The Best Types of Apartments Based on Your Needs

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The cost of buying a home in today's market can climb so high that you decide to rent an apartment instead. Apartments are also great for those who don't want to worry about routine maintenance and repairs. Whether you wake up to a leak in the ceiling or a water heater that stopped working, your landlord is only one phone call away. Landlords are responsible for all of the maintenance that rental properties need. As a future renter, you'll find that all apartments are not the same. There are different types that you can pick based on your needs.

Studio

One of the more common types of apartments is a studio. It has an open layout that can make it feel larger. Your bedroom and living room share space with the kitchen. The only separate room is the bathroom attached to the side. Studios can have different layouts such as an alcove studio, which has a small wall to divide each room. If you don't have a lot of things and want to save money, look for studio apartments in Seattle or your particular locale. Studios are typically the best choice for singles. While some couples share a studio apartment, others find that they need more room.

Loft

Loft apartments are nice for those who like open floor plans but need more space than a studio provides. You'll often find these apartments located in older buildings such as factories. Lofts often retain the original large metal casement windows that the factories had and have tall ceilings. If you prefer standard apartments, look for lofts that use full and partial walls to divide the space into different rooms. Most loft apartments feature one large space with a nice flow between the rooms along with a separate bathroom to the side.

Duplex

Most landlords list duplexes as homes rather than apartments, but these buildings meet the standards for apartments. The properties feature one home divided into two rental units. While you might have one rental on the bottom floor and another on the upper floor, the homes also come in varieties divided right down the middle. Duplexes can have just one bedroom or multiple bedrooms along with one or more bathrooms. You may find a duplex that has parking outside or a garage too. Similar to a duplex, a triplex is a home that a landlord divides into three rentals. A duplex or triplex is best for a renter who wants the benefits of living in a private home.

Garden

Though the term garden apartment might make you think of an apartment with an attached garden, it simply refers to a rental that provides access to an outdoor space. These apartments can sit on the ground/bottom floor of the building or sit below the ground. An underground apartment puts your windows flush with the ground and can leave you exposed to robbers. Those on the ground floor are a better option because they give you more privacy and security. Garden apartments are a nice choice if you want a private outdoor space.

Walk-Up

According to Apartments.com, walk-up apartments are more affordable than other types but have long sets of stairs that renters need to climb. Usually located in buildings that have no more than six stories, the buildings do not have elevators. A walk-up is a nice choice for those who want to save money on an apartment in a big city and don't mind physical exercise. Buildings that have more than six floors usually have elevators that provide easier access for renters. Living in a walk-up apartment is frustrating for some, especially those with pets who need to walk them a few times a day.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an apartment isn't as easy as just choosing a location and looking for rentals within your price range. You also need to consider the type of apartment that is best for your needs. A studio is the best option if you want to live in a popular neighborhood and save money but don't need much space. Renters pick duplexes when they want the freedom of living in a house and can handle having attached neighbors. Garden, walk-up and loft apartments have different amounts of space and other features that might work for you. Consider all of these types before picking your next apartment.