How is it to live in an apartment? How is it different from living in a house?

1. 86

   Shil1978posted 13 years ago

   How is it to live in an apartment? How is it different from living in a house?

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2. 60

   vgf1968posted 13 years ago

   Living in an apartment is very different from living in a house.   Generally, when living in an apartment you have neighbors above / below / beside you.  You have to be quieter, as a general rule, and your space in limited inside those walls, unless you are lucky enough to have a small patio as well.  When you live in a house, you usually have more space, have a yard of some kind, and your neighbors are not as close.
   However, living in apartment often means your utilities, or most of them, are paid.  You may have a lease, but the terms are much shorter than a mortgage.  Although there are apartments you can buy and houses you can rent.   The price of living in an apartment -- with the exception of some places like New York City -- is generally cheaper than a house.
   Finally, owning a house can be a money pit that you never feel you can get out of.  Yet, it is your home, well yours and the mortgage company.   Although the question does not specifically ask, if I were deciding between buying a home or renting an apartment, I would rent. (Only because if I could get out from under the house I bought I would.)
   If I were deciding which I would rather rent - a house wins hands down.

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3. 76

   Cumbesefposted 13 years ago

   One thing that was not discussed in the previous response was the offset one is able to make from mortgage interest against taxes owed.  Oftentimes, the interest paid on the first year of a mortgage will result in an offset against your taxes due and thus, create a return.  I typically take that return and apply it to the following years house payments.  Therefore, once you get going (and provided you are under a certain income level), the cycle will perpetuate itself. 
   
   You also accrue equity in owning a house which can then be translated towards your own monetary worth when applying for a loan with a lender.  Apartment dwellers do not have this as an option, unless the apartment is a co-op and owned by the tennant.
   
   Finally, as a "renter" (be it in a house or apartment), the tennant does not always have free reign in how they modify the dwelling.  Paint colors may be dictated by the owner, as would any structural modifications.
   
   I do, however, understand why many of the well-to-do in the world have both homes and apartments in cities.  Apartments in a city are a wonderful alternative to a hotel where one can visit the city, see a show, or attend an event and then depart back to where they "live" to a home.
   
   Just a few of my own thoughts....
   
   I grew up in a New York City apartment until the age of 17.  I now live in a home on seven acres of land in a smaller town.  I love my home.  As fond as I am of the city and I do miss the excitement of being in the midst of the action - I wouldn't trade my house for anything!

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4. 61

   jeafoyposted 13 years ago

   I lived in a house and the taxes were high and it didn't help me in filing taxes. We moved to an apartment and closer to my husband's job. I don't like it because the parking spot is not guaranteed and the noise. I guess the most positive thing is you have a lot of people around and the threat of a break in is less than a house in rural area with no one close by.

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