Apartment Life

We all desire a place to call home. And while homes come in many different forms, everyone has their preferences and circumstances. The limelight of this post is Apartment Living.

People have been living in apartments for hundreds of years. With modernization taking off in the early 20th century, people from all walks of life now enjoy the apartment culture. 

For young people venturing away from home or out of dormitories, apartments are often stepping stones toward home ownership. Starting in one’s own home signifies a significant transition in independence, and it’s an exciting way to explore and show off one’s interests. This might be the first time a person can choose what goes on the walls, and it could even be their first time adopting a pet.

Conversely, downsizing may present a blend of feelings for retirees transitioning from house to apartment, encompassing loss and relief. It can help to think of the process like the Swedes do: döstädning translates literally as “death cleaning,” but without the morbid connotation. It’s a practical way to clear the home so the burden doesn’t fall on family or friends after death. Furthermore, the mind can feel more at peace as the house becomes free of clutter and chaos. Apartment life also means freedom from chores that have, over time, become exhausting: No longer need to shovel the snow, mow the lawn, or fight the weeds in the garden. 

Apartment living is not only about a life transition. It’s also a way of life. Many agree that renting has several advantages over home ownership: renting is a more straightforward, cost-effective way to live. 

Apartment life is generally much more flexible than home ownership, from finding a suitable home to potentially leaving it one day. A quick search of apartment and house listings will show that far more apartments are available. This prevalence makes it easier to find something in a desirable area. The moving process itself is less stressful, without the need for mortgage applications, home appraisals and inspections, and making competing offers. And since there’s no long-term commitment, it’s easier to relocate if needed.

Maintenance is invariably less work for people living in apartments. No matter where or how one lives, problems occur, both in the building and the property. For renters, if the heater breaks, they don’t look up electricians and compare rates and reviews; they call their landlord. If black widows are infesting the property or a branch falls on the roof, they call their landlord. These situations leave little for the renter to handle and without additional expenses.

Cost is often a determining factor when deciding between renting and buying, and the current trend shows more and more people opting for apartments. Home sales are falling across the country due mainly to increasing mortgage rates, according to a July 2022 report by the National Association of Realtors. In just one year, home sales by Millennials fell by 15%. This drop includes the entire age category of 24 to 42 years old. A Redfin survey found that nearly 18% of Millennials and Gen Zers don’t believe they can ever own a house. Monthly rent is much less daunting than mortgage payments, and many cannot save enough for a down payment. Apartments are just one type of home, of course. It used to be the American Dream to buy a house and settle down, and that way of life is still right for many people. But as the economy changes and societal lifestyles evolve, that dream also takes on different shapes for different people.