- Townhomes have private entrances for more privacy and convenient dog walking.
- Consider your sensitivity to noise you might hear through shared walls.
- Scheduling a time to walk through both apartments and townhomes can help you make your final choice.
Choosing the right floor plan for your lifestyle is exciting. You can imagine a fresh new space, add extra rooms and square footage if you need a bigger home, or you can come home to a cozy space that’s easy to maintain and easy on your budget. At Anderson Communities, we offer townhome and apartment living options, both with our transparent pricing and community-focused approach. Use this quick guide to compare the two options and find your next dream home.
What Is the Difference Between a Townhouse and an Apartment?
An apartment is a (generally) single-level unit in a multi-floor building, so you’ll likely share walls with a neighbor or two and have neighbors living above and/or below you. You’ll share main hallways, elevators, and staircases. A townhome, while also in a shared building, offers multi-level flooring with a private entrance. You’ll have neighboring townhomes to the sides, but you often have a private garage and patio.
Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Rentals
Which type of home is a better fit for you? Consider these factors as you compare the options.
Space and Layout
Townhomes can feel like a traditional home, with a layout that features a living room and kitchen on the first floor and most bedrooms on the second. They have more verticality. But apartments have a single-story layout and are often built to optimize the efficient use of space.
Privacy and Noise
If privacy and noise are big concerns for you, a townhouse is a great choice. Because there are fewer shared walls and you don’t have neighbors walking above you, there’s generally much less noise. You also have a private entrance without shared hallways, so you get more privacy overall.
Apartments also offer some privacy and security benefits. The entrances and exits may have security teams or automated systems depending on the building, and some people find the high-traffic hallways and bustle comforting.
Amenities and Maintenance
Apartment communities tend to offer great shared amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and green areas. Townhomes, instead, tend to have private decks and patios for more secluded recreation. At Anderson Communities, we offer completely included maintenance, so you can enjoy your spaces without worry.
Lifestyle Fit: Which One Is Right for You?
Both apartment living and renting your own townhome offer many advantages. Comparing the factors above can help you lean in one direction or the other. But it can also help to learn about what home styles people tend to rent at different points in their life journey.
- For Young Professionals: If you’re busy, regularly away from home, and live alone, an apartment can be a convenient option because of its size, easy maintenance, and location.
- For Growing Families: If you need more space and bedrooms, a townhome gives you the extra square footage you’re looking for. Townhomes also feel more “house-like,” with shared spaces on the first floor and bedrooms above.
- For Pet Owners: Both options can work well for pet owners, though apartments tend to have more restrictive rules regarding what pets you can have. If you have a dog, the private entrances that townhomes offer can make walking your dog easier and more fun.
Find Your Next Home With Anderson Communities
Whether you want an apartment or a townhome, choose Anderson Communities. Our community-centric locations offer both apartments and townhomes with different layouts and floor plans. Reach out today to learn more about our community or schedule a time to walk through our available options. With Anderson Communities, you get community-first living with no hidden fees.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // ND700
