Moving Tips: House Versus Apartment

If you’ve decided to buy a new home, you may be going back and forth between choosing a stand-alone house or an apartment. Which is the best option? There is no correct answer. Costs aside, there are pros and cons to both, and the decision you make will depend on several factors, such as whether you’re moving with a family or not. Eventually, it’ll come down to personal preferences. To help you decide, here are some pros and cons to house living and apartment living.

Moving Tips: Things to Consider

1. Privacy

Living in a stand-alone house generally provides more privacy than apartment living. In an apartment complex, you’re likely to have neighbors all around you and within close proximity. Your neighbors across the street may even be able to see straight into your home. With a stand-alone house, the privacy is less of an issue, and you’re generally free of prying eyes in your home.

2. Noise

The noise factor will depend on your neighborhood. However, because you have neighbors above, below and next door to you, chances are that apartment living loses some points when it comes to noise. In a house, it’s generally just you (and maybe your family) who’ll be making the noise.

3. Security

One main advantage of apartment living is security. Many apartment complexes have security guards and secure front doors that can only be opened by tenants. Thieves are likely to have a harder time, as there is a greater chance they’ll be seen by a few people.

4. Facilities

Many of today’s modern apartments offer facilities such as a gym and swimming pool, offering the chance for a more healthy and active lifestyle. That’s something that may not be an option for you in a stand-alone house, as they tend to be more expensive.

5. Maintenance

While apartments may be generally smaller than houses, the advantage here is that there is less maintenance needed in an apartment. No lawn to mow, no pool to clean. You are likely to have on call services available to you from a plumber or electrician.

6. Space

Again, this will depend on your neighborhood. However, according to a census, the average square footage of a single-family home in the USA has increased from 1,660 square feet to 2,392 square feet. If you value yard space, a house will probably be a better option for you. A disadvantage for apartment living is that there is no option to extend your living space for current or future needs, and even options for renovations are significantly limited compared to living in a house.

Moving Tips: Hire a Realtor

Whether you’ve decided on a house or apartment, hiring a realtor may be a consideration you’d like to make. A professional realtor will be able to give you all the information you need, and find you a home that’ll suit your budget and lifestyle. However, the decision on whether to rent a house or apartment should be up to you.