Whether you’re moving off-campus with a group of friends or looking to upgrade your current living situation, you face one big question: house or apartment?
Maybe you’re leaning one way or the other. Maybe you’re totally on the fence. Either way, this pros and cons list will steer you in the right direction.
Renting a House
Pros of Renting a House
- Space: Renting a house usually translates to larger square footage in the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, and kitchen. Of course, if you plan to live alone, you may not need all that extra space.
- Parking: If you’re moving from a college campus, then you know how tough it can be to find a good parking spot. Imagine never worrying about parking again! With a house, you’ll have a spot to call your own.
- Amenities: A house comes with many great amenities. If you have a dog, you could get a house with a yard. If you’re worried about weather damage to your vehicle, you could snag a house with a garage. Also, you’ll probably have your own laundry machines and extra storage.
- Privacy: A house generally offers much more privacy than an apartment. No need to worry about your noise level or eavesdroppers.
Cons of Renting a House
- Maintenance: With the added space and storage of a house comes additional maintenance. You’ll most likely be responsible for lawn care, cleaning, and minor repairs around the house.
- Landlords: While most apartments have professional management or a building supervisor, houses tend to be rented by individual landlords who may be inexperienced in property management or difficult to reach.
Renting an Apartment
Pros of Renting an Apartment
- Location: While houses are usually in suburban areas, an apartment can put you in the heart of a city’s downtown or coolest neighborhood.
- Maintenance: Or a lack of! With an apartment, you don’t have to worry about outdoor maintenance, and most issues within your apartment can be taken care of by the apartment maintenance staff.
- Amenities: An apartment comes with its own unique, sometimes luxurious set of amenities. Many apartment complexes have community spaces where people can exercise, socialize, and work. Some even have swimming pools!
- Community: Apartments offer a sense of community to residents. If you live in one, you’ll get to know the other tenants and make cool new friends.
Cons of Renting an Apartment
- Space: Apartments are almost always smaller than houses. That means you have less room both for storage and for living. Some renters view this as a con, while others view it as a key advantage to downsizing.
- Noise: Noisy neighbors can be a pain. In an apartment, other people are living all around you, which means you have to watch your noise levels, too.
- Reciprocity: When your upstairs neighbor’s apartment floods, guess what happens to yours. Problems outside of your control can impact your apartment life, like pests, stench, mold, and more.
Other Considerations
You’ll want to consider your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals when deciding between a house and an apartment. Weigh the different amenities for apartment complexes and houses in your area. Keep in mind the utility costs for each. If you have a furry friend, make sure your new place allows pets. And before you move in, know the security measures for your residence.
Remember: you can’t go wrong either way as long as you go with what suits you and your lifestyle. If you do decide an apartment is for you, start your search on ApartmentSearch. We’ll help you find the perfect apartment.
