Individuals and families decide to rent instead of buy for many reasons. One of the first decisions you have to make when looking for a rental is if you would prefer to rent a standalone house or an apartment in one of the local apartment buildings. Recently, there has been an uptick in renters looking for apartments instead of homes. Whereas some people prefer to live in a large building, others look for an apartment in a smaller building for different reasons.

Cost

Some renters turn to apartment living for overall cost reasons. Cost includes both rent and utilities. In many cases, you can get a nicer home for less money if you choose to live in a large apartment building. Even small apartment buildings are often more cost-efficient with the bonus of no maintenance such as lawn care.

Amenities

Apartment living is often the best choice for people who want community amenities. Not all apartment buildings come with added amenities, but some include laundry facilities, a gym or even a pool. Renting a single home usually comes with fewer amenities unless it is within a housing development with a homeowner’s association.

Community

Small apartment buildings offer a sense of community that cannot be gained as easily from standalone homes or larger apartment complexes. With fewer apartments located within the building, you get to interact with your neighbors in ways that aren’t as possible in other living situations.

Location

When it comes to housing, the location can be everything. If location is your primary concern, it can be difficult to find a rental that is located in your specific preference of area. Apartment buildings offer up the option for a larger number of people to live in a highly desirable spot. People flock to apartments in the best neighborhoods as a way to improve their quality of life. If your move is due to a job change, proximity to your company or public transportation may be a factor in location choice.

Family Situations

One of the most common reasons for a move is a change in the family situation. Having children can lead to a different apartment choice than downsizing after children have grown and moved out of the home. Some individuals move to be closer to family.

More families are choosing apartment buildings, specifically smaller ones, as an alternative to other types of rental housing. The reasons differ but usually revolve around family changes or a desire to live in a particular neighborhood.