When you are searching for an off-campus apartment, you may come across high-rise apartments, especially if you live in the city. These apartment buildings are more than seven stories high. For any city lover, living in a high-rise apartment may be a dream. However, like any living arrangement, there are pros and cons to consider before moving into a high-rise apartment.

via Pexels

Pro: Less risk of flooding

If you live on one of the upper floors of a high-rise, there is less of a risk of your apartment flooding. This is especially important if you live in a place that is known to flood a lot. You will not have to worry as much about water damage. It is still helpful to have flood insurance just to be safe, but your likelihood of needing to make a claim due to flood damage is minimized in a high-rise.

Con: If you can’t stand the heat…

It is a known scientific fact that heat rises. If you live in a place that is relatively warm or even hot for at least part of your academic year, this fact will work against you. Higher buildings like high-rise apartments tend to be hotter, especially during summer months if the apartment is not well-insulated. When looking into apartments and deciding on whether to go with a high-rise or not, check out the insulation situation. The better insulated the apartment is, the easier it will be to keep it cool when the weather heats up.

Pro: Safety

Living on the ground floor of an apartment building often leads to high crime and more burglaries. However, those living on the upper floors of high-rise apartments are safer from these types of crime. Sure, there may be theft between tenants, but there is less of a risk of someone from outside of the apartments in the building breaking in.

Con: Elevators

While having elevators can be a good thing, especially if you live on one of the higher floors, it can be difficult to catch an elevator going down that is not currently full. This can add time to your “commute.” Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to wait for an elevator to have space. However, some apartment buildings may not even have elevators, or they may be out of order if they do.  When looking at an apartment, make note of the elevators. Ask to see if they are regularly maintained and if they are frequently out of order.

Pro: Height off the ground

When you live on a higher floor, you likely have a better view of everything in the town or city below. You can look out your window and see some gorgeous views. Being higher also means that you will be less likely to hear the sounds from the city street. This is perfect for light sleepers who need silence to get any amount of sleep. Because the higher floors are less likely to be blocked by other buildings (depending on their location), the apartments on higher floors allow more natural light to come in. This allows you to save money on electricity as you can use natural light to see during the day.

Con: High cost, low space

Due to the scenic views, apartments on higher floors tend to cost more in rent. Unfortunately, these apartments also tend to have less space than first-level apartments. When looking for apartments, think about whether it is worth the extra money for a view or not. As a college student, most of your time will be spent studying, going to class, participating in student organizations, working, or doing internships. While a nice view may be tempting, consider how much of your time will actually be spent in your apartment looking at the view.

Pro: Safety

As mentioned earlier, high-rise apartments are less susceptible to burglaries from those outside the apartment building. This is because many high-rise apartment buildings have a doorperson or a security guard at the front desk. They are trained to know who belongs and who does not. High-rise apartments are also safe in weather emergencies such as high winds and earthquakes.

Con: Quiet feet

If you live on the very top floor of an apartment building, you get out of having to deal with noisy neighbors above you. However, you still have to be mindful that you, your roommates, and any guests you have over are being quiet, especially if it is late at night. Tenants in the apartment beneath you can likely hear any loud noises you make, which can be frustrating when they are trying to sleep. If you live on a floor that has neighbors above and below you, you may also have to deal with the noise from above.

Living in a high-rise apartment is a dream for many, especially those who love the city atmosphere. However, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding if they are right for you.