Apartment Searching

Last year I started looking for a house to buy and decided I wasn't financially ready for that kind of committment. This year I am looking at apartments. I currently reside in a one-level townhome rented out by the owner. I've been here a while and have just decided that I want something different. Something with a pool and if at all possible, a garage, even if it's just a one-car garage. I'd prefer three bedrooms (currently have two) but with a garage and more square footage a 2-bdrm will be fine.

First off, I'm finding that garage apartments are hard to come by and are also very pricey. Not impossible, but compromises have to be made ... like no third bedroom so I can afford the garage. Another problem is too much concrete. I understand the need for parking, but do all apartment complexes have to look like apartment complexes? Looking for a happy medium here. Good thing I have plenty of time.