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Apartment Living: Top Floor vs. Bottom Floor

Atlanta Apartment BuildingAtlanta rental homes come in various shapes and sizes, as well as elevations. In many cases, rental homes and apartments have units directly above or below other units. If you had the option to live on either the top floor or the bottom floor, you might be wondering which one is a better option. Although the top floor is usually considered the prime spot, that would actually depend on your particular situation and needs. After weighing out the pros and cons of the top floor and the bottom floor, you can choose which one fits your daily life better.

Ease of Access

Access is an important consideration when deciding between a ground-level rental or one on a higher floor. Top-floor apartment dwellers have to deal with stairs or elevator access on a daily basis. Movers also charge more for hauling stuff up and down top floor apartments so moving can become more costly. Access is generally more convenient for bottom-floor rental homes.

Safety

Safety considerations can also influence your decision to choose between the top floor and the bottom floor. Rental homes that are higher up are usually more secure since there is less access to windows from the outside. This also means you will have difficulty leaving the unit through a window in the event of a fire or other emergencies. If one of your main needs is security, you have to keep that in mind as you choose a rental home location.

Noise

Another big issue when choosing a rental home is noise levels. As a general rule, top-floor apartments tend to be less noisy than those below. But this does not mean that you won’t encounter noisy neighbors below. Also, living above someone else could mean that you could be the noisy one. You may find yourself reported to the landlord and have to deal with the unnecessary hassle.

Natural Light

Top-floor rental homes also tend to receive more natural light. In areas where structures are surrounded by other buildings, rental homes situated higher up tend to get more light than those on the bottom. Bottom-floor rentals, on the other hand, are closer to the garden, so if you prefer flowers to skylines, you would be better off picking the bottom floor.

Cost of Utilities

You should also factor in the cost of utilities as you make your decision. In general, top-floor apartments tend to have higher utility costs than bottom-floor homes. During months when the weather is warm, hot air tends to rise, meaning your air conditioning unit will need to work harder to cool a top-floor rental home than a bottom-floor one. Bottom-floor apartments are generally cooler and are less expensive to heat and cool than units on the top floor.

In the end, the best option will be determined by your priority needs and preferences. But if your current Atlanta rental isn’t ideal, maybe it’s time to find a new place to live. If you are in the market for a new rental home, Real Property Management Greenway can help! Visit our website to check out our listings, or give us a call today!

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