surroundings provide plenty of space for outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, boating, or just spending a relaxing afternoon shopping or enjoying local cuisine.

At Le Med Apartment Homes , we enjoy being a part of Azusa’s growing community, and we can all do our part to support local businesses and restaurants. Azusa residents win when local businesses can reinvest in the community by using local resources, hire locally, generate money for the local economy, and contribute to reducing climate change.

One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to support local businesses is to eat out as often as you can. When it comes to food, there are plenty of choices to satisfy any palette, but here are three of our favorites.

Max’s Mexican Cuisine

635 N. Azusa Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702

(626) 334-9695

When you are hankering for some authentic, homemade Mexican food, Max’s Mexican Cuisine is the place to be. Their menu is packed with plenty of tacos, burritos, combination plates, desserts, soups, salads, appetizers, and thoughtful selections for your lighter appetites. And that’s just the breakfast menu. This family-owned and operated business is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Online orders are welcome, and delivery is offered through GrubHub.

Canyon City Barbecue

347 N. San Gabriel Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702

(626) 815-4227

Often referred to as one of the best restaurants in Azusa, Canyon City wrote the book on barbecue. Their delicious selection of pork ribs, beef brisket, chicken, and other dishes are slow-smoked and mouth-wateringly good. Grab a burger, sandwich, pulled pork, or a salad—there is something for everyone. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., with online ordering available.

Couwami Asian Fusion

437 S. Azusa Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702-4935

(626)-812-8686

Try the honey walnut shrimp or the crab rangoon for a truly satisfying lunch. Or try the Vietnamese spring roll, miso soup, or steamed dumpling. Couwami offers fresh seafood, steak, chicken, and pork dishes, as well as soups and salads. And they offer a huge array of vegetarian choices, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Online ordering is available for takeout orders and delivery.

We’ve highlighted three of our favorite places to eat, but there are many choices available here . As local restaurants move closer to opening their doors, it’s more important than ever to support your favorite eateries. So grab the takeout menu for your favorite place and order up!

Three Benefits of Our Pet-Friendly Apartment Community

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 17:42:00 GMT

As a pet owner, have you struggled to find the right housing for you and your animal companion? So many rental properties don’t allow pets, and even those that do may not offer everything your pet needs to live a happy life.

That’s why we are so happy to be a pet-friendly apartment community! Pets can help us become physically and emotionally healthier and make new friends. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of pet ownership at Le Med Apartments.

Pets Help You Be Healthier

Beyond encouraging you to get out and walk more, do pets bring their owners other health benefits? Absolutely! Here are just a couple from Fetch by WebMD :

Looking for a boost in physical health? Getting a dog or cat may be the way to go!

Pets Boost Mental Health

If you’ve ever snuggled a sweet furry friend, you probably noticed that you felt happier and calmer. And science backs this up! Studies have found lots of mental health benefits of pet ownership, including the following:

Whether you are watching fish serenely gliding around their aquarium or playing fetch with a delighted dog, pets can give your emotions and mental health a boost towards greater happiness.

Pets Lead You to New Human Friends

When you have a pet, it’s easier to make connections with others who also have pets. If you take your dog to a dog park, for example, you might just make human friends while your dog makes dog friends! We have a couple of great dog parks nearby: South Hills Park in Glendora and Central Bark Dog Park in West Covina, just to name two.

What to Know about Our Pet-Friendly Apartment Community

If you are thinking about moving to Le Med, or if you are already a resident and would like to get a pet, we are so excited for you! Here are some of our regulations to keep in mind:

While outside of your apartment with your dog, we ask that you keep your dog on a leash. We also have Pet Waste Stations located throughout the property, making it easy to pick up after your pet!

With all the positives that come from having a pet, we are so glad to be a pet-friendly apartment community. If you have any questions, reach out to us today! We’re happy to chat and see how we can make your experience even better.

Prep for the Season with Holiday Home Maintenance Services

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 19:37:00 GMT

What are you most excited about as the holiday season approaches? Some of our favorite things include seeing the sparkling lights, enjoying cozy sweaters, and making delicious traditional meals!

What you’re probably not looking forward to is the possibility that a kitchen appliance might not perform properly. Don’t let household dilemmas ruin your festivities: Take some steps to prevent any misfires and take advantage of our holiday home maintenance services to ensure a smooth holiday cooking experience.

Help Prevent Breakdowns by Deep Cleaning

Many of us have a regular cleaning routine—do the dishes, wipe down flat surfaces, vacuum the floor, and so on. The holidays are the perfect time to take it up a notch and include some deep cleaning tasks we might ordinarily overlook. Doing so can help make sure everything is working properly.

Spend a little time deep-cleaning the appliances that are most likely to have issues. A survey from Consumer Reports 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.

So, to make sure you don’t face these issues at the worst time, pull the fridge away from the wall and clean out the dust from the mechanical coils . Check all the heating elements or gas burners on your oven and stove to ensure they heat and ignite fully, giving them a good clean along the way. And get your dishwasher squeaky clean 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.

Do a Cooking Test Run

Once you’ve deep cleaned your appliances, take them for a spin! A couple of weeks before your holiday meal, fire up your stove to make some prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or pop a loaf of your favorite bread in the oven. Then be sure to load up the dishwasher to make sure everything comes out clean.

Not only will you get to enjoy your holiday favorites twice, but you’ll also know in advance if there are any problems with your major appliances. That will allow you to schedule a time for the appliances to be repaired before the day of your small event.

Reach Out to Our Maintenance Crew

At Le Med Apartment Homes, we want your holiday celebrations to be as magical and memory-filled as you envision. That’s why our on-site management and 24-hour maintenance teams are here to help if your appliances are giving you trouble. Whether it’s your garbage disposal, a stove burner, or anything else that has quit working, you can visit the Le Med Apartment Homes Resident Portal to submit a work order. When you report something that needs attention, our team will be sure to assist.

There’s nothing better than being prepared to help alleviate any stress around the holidays. So spend a little time both cleaning and testing out your kitchen appliances, and remember to reach out to our maintenance team for any holiday home maintenance services you might need. The entire staff here at Le Med Apartment Homes sincerely wants your holiday wishes to come true this year!

Looking for a New Place? Here’s Why You Should Rent

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:29:00 GMT

Did you know that more households are renting today than at any point in 50 years? In fact, 34 percent of America’s general population are renters, meaning that there are over 100 million Americans living in apartments, homes, and other properties around the country. And that number is rising.

There are a variety of reasons why people choose to rent. In fact, some people are content with renting their entire lives and don’t plan on owning. Renting comes with fewer responsibilities, more freedom, and lower costs. Here is why you should rent.

More Flexibility

Do you like having the freedom of being able to move where you want, when you want? If so, renting is for you. According to Robert Pinnegar at The Washington Post , “Mobility is one of the top reasons people decide to rent.”

Mortgages can tie you down for 30-plus years, while renting is a relatively short agreement. Most contracts are based on year-to-year; however, it’s not uncommon to find month-to-month contracts, two-year contracts, and even three-year contracts. In other words, as a renter, you will have a flexibility that most homeowners don’t have. If you are beginning your career, attending school, or unsure if California is where you want to settle, consider renting at Le Med Apartments for the time being.

We are never eager to say goodbye to residents when they feel it is time to go, but we want them to always be taken care of. That is why we offer a loyalty bonus. If you move from Le Med Apartments to another AMC property or vice versa, we will give you $250.

Less Responsibility

Life issues can come at you in all shapes and forms. Sometimes it consists of potato peels stuck in the garbage disposal; other times, it’s a baseball crashing through your bedroom window. When the unexpected happens, it’s comforting to know that someone else is responsible for the repairs . At Le Med Apartments, that someone else is our fabulous maintenance director who is not only trained and certified to make repairs, but also dedicated to making your life the happiest and most comfortable it can be. If your apartment needs attention or an issue needs to be addressed, log in to the resident portal and submit a maintenance request.

Lower Costs

The fact that renting is a set cost is another great reason as to why you should rent. When you own a home, there can be a variety of unexpected expenses, such as maintenance, insurance, and taxes. Further, these costs can vary month to month, making it difficult to know how much you need to save in case of a maintenance emergency lurking around the corner. Maybe that’s why in 2019, 82 percent of renters said renting is more affordable than owning, jumping up from 67 percent the year before.

The major difference between renting and owning is the upfront costs. When buying a home with a mortgage, your down payment is typically around 20 percent of the total purchase price. When renting, though, you only need to pay a security deposit, usually equal to one month’s rent, which will be returned to you when you move out (so long as you haven’t damaged the property).

Then there are your costs over time. Homeowners are required to pay property taxes and house insurance. When renting, property taxes aren’t a thing, and renter’s insurance is much cheaper than homeowner’s insurance. 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. As you can see, insurance alone illustrates why renting can be less expensive than owning!

Because renting offers more freedom, less responsibility, and fewer costs, it’s no wonder why more people are choosing to rent. At Le Med Apartments, we want to make coming home the best part of your day; give us a visit and see why you should rent today.

How to Make the Best Ice Cream Sundae

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:45:00 GMT

Hot weather and sunny days call for a refreshing treat. That’s why you need to try a sundae made with this homemade ice cream. After all, what’s a sundae without the most delicious ice cream available?

Everyone likes to top their sundae differently, but one thing is for sure: quality ice cream makes a quality dessert. Whether you like nuts and fruit or chocolate and whipped cream, this homemade ice cream makes the perfect base for your decadent dessert. We’ll throw in a few topping ideas for you, too.

Quick and Easy Homemade Ice Cream

Start your ice cream sundae right with homemade ice cream worth screaming for. Here is a beginner-friendly recipe for vanilla ice cream:

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until smooth. Then, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, begin warming the milk. As the milk begins to simmer, gradually add the egg/sugar mixture and stir constantly. Once the mixture reaches 165 degrees, remove from heat and refrigerate in an air-tight container until it reaches 65 degrees. Once your custard has chilled, add the cream and vanilla. From there, you’ll need an ice cream maker to take it the rest of the way.

Top Your Ice Cream Sundae

According to ranker.com , the top five most popular ice cream sundae toppings are as follows:

1. Oreo

2. Chocolate syrup

3. Brownie bits

4. Whipped cream

5. Caramel syrup

Looking for some flavor inspiration? Take a trip down to Brianna’s Ice Cream on Ball Road—just a five-minute drive away from Le Med! For a refreshing twist, try adding fresh berries or pineapple on top of vanilla ice cream. Or use fruit puree as a sauce.

Throw in a Homemade Baked Treat

Make your ice cream sundae all the more exciting by adding a cookie or baked treat. Don’t worry if you’re not in the mood to bake it yourself. The Lincoln Bakery has enough cakes, cookies, and pastries for everyone to choose from.

Cool down this summer with an ice cream sundae constructed with homemade ice cream and your favorite toppings. Don’t forget to add a cherry on top!

Paying Rent to Build Credit Is Easier Than It Sounds

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 00:25:00 GMT

Did you know that if you do it right, paying rent can help you boost your credit score? Paying rent to build credit may sound complicated, but it’s actually super easy—and totally worth it. A study by TransUnion found that renters who paid their rent online improved their scores by as much as 16 points within six months, with the increase greatest for those who started with a credit score below 620.

When you pay rent online with Le Med Apartment Homes, your payments get reported to the credit bureaus, it shows that you are a responsible borrower, and it can help you boost your score even more when combined with credit card payments.

We Report Your Payments Automatically

Paying online adds the crucial ingredient of reporting to the credit-building recipe. “Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” says 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.”

At Le Med Apartments, we make it easy. Our online rental payment system automatically reports your payments to the credit bureaus. That way, they receive a record of your on-time rental payments, which helps build your credit. So your easy contribution to paying rent to build credit is . . . paying rent to build credit!

In order to opt in for the credit reporting, follow these steps:

The Credit Bureaus Do the Work for You

When you find out your credit score, what exactly are you looking at? Experian, for just one example, uses these elements to determine your score:

So how do your rent payments factor in here? When you pay rent online, those payments become part of your payment history. As you pay on time and in full and continue to do so, your history becomes longer and keeps looking better.

Paying with a Credit Card Gives Another Boost

Credit bureaus look at your use of credit cards, so here’s something to consider: get a credit card specifically to pay your rent.

Here’s how that would work: “Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,” says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Paying rent with a credit card is totally optional, but it’s an easy way to give your credit score a little boost.

Paying rent to build credit is pretty easy, huh? If you haven’t tried it yet, check out the resident portal to pay your rent next month. We’ll report your payments automatically, the credit bureaus will use the payments to boost your score, and if you pay with a credit card, the score will likely boost even more!

Want Healthy Skin? Here’s How

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:55:00 GMT

Did you know that there are over 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed every single year in the United States alone? That number is especially alarming when you realize that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Now is a crucial time to take a closer look at your skincare routine, as many of us will be soaking up even more of the sun’s rays with the start of summer. By protecting yourself from the sun, eating a healthy diet, and pampering your skin, you can keep your skin bright, glowing, and radiant.

Ramp up sun protection.

The very best thing you can do to keep your skin healthy is to protect yourself from extreme sun exposure. Of course, doses of vitamin D from the sun are vital to both our physical and mental health, especially in times of self-isolation. However, UV rays are notorious for leaving their mark in the form of sunspots and sunburn , not to mention skin cancer.

With a few preventative measures, you can still enjoy all the benefits of the sun while also avoiding irreparable damage. These protective tips include the following:

Eat a healthy diet.

It has often been said that one way to get healthy skin is by working from the inside out . In other words, the quality of your nutrition and diet can be reflected in the condition of your skin. Adding a few key, vitamin-rich foods to your diet can greatly improve both the quality and appearance of your skin.

There are at least a dozen healthy foods that have been proven to boost skin appearance. For instance, the nutrients found in fatty fish such as salmon can help to reduce inflammation and prompt the production of new skin cells. Avocados, another food rich in healthy fats, are a great source of vitamin E, which protects skin against oxidative damage. In addition, soy, which contains isoflavones, has been proven to reduce fine wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Pamper your skin.

If you have something you want to last longer, you treat it gently, right? This idea also applies to caring for your skin. Your skin goes through a lot on a typical day—multiple hand washings, shaving, hot showers or baths, strong soaps, and more. If you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing, it’s time to indulge in some pampering.

One idea is to let your skin fully rejuvenate every night while you sleep. By gently cleansing your skin, exfoliating, applying a nourishing mask, and moisturizing with serums, eye creams, and a rich all-over moisturizer, you will wake to healthy, revitalized skin every morning.

The time to protect your skin from irreparable damage is now. By protecting yourself from the sun, eating a vitamin-rich diet, and pampering your skin regularly, your skin will continue to be healthy and vibrant throughout your life.

Here’s the Scoop on Your Pet’s Poop: 3 things to know about pet waste

Tue, 12 May 2020 23:10:00 GMT

Looks like Fido is at it again.

But leaving your pet’s poop on a quiet, grassy corner of the park is just adding to the environment, right? Not so much. There are approximately 89.7 million dogs living in the US, and experts estimate that man’s best friend produces about 21.2 billion pounds of waste each year.

As part of celebrating National Pet Month, there are three important things to remember when taking care of your pet while your pet is taking care of business, and all three will ensure better health for you and your pet.

1. Poop is not fertilizer.

Unlike steer manure, which is a popular medium for your garden, dog waste does not contain plant-fortifying nutrients. To prove this point, consider the animal’s diet. “Dog’s [sic] have a high protein based diet that creates a very acidic excrement or waste product,” explain experts at poop911.com . “Cow manure is in fact good for vegetation because it in fact started out that way.” If left unattended, pet waste can take up to one year to decompose, which gives it plenty of time to leech toxins and bacteria into your lawn, and that isn’t good for your lawn or your health.

2. Pet waste is filled with harmful bacteria.

Did you know that one gram of dog poop contains 23 million fecal bacteria? “Even if your dog doesn’t show any symptoms of illness, their waste could still carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to other pets and humans,” says pet expert Jean Marie Bauhaus . “And you don’t need to come into direct contact with dog poop in order to contract an illness from it.” Bacteria can seep into the soil and potentially contaminate public waterways.

3. It smells bad.

It doesn’t take long for a favorite drop-off zone to be overrun with pet waste, and that creates a pile of problems. Along with the strong odor , uncollected waste attracts insects, rodents, and other germ-carrying pests. Remember: It only takes a minute to bag up pet waste and place it in the trash. That brief moment can make a huge difference for your health and surroundings.

We love our pets. As we celebrate how much our pets mean to us, let’s remember that it’s just as important to take care of the waste our furry friends create as it is to care for our pets themselves.

Five Plants You Can Grow Easily That Will Welcome Spring

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:57:00 GMT

If you are ready for spring to, well, "spring" into action, here are five plants that won't disappoint.

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

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:03:00 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 19:43:00 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 13:13:00 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.