There are mixed opinions about living in an apartment on the ground floor. All of these opinions are valid as living on the ground floor has pros and cons. It may be okay for others while others prefer to live on the upper floors. Many modern apartment complexes do not even have ground-floor apartments due to their lack of popularity. However, if your apartment complex still has the option, knowing the pros and cons of these spaces can help you decide if living on the ground floor is right for you.
Pro: more space
Living on the ground floor typically means you get more space. While you do not get a balcony, the space that would be a balcony is added to your inside space. This is great, especially since college student apartments tend to be smaller and you may have lived in a tiny dorm before moving into your ground-floor apartment. You will still want to maximize your space as much as possible, but living on the bottom floor means you have more space to maximize.
Con: more burglaries
If you live on the ground floor, you have to worry about an increased risk of burglaries since it is easier for robbers to access the ground floor. This is especially true if you live in an area where crime is higher. That said, there are things you can do to help prevent crime. Living on the ground floor means you have to be more aware of whether or not your doors are locked and if your blinds are closed. Also, be sure to keep any valuables out of sight of any windows. Make a list of all of your valuables and buy renter’s insurance, even if it is not required by your landlord.
Pro: no stairs
Those who live on the upper floors have to carry heavy bags and furniture up several flights of stairs when they move in. However, when you live on the ground floor, you do not have to worry about stairs at all. This will be great on days when you hit the gym or are simply too tired to climb stairs after a long day. This is also ideal for those with certain health conditions or impairments who struggle with climbing up stairs. Since apartment complexes with ground-level apartments tend to be older, these facilities may not have elevator access, so the ground level is easier to access.
Con: no balcony
Another con of living on the ground floor is that you do not get a balcony. Some apartment complexes may not have balconies, even for apartments on the upper floors, but they do not exist at all for ground-floor apartments. Some apartments on the ground floor have porches, but they do not have the same view that balconies offer. While it may be fun to have a porch or other outdoor space, having a balcony to sit on after a long day is a dream for some.
Pro: no downstairs neighbors
While you still have to deal with the possibility of noisy upstairs neighbors, you do not have to worry about downstairs neighbors if you live on the ground floor. This means that you do not have to worry about foot traffic if you have a party or come home late at night.
Con: pest infestations
Living on the ground floor means that pests such as rodents and insects have an easier time accessing your apartment. Talk to your landlord to see what you can do to help prevent these creatures from entering your space and what the procedures are if you were to need a pest control specialist to come out. Cover up even the smallest inlets that lead into your space and look for natural remedies to keep pests out. Know where your complex’s duct or sewage pipes are located in relation to your apartment so you are aware of how much of an issue infestation may become.
Neutral grounds
Even though there are pros and cons, there are some aspects to the ground floor that can go either way depending on your preferences. Living on the bottom floor means cooler temperatures since heat rises. While this means you will be more comfortable in the heat of summer, if you do not plan on using your apartment over the summer, it does not make a difference. Even though you will save on air conditioning in the summer, you may have to pay more for heating in winter.
Living on the bottom floor gives you proximity to the street and amenities. This means that you do not have to carry groceries or laundry up several flights of stairs. Your commute is shorter as you do not have to deal with taking the stairs or waiting for an elevator. However, this also means that you are close to street sounds, car alarms, and even more dust.
Despite mixed opinions about ground-floor apartments, there are pros and cons to them. At the end of the day, it comes down to your personal preferences.
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