Living on the first floor can have its advantages—moving in and out is so much easier because you don’t have to worry about hauling furniture upstairs, it’s simpler to get in and out and carry groceries into your apartment, and you don’t have to worry about climbing stairs or using an elevator. However, living on the first floor can have its drawbacks too. Here’s everything you’ll want to consider when living in a first-floor apartment.
Benefits of living in a first-floor apartment
When your apartment is on the first floor, you likely have the benefit of lower living costs. That’s because units on the ground floor tend to be cheaper to rent and have lower cooling costs. Additionally, if you want an apartment that has a garden or patio, you’re more likely to be able to find those features in a first-floor apartment. Not to mention it’s also much more convenient to get in and out of the building, which can be especially nice if you have a pet, struggle with mobility, or don’t enjoy lugging groceries up flights of stairs. [1]
First-floor apartment disadvantages
While living on the first floor can come with lots of perks, it’s not for everyone. In a ground-floor apartment, you can have less privacy depending on where your apartment is located in the complex. You also may have issues with packages getting stolen if they’re delivered to your porch or if the door to your apartment is adjacent to the street. And while your cooling bills will be lower, you may face higher heating bills in the winter. You may also deal with more outside noise in addition to wanting additional security measures for your apartment if you are living on the first floor. [1]
First-floor apartment safety tips
When you live on the first floor, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking proper precautions to keep your apartment safe. However, a lot of these precautions are beneficial no matter what floor you live on. You can keep your apartment safe by making sure it has secure doors and locks, as well as adding an alarm system if your apartment doesn’t have one already. You can also improve your apartment’s safety by blocking the view into your apartment with curtains or blinds. This helps prevent criminals from peering into your apartment for items they may want to steal. Additionally, by keeping your apartment well-lighted inside and out, you give criminals fewer places to hide in the shadows. Installing security devices on doors and windows and keeping valuables in a hidden place away from windows and doors can also help discourage break-ins. [2] [3]
Tips for picking the perfect ground-floor apartment
If you’re looking for a first-floor apartment, there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind during your search. For starters, you’ll want to check to see if the building has added security for ground-floor units. You’ll also want to look for a unit that has large windows with lots of natural light because you might not get as much natural light in your apartment as you would on a higher floor. Furthermore, you will want to keep in mind that you may be subject to more noise on the first floor if the apartment is close to mailboxes, elevators, parking areas, and street or pedestrian traffic, but you may also offset this drawback by spending less on rent in a ground floor apartment since some first-floor units are discounted. [4]
Protect your apartment with renters insurance
No matter what floor your apartment is on, it’s always a good idea to have renters insurance. You can get a free quote today and start protecting your apartment with insurance from Nationwide.
Sources
[1] “Everything You Need to Know About Living in a First-Floor Apartment,” streeteasy.com/blog/living-in-a-first-floor-apartment-pros-and-cons (accessed June 30, 2022).
[2] “Pros and Cons of Living in a First-Floor Apartment,” realtor.com/advice/rent/first-floor-apartment-pros-and-cons (accessed June 30, 2022).
[3] “Securing Your Ground Floor Apartment,” brinkshome.com/smartcenter/securing-your-ground-floor-apartment (accessed June 30, 2022).
[4] “5 Simple Ways to Enhance First-Floor Apartment Safety and Security,” bobvila.com/articles/first-floor-apartment-safety (accessed June 30, 2022).
Disclaimer:
The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide
