Trying to decide whether you want to live on the top floor or the ground floor seems to be a tough decision, especially when you are in the hustle of getting a rental property. With the current market and the few properties available, you may not have time to consider all the pros and cons. Fortunately, we have a brief list to help you make the decision.
Ground floor pros and cons
Courtyards
Nothing is better than the fresh and natural ventilation of wind passing through your home. Feeling the morning breeze coming straight to your kitchen might be one of the best ways to start your day. According to some researchers, exposure to sunlight each morning will help keep you alert throughout the day and will also help keep your sleep schedule regular.
Cozy outdoor area
Transforming your outdoor area into a cozy space is the perfect excuse to browse Pinterest patio mood boards and embark on a fantastic family project. By hanging string lights, adding plants, and using pillows and throws, you can turn your courtyard into a relaxing and intimate space perfect for having a romantic dinner, immersing yourself in a good book, or inviting friends over for coffee in the morning or beer in the evening.
Accessibility
Avoiding stairs can make your life easier, especially when carrying heavy grocery bags or loading hefty luggage and gear into your car on weekends. Ground-floor apartments are also suitable for seniors who prefer a more leisurely lifestyle.
Potential Pests
Bugs can be a constant issue in ground-floor apartments, as they can enter your home by crawling through cracks, open windows, and under doors. Keeping them under control may require the frequent use of pesticides and, in some cases, calling in pest control to mitigate the problem.
Overall Noise
Living at street level can come with a great hassle. The daily life of pedestrians passing by, the noise from car engines, and the presence of nearby shops can be a big headache. It’s highly impossible to control everything that happens outside your property, and it can be frustrating when you’re unable to sleep due to a group of partiers returning home at 2 am after hitting the local bar. If this is your property case, you might consider installing double-glazed windows for noise reduction, and this will make a big difference!
Top floor pros and cons
Views
Views are one of the best aspects of living on the top floor. Think about it whether working from home, studying, or just taking it easy on the weekend, the feeling of taking a break to open a window or step out onto the balcony and take a deep breath while enjoying the city skyline displaying an outstanding sunset is simply relaxing. Nothing beats a balcony with waterfront views and a refreshing breeze on a summer night.
A brighter feeling
While ground floors lose natural light for half a day and sometimes have no light at all, top floors are constantly bathed in light. Every room enjoys sunshine throughout the day, which helps you save energy and benefits the planet.
Higher A/C bills
Here comes the flipside: being under direct sunlight will heat your house and raise indoor temperatures, especially during the summer. If your rental property has an A/C system, you may need to keep it on for long periods during the day. If the property does not have this feature, get ready – it will get boiling hot!
Whether you choose to live on the ground floor or the top floor depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Ground floors are accessible and offer cozy outdoor areas, while top floors provide stunning views and brighter living spaces. However, ground floors may be prone to pests and street noise, while top floors can get hotter during summer months and may result in higher air conditioning bills. Always remember that for every problem, there will always be a suitable solution, so if you have fallen in love with the place, just go for it!