I would say rule #1 with getting an apartment is to make sure you're not moving into a superdense complex. The bigger the complex, the more problems it usually has. Our management has trouble with the ten or fifteen buildings in our complex, imagine how much difficulty management will have maintaining and policing a 200 building apartment sprawl. The downside is that these apartments are invariably the cheapest in your area. If you do consider a big apartment complex, make sure the surrounding areas are low crime (your city should have a crime map avaiable ; don't be shocked if the apartment complex itself is as colorful as it can possibly be) and get an apartment as close to the main office as possible.
Regardless of where you go, by the way, get an upstairs apartment, and if possible, one sandwiched between two other apartments on the left and right - you'll get lower heating and cooling bills that way - and don't ever, ever leave ANYTHING valuable in your car. No matter how nice the complex is, there is invariably the story of someone being robbed. And apartment management will never do anything about these issues.
Something else to consider. Before you get an apartment, check rental homes in your area/local classifieds ads. With the housing market in the shitter, rental prices seem to be dropping, so you might be able to lock yourself in a one year lease at a retardedly low cost for a small house. Which leads me to my last bit of advice. No matter where you go, no matter who you are renting from, whether it be house or apartment, do not buy into no-lease bullshit. The lease is the only reason they have for not upping your rent, kicking you out without a moment's notice, etc. If you don't know how stable your job is, go for a short lease, some places offer as low as six months. If you're going to be staying there for a long time - if this is your 'career' job - then aim for a long lease, like 9-12 months to keep you comfortable for a long time.
