Top Floor Apartments
Top floor apartments are very popular, and they’re often home to luxury penthouses. Most people prefer to live on the top floor due to increased privacy and fantastic views. Let’s dive into some pros and cons with this level.
Pros of Top Floor Apartments
1. Less noise
If you live on the top floor, you’re the king. There’s nobody above you to make noise. Top floor occupants don’t have to worry about stomping noises, vacuum interruptions, and more. You can get more relaxation on this level than the others.
2. Panoramic views
In a top-floor apartment, you have the best views from the highest point in the building. If you’re someone who wants to gaze at the city, this floor is the one for you. You’ll have an astounding view of the sunrise and a glimpse at the city lights.
3. Increased security
The top floor is the most secure out of all the levels. Thieves or other invaders will rarely make their way to the top of the building. If you’re on the top, you can feel safe from people who might push into the building from the outside.
4. More exposure to natural light
At the highest point in an apartment building, you have more exposure to natural light. There are fewer items to obstruct the rays from beaming in, and you don’t need to be as worried about keeping the blinds closed for better privacy.
Cons of Top Floor Apartments
1. Added cost for rent and utilities
Floors on the top are harder to keep cool when it gets into the summer months. Because tenants tend to blast their air conditioning during this time of the year, you might experience a high utility bill some months. Rent might be higher for top floors.
2. More difficult to access
To access the top floor, you have to climb higher. Some apartments have elevators. Other apartments only have stairs, so the trek to your room every day will be long. If you have a problem climbing multiple flights of stairs or waiting in elevators, the top floor isn’t ideal.
3. Limited emergency evacuation options/access
In case of emergency, it can be trickier to evacuate an apartment building. You will need to climb more flights of stairs than other tenants to exit the apartment. Those who tend to worry may not enjoy the uncertainty of this factor.
Bottom or Ground Floor Apartments
Bottom floor apartments are on the other end of the spectrum, preferred for their proximity to the street and potential outdoor space. Let’s talk about the pros and cons here next.
Pros of Ground Floor Apartments
1. Easier to access
The ground floor is the easiest of all to access. You don’t need to climb stairs or take an elevator to get to your apartment. Those who want to avoid extra movement will enjoy this perk.
2. There are no neighbors to disturb
Those with a family or pets will enjoy the ground floor because there is no one below to worry about in loud moments. If you tend to stop and make a lot of noise, no one but the ground beneath will take notice.
3. More options for outdoor space
Sometimes, bottom-floor apartments have access to a backyard or courtyard. This coveted space is easiest to access if you occupy the ground floor of a residential building. If you like the outdoors, consider this benefit.
Cons of Ground Floor Apartments
1. Potentially more noise
On the ground floor, you’re right by the street. You will hear pedestrians, cars, and more every day. While some can drown out the noise, others might find it impossible to relax amidst the chaos.
2. Potential for more pests in the home
Pests will have an easier time invading your space on the bottom floor. Any crack in the wall or window gives them a place to enter. If you live here, you’ll have to be on guard at all times to steer clear of bugs.
3. Lack of privacy
Bottom floor apartments have less privacy than other floors. Open windows mean the opportunity for people on the street to look inside your home. Although some face inwards, many bottom floor apartments face the road.
Middle Floor Apartments
Last but not least is the middle apartment. Though not talked about as much, most people in residential buildings call middle living spaces home. Let’s talk about the pros and cons.
Pros of Middle Floor Apartments
1. Less noise than the lowest floor
You’ll still get invasive noise on the middle floor, but it’s less than the bottom floor. The middle floor is an excellent compromise if you’re hunting for a quieter living establishment.
2. Fewer flights to get to the floor
Occupants of the middle floor will still need to climb stairs or ride an elevator to get to their room. However, it’s not as many as on the top floor. You can get a little workout without straining yourself every day.
3. Bills are more consistent
Temperature regulated itself better on the middle floor. You can anticipate bills to stay about the same, no matter what time of the year it is.
Cons of Middle Floor Apartments
1. Neighbors on the top and the bottom
Neighbors on the top and bottom mean more noise and, for some, claustrophobia. You will be packed right in the center with everyone else.
2. Less seasonal bill breaks
Sometimes, the top and bottom floors get seasonal bill breaks due to the higher cost it takes to maintain comfortable temperatures. The middle floor is less likely to get a seasonal tax break for this purpose.
3. Noise needs monitoring
Not only will you have to deal with top and bottom neighbors, but you will also be a top and bottom floor neighbor. Middle-floor residents have to monitor their noises more than other residents.
Best Floor to Live on in an Apartment Bottom Line
For most people, the best floor to live in an apartment building is the top floor as it is more private, gets more light, and has better views. However, some people might prefer to live on a middle floor or lower floor, depending on their personal preferences and needs. For example, someone with a pet might prefer a ground-floor apartment that has direct access to outdoor space.
Best Floor To Live On In an Apartment FAQs
Which Is Better, a 2nd or 3rd Floor Apartment?
A 3rd-floor apartment is typically better than a 2nd-floor apartment as it will offer better views and more natural light. If the 3rd-floor apartment is on the top floor of the building, it also benefits from having no upstairs neighbors. Higher-floor apartments are also generally more secure from robbers as they are harder to access.
What Is the Best Floor to Live on in an Apartment Complex?
The best floor in an apartment is the top floor, as it offers the best views, more natural light, and the benefit of having no upstairs neighbors that can cause unwanted noise. However, be prepared to pay more for a top floor apartment as they are more desirable and slightly more expensive than similar apartments on lower floors.