Many people choose a house over an apartment, while others would rather go for the benefits and the advantage of living in an apartment.

Obviously, both options have advantages and disadvantages; and the choice depends mostly on personal preferences and any advantage property issues.

This article is going to expose the pros and cons of living in an apartment or a house. Advantages and disadvantages of apartments.

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in an apartment

Btw, I made a video with apartment design inspiration. Please check it out and let me know what you think about it:

The answer to the question house or apartment is complex. One of the challenges of owning a property is that it seems like there is always an issue and it is mostly related t the issue of how much money do you need to live on your own. Big and elegant houses are really inconvenient in terms of maintenance – even if you rent your house; you’ll still be the one in charge of fixing problems or regularly hiring maintenance workers.

Apartments, on the other hand, liberate you from these worries: if something goes wrong with your dishwasher, a maintenance team will come and fix it without any need for additional payments. If you want how much do apartments cost, the answer is definitely less than a house.

A great framework for conceptualizing exactly how to fix a problem before it begins can be gleaned from the seemingly unrelated body of work related to efficient manufacturing using Six Sigma strategies for real estate management. Regularly maintaining your property helps with keeping your tenants happy which has a lot of long-term benefits, especially when you purchased your first apartment and you have a limited property ownership experience.

Advantages of living in an apartment

Image source: Drew McGukin Interiors @drewmcgukin

Here are some first apartment tips to help you. Unlike houses, modern residential complexes come with specific conveniences, such as stores, gyms, pools, gardens, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security monitoring. The benefits of living in an apartment come in different colors.

Obviously, those can also be installed in a house, but it would cost significantly more and regardless of how much does an apartment cost, the prices are always less than for a home. In fact, reduced costs are one of the main reasons why people choose to live in an apartment in the first place.

Also, apartment demands have been trending upwards seeing as they are easier to rent out as a whole. For more ideas, check out this article.

Good location

Image source: Nir Yefet – Interior design

The location is a crucial aspect of a building/house and it affects significantly its price and average costs of apartments in general. Everybody wants to live in luxury apartment in a good, crime-free neighborhood; or at least to find an urban place close to their work.

Obviously, apartment complexes have fewer problems providing desirable locations than single homeowners have. It means that by purchasing an apartment, you are buying an excellent location at an affordable price and generally reasonable apartment fees.

Image source: Robert Granoff

Apartments are usually in the center, located close to everything you need: shopping centers, administrative offices, or access to information. An apartment in the center means you’ll be just a few meters away from satisfying every need you may have. If you don’t have already one, it is about time to start saving for an apartment because it is definitely worth it.

Good lifestyle

Image source: Design Studio Ideas

A good lifestyle is one of the essential benefits of apartment living and one of the most significant advantages.

Moving in an urban complex will improve significantly the quality of your pastime activities: you’ll be close to theaters, cinemas, sports facilities, and bars.

Living in the center is significantly different than living in the suburbs, where people don’t have many activities other than drinking coffee with their neighbors.

Image source: Design Studio Ideas

The urban lifestyle is totally worth sacrificing suburban peace; and will soon look like something you’ve done all of your life.

You’ll treat public spaces as an extension of your home: local parks will become your personal gardens; while your favorite cafes will be equally comfortable as your own living room. All those costs must be included in your first apartment budget calculator.

Improved safety

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Entering a modern apartment complex is quite complicated: there are multiple doors, from the main door and the floor doors to the door of your apartment. Regardless of how much does an average apartment cost, safety must be the top priority.

It means thieves will have a hard time reaching your apartment, especially if there is an alarm or a security foyer in your living space.

Image source: Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Besides, there are usually at least two apartments per floor, which means burglars will have a hard time taking large items out of your apartment. While they manage to take the TV to the front door, there will be at least one neighbor to witness it.

Besides, the apartments in a big complex are usually protected with a gated system; or even security officers hired to monitor it, and to record every person that goes in and out of the building.

Installing a similar security system in a personal house will be much more expensive since there is no one to share the costs with. Another perk of apartment expenses.

Regular maintenance

Image source: Drew McGukin Interiors @drewmcgukin

Big and elegant houses are really inconvenient in terms of maintenance-even if you rent your house; you’ll still be the one in charge of fixing problems or hiring maintenance workers.

Apartments, especially budget apartments, on the other hand, liberate you from these worries: if something goes wrong with your dishwasher, a maintenance team will come and fix it without any need for additional payments.

Cheaper utilities

Image source: CM Glover

Considering the size of apartments, you’re very likely to pay lower bills for water, gas, or electricity. Apartments sometimes come with small additional fees, such as the one for hall maintenance or lawn care; but the overall amount of apartment costs is still lower than equipping the house with maintenance tools.

Communication

Image source: Ample DESIGN

Living in a residential building has a great social aspect: the sense of community typical for rural and suburban areas is also common for people living in apartments, which means you’re likely to create some life-long friendships and connections. Therefore, the idea of moving into an apartment has also social advantages.

Sustainability

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The size of apartments also results in spending fewer resources (electricity, gas, water). This is especially visible in the case of heating/air-conditioning, where you could benefit from the heating/cooling habits of your neighbors.

For instance, sharing a wall with a family that really likes to keep the place warm will mean that you can keep your heating low, the same as your payments.

At the end of the day, sustainability is one of the main aspects construction companies consider when building an apartment complex and this is a very important apartment advantage.

Effortless cleaning

Image source: Emblem Furniture

Devoted housewives who are moving from a house to an apartment certainly feel like the happiest people on Earth: apartments are smaller and they require less cleaning, which means you have a chance to invest your energy in a more entertaining activity (the gym, for instance). A lower apartment cost also covers this important daily maintenance aspect.

Disadvantages of living in an apartment

Restricted space

When you live in an apartment, you have to make peace with the idea that that is the space you have at your disposal; and there is no chance to annex something to it, and the possibility of making an extension is significantly limited.  If you are looking about how to move into an apartment, you should also consider such limitations in the first place.

Everything you’d be able to do to make your bathroom tinier; or to close the balcony; and to transform it into a kitchen. Still, your creativity and excellent knowledge of small space furnishing will be enough to make your apartment cozy and comfortable. As you can see, there are so many smart ways to enjoy living in an apartment.

Problematic neighbors

There is also another aspect to keep in mind before getting your first apartment. Not all of us are so lucky to live in a friendly apartment community, where neighbors like to socialize; and they obey the landlord’s rules.

Almost every building has a couple of problematic and noisy tenants, whose behavior is nothing like neighborhood-friendly. What, you want to get some good night’s sleep in your bedroom apartment? Nah, you can’t do that.

Even when it doesn’t seem like on the first side, some families make use of weak community/property management; and they disrupt other tenants’ rights and private zone. Therefore, before asking yourself ‘can I afford this apartment’, you better try finding an answer to the question ‘can I bear those neighbors’?

Parking issues

In case you are a driver, there is another aspect to consider before asking how much is an apartment. While most of the apartment complexes have assigned parking, there is also a lot of space that is free; and provides no guarantee that your spot will be free once you come back with piles of groceries in your car.

Sometimes, it will be your unfriendly neighbors who like your spot because it is closer to the main door; or their frequent guests that block almost every free spot in front of the building. In the end, you’ll find yourself driving around to find something you’ve actually paid for. There are so many aspects that differentiate houses and apartment ownership, it seems…

Lack of personal outdoor space

Living in an apartment can be painful for gardening fans: they are not so likely to make peace with the idea that they don’t have a garden, and there is no way to plant flowers or vegetables. Still, there are complexes that allow you to tend a garden; and to plant in the backyard/patio of the building. You can add some additional costs in this respect to your calculation under the category: ‘how much do I need to move into an apartment’.

Styling restrictions

Before you move in, read carefully what you are allowed or not allowed to do. Sometimes, landlords will specifically ask you not to paint the wall; to adjust some basic fixtures in accordance with other apartments in the building, or to replace old air conditioners.

It basically means you may not really be allowed to personalize your space.

Pet Restrictions

Even if most residential buildings allow you to keep pets at home, and they provide specialized space for them to play; there are such that impose strong prohibition for all (or just for certain) types of pets. Therefore, if you own a pet or you’re likely to buy one, make sure you live in a place that would allow it and the eventual costs to the apartment budget calculator.

FAQs about the advantages and disadvantages of apartment living

1. What are the benefits of living in an apartment versus a house?

The advantages of apartment living versus a house are numerous. The cheaper cost of living is a major benefit, as apartments are frequently more affordable than houses. Additionally, amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and laundry rooms that can be more expensive to construct in a house are frequently included in apartments. Finally, apartments are typically situated in accessible regions near amenities like shopping, dining, and entertainment.

2. How does the cost of living in an apartment compare to living in a house?

Apartment rent versus home ownership costs vary depending on a number of variables, including location and amenities. In terms of rent, mortgage payments, and utility costs, apartments often cost less than houses. However, if you have to use communal services like parking or laundry, which can increase your monthly costs, the cost of apartment living may be higher.

3. What are the advantages of apartment living for single individuals or couples without children?

For single people or couples without children, apartment living is frequently a fantastic option due to its convenience and reduced cost. Since apartments are often smaller than houses, maintaining and cleaning them might be simpler. Apartment complexes also frequently provide social and recreational activities that support residents in connecting with one another and forming friendships.

4. What are the drawbacks of apartment living for families with children?

Apartment living may be difficult for families with kids because of the small spaces and lack of outside space. Furthermore, some apartment buildings might not permit pets or have stringent restrictions concerning noise and conduct that can be challenging to handle with kids. Some apartment complexes, however, provide playgrounds and other kid-friendly features, making them a good option for families.

5. How does apartment living affect socialization and community interaction?

Different factors, including apartment living, might influence socializing and neighborhood interaction. On the one hand, residing in an apartment building can offer an integrated community with shared areas and activities that can promote social bonds. On the other hand, if inhabitants don’t try to interact with others or if the complex has a high turnover rate, flats can potentially be isolating.

6. What are the environmental benefits of apartment living compared to living in a house?

Living in an apartment as opposed to a house can be more environmentally beneficial because apartments typically require less energy and materials. Smaller apartments, for instance, use less heating and cooling, and communal services like laundry rooms and fitness centers can cut down on the amount of energy and water used. Living in a densely populated location can also make it simpler to commute by public transportation, walk, or bike, which lowers the amount of carbon dioxide produced by vehicles.

7. What are some common safety concerns associated with apartment living?

Break-ins, fires, and accidents in communal areas can all be safety problems in apartment buildings. Many apartment buildings have security systems, fire alarms, and other safety precautions to reduce these dangers. Residents should also be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves, including securing windows and doors and alerting management to any suspicious activities.

8. How do noise levels in an apartment complex compare to living in a house?

The construction of the building, its location, and the actions of other inhabitants can all affect the noise levels in an apartment building. Apartment buildings can vary in noise levels depending on whether they have thick walls, loud neighbors, or a lot of gatherings.

Some apartment buildings may be relatively quiet. In order to control noise levels, it can be useful to talk to your neighbors, buy noise-canceling headphones, or take other soundproofing precautions.

9. What are the benefits of living in a high-rise apartment building versus a low-rise building?

Better vistas and greater light are two benefits that high-rise apartment complexes have over low-rise structures. High-rise buildings may also be found in more desirable locations and frequently provide more facilities, such as rooftop gardens or swimming pools.

However, living in a high-rise building can also be more expensive, and tenants may have to cope with concerns like long elevator lines or the potential for anxiety associated to heights.

10. What are some of the downsides of shared amenities, such as a laundry room or gym, in an apartment complex?

Apartment complex shared amenities can be a two-edged sword. On the one hand, they can provide luxuries that would be pricey to install in a home, such as on-site laundry and fitness centers. On the other hand, residents may find shared amenities to be congested, inadequately maintained, or prone to breakdowns.

Shared amenities can sometimes lead to disputes between neighbors, such as disputes over noise levels or the use of common areas. Being considerate of other people and immediately reporting any problems to management is essential if you want to make the most of the shared amenities.

Additionally, if they plan to use the amenities frequently or if they have unique requirements or preferences, homeowners might wish to make an investment in their own equipment, such as a washer and dryer.

Ending thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of living in an apartment

Choosing a  place to live and especially evaluating what apartment can I afford is always tightly connected to your personality: apartments may be good for some people, but they are problematic for others.

Every space comes with ownership rights and responsibilities; which is exactly why you, as a prospective homeowner trying to learn how to save for an apartment, should make a list of pros and cons; and compare them with your current and potential needs. It is the only way to make the right choice!

And if you want to see a fun video, click play on the one below:

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