High Rise vs. Low Rise
Do you value convenience above all else? Or do you like privacy and don’t mind walking half a mile for a gallon of milk? Apartments fall into one of two major types: high rises and all other types of buildings, including town houses, brownstones, walk-ups, garden and others, these, we’ll call low-rise. Expect mid-rise buildings, which are usually six-eight floors high, to be a mix between the two. Mid-rise buildings will probably have some of the amenities found in a high rise but will be more in the style of a low-rise. They are meant for two types of lifestyles: the ultra-convenient one and the home-like private one. Consider this list of amenities and features and decide for yourself which you’d rather call home. All apartments are different, however, which is why it’s important to do your research before going out to look at buildings. Apartments.com makes it easy for you to pick the features you like and see only those listings which match your criteria. Use this list to help you when deciding which type of apartment you want to rent.
High Rises
- A grocery or convenience store in the building.
- Often have additional convenience outposts such as a cleaners or beauty shop.
- Central laundry facilities.
- An exercise facility included in the rent.
- Phone, cable and Internet hook-ups are pre-installed and services may be added onto the rent so that you only receive one bill each month.
- Furnished units available.
- More flexibility with lease start/end dates.
- Elevator service.
- Variety of units available at any given time.
- Garage parking available for a fee.
- Management available in the building during the day for maintenance requests and other business.
- Less private and sometimes noisier than a smaller building.
- Deals/price breaks are harder to negotiate since a set price is pre-determined by the owner.
- May have a board made up of owners and residents who make decisions about resident rules and policies.
- Often described as more luxurious in style.
Low Rises
- May be easier to negotiate rent and other utilities.
- Renter sets up and pays for all utilities.
- Often in residential area where grocery and other stores and services are several blocks away.
- Street parking often necessary or extra rent to cover a garage or parking spot.
- Management varies from a large company to a single owner.
- Maintenance personnel lives outside the building or possibly outside of the neighborhood.
- Offers more privacy and is often quieter.
- Front door is off the street or accessed by stairs.
- Units vary widely in styles and electrical capabilities.
- Possibility of having a yard or outdoor space.
- Often described as more cozy or home-like in style.
We hope this list helps make your decision easier. Best of luck in your apartment search!
|