Living in city apartments has become a trend, especially in urban areas because of the many benefits they offer, such as security, affordability, and freedom from maintenance issues.
However, apartment living has a bad reputation because of the wrong perception that apartments have limited space.
No matter whether you prefer a small studio unit or an expansive multi-level apartment, city apartments are available in all shapes and sizes.
City apartment living has both pros and cons.
Let us look at some advantages and disadvantages of living in city apartments.
Pros and cons of living in apartments
Advantages of city apartment living
1. Cost savings:
The rent of apartments is much lower in comparison to the rent of houses.
Moreover, the utility bills are also lower since the power consumed for heating/cooling an apartment is far less than that of a house.
You can also save on other costs such as insurance, maintenance, etc. Lower bills mean more money in your pocket.
2. Freedom from maintenance issues:
Most apartments have their contractors readily available to handle maintenance issues. You can dial the apartment’s maintenance office to get help in emergencies.
No more wasting your time and money on hiring individual contractors for different issues, you can relax while the apartment contractor takes care of the repairs and maintenance.
3. No more gardening woes:
Living in an apartment means there are no more lawn and garden maintenance worries.
A majority of the city apartments do not have private lawns but you can still enjoy green spaces and lovely sights in the common garden of the apartment complex.
These common garden areas are maintained by the apartment management.
4. Easy to vacate:
Apartments are the best option, especially if you are renting for the short term.
Most apartment owners prefer giving them on short leases unlike owners of houses, who prefer long-term tenants.
If your work needs frequent relocation or if you are looking for short-term rentals, you can easily find the best apartments that suit your taste and budget.
5. Multiple sizes and styles:
Apartments are available in multiple sizes and styles right from small studios to majestic apartments with thousands of square footage.
You can choose an apartment that chooses your style and budget in the neighborhood of your choice.
No matter whether you want to live in a modern apartment complex with cutting-edge features or a laid-back building with cozy units, you can find the one that appeals to your style.
6. Sense of community:
When you live in an apartment, you are never alone as there are plenty of neighbors.
Apartment buildings have multiple community spaces where you can meet your neighbors and build lasting friendships.
Apartment complexes also organize events and programs to help the residents bond with their neighbors.
7. Amenities:
One of the major benefits of city apartment living is the amenities that you can enjoy in apartment buildings.
Most modern apartment complexes have amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, community parks, etc. You can use these amenities to relax and network with other apartment residents.
When the apartment complex offers multiple amenities, you can also save time by avoiding the commute to the clubs or pools that are far away.
8. Security:
Apartments are much more secure when compared to homes.
Modern apartment buildings are equipped with cutting-edge safety and security technologies to offer a safe living environment to the residents.
Moreover, as there are many units on the floor, neighbors can keep a watchful eye on each other’s apartments.
Disadvantages of city apartment living
Apartment living does not only have advantages, there are some disadvantages as well.
Knowing both the advantages and disadvantages will help you make an informed decision while choosing between an apartment and a home.
1. Limited space:
One of the major drawbacks of apartment living is the lack of space.
Generally, apartments have limited space in comparison to homes. Though small space means fewer utility bills, low maintenance costs, and less time in cleaning, you may feel the space crunch.
If you are daily with children, you may face problems with storage space, and less space to move around. However, if your budget allows, you can rent larger apartments.
2. Lack of privacy:
Apartment units are close to one another as there are multiple units on a single level.
The lobbies, parks, swimming pool, and other amenities are shared between all the residents of the apartment. If you value your privacy, apartment living is not the right choice.
3. Noise:
Apartment units share walls and lobbies. You can hear noises from your neighbor’s homes and the lobby.
The noise problem is higher, especially if you live on the lower floors where there is lots of movement. The higher floors of the apartment complex usually have low noise.
4. Lack of parking spaces:
Apartment buildings have limited parking spaces. If your unit does not have a designated parking space, you may face problems finding a parking space.
If the apartment is located on a busy street, it becomes difficult to find street parking as well. It also becomes difficult to invite guests as they will have no place to park.
5. Restrictions on pets:
Some apartments have restrictions on pets. Even if they allow pets, there are restrictions on the number, size, and breed of the animal.
Pet parents may find that apartment living is not suitable for them due to these restrictions and the lack of space in the unit.
6. Strata levies:
Apartment complexes levy charges for the maintenance and upkeep of amenities and apartment buildings.
The charges can be monthly, quarterly, or yearly. The levies are especially bothersome if you do not use the amenities of the apartment but have to pay for them.
7. Structural defects:
It is easy to repair the structural problems of a house. But when an apartment building has structural defects, repairs may be a difficult task.
In the past, many apartment residents had to be evacuated due to the unsound structural strength of the apartment building.
It is crucial to buy/rent apartments from a reputed builder to ensure that the building is built with the right structural strength.
8. Difficult to renovate:
Apartment units are difficult to renovate. While you can alter the interior of the apartment as per your choice, any changes to the exterior or in the common areas need permission from the body corporate.
Even in the interior, you are bound by the walls and ceilings, you can only make changes in the available space.
City apartment living has both pros and cons.
You have to consider them carefully and analyze your lifestyle to decide whether apartment living is for you or not.
