Apartment dwellers by choice?

**quiltergirl** · 02-13-2008, 08:39 PM

Anyone else here live in an apartment by choice and not really wanting to buy a house? I'm talking about rentals -- not owned units like condo's.

We are quite happy in our little apartment and frankly right now are so glad we didn't buy a house a few years ago with what is going on in the market right now. Our apt. community is out in the unincorporated county for now, but the city is growing out this way fast. We are across the street from a lake/nature park, close to dh's work and we have a fitness center on site.
Plus we don't have to worry about repairs/maintenance -- we just call the office and someone is here within 48 hours -- usually the same day. And at our ages we really don't want or need a big house/yard to take care of.

Anyone else happy in an apartment?

**dcompton** · 02-13-2008, 09:17 PM

I have never ever wanted to own a house. I love the freedom of renting. Owning a house would feel like a huge ball and chain dragging along behind me. Some months ago I went to a financial advisor, and he said the one thing more I really needed to do was buy a house. I'm sure the poor man meant well, but it sounded to me like he was saying what I really needed was to have someone following me around, whacking me on the head. Uggh. I promised I would think about it, and actually did - for a few hours. The conclusion -- No, no, and heck no!

If I had a family, it would probably be different, but since it's just me, I am perfectly happy with renting. It's what makes sense for me.

**powerfm1** · 02-14-2008, 06:48 AM

Yep. Love my little apartment. Live right on top of a huge metro park, by a beautiful river. Have a problem, call maintenance.

Being older and single I feel safer here than I would in a house. Nice people here, everybody is friendly and I often go out on a snowy day and my car is already cleaned off.

I have a nice balcony where I put lots of plants in the spring and I sit and read or watch the kids playing in the pool at the other building.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

**leezza** · 02-14-2008, 01:12 PM

Yep, it's just me and DH.....I also like the freedom, and the mantanence, and the grounds are well manicured, and our little area of the building we all keep an eye out for each other.

And one other thing I really like about out community is that we have a very good manager......everyone follows the rules or they are gone......which is one of the best things, in a housing community you may not be able to get ride of yukky neighbors.

JMHO,
leezza : )

**StaceyS** · 02-14-2008, 01:52 PM

I live in a duplex, but I like it. I used to own a condo and it was a nightmare! It's a lot of why I'm in such debt right now. I managed to sell it just beofre the market fell out. One of my good friends lost his condo to reposession. Plus, I'm paying about $500 less each month for more space than my condo had.
It's not perfect (old building, crappy flooring) but I like it.

**Critter** · 02-14-2008, 02:14 PM

Ok this isn't me we do own a house but I do envy you all that don't. Sometimes I think owning a home is so so much work, making sure this is fixed that is fixed then you always seem to want to do this and that. I miss the days of living in a townhouse or apartment. So don't ever let someone tell you that you are throwing your money away renting because I really don't think you are. I mean of course owning a home gives you some freedome to do what you want but renting I think (at least to me) was easier and less stree in worrying about this and that.

Glad that you love living in an apartment. I told dh if we move out of state we will rent before (and maybe not even buy) as long as we could find what we are looking for 2 to 3 bed and 2 bathroom and plenty of storage space.

So don't ever let someone tell you that you are crazy or throwing away money.

**redveg** · 02-14-2008, 02:54 PM

Excellent post! I too live in an apartment, and its great. I live on the second floor of a Georgian town house that was built in the 1830s, and i am surrounded by houses just like mine.
Its a listed building (which means its on a Government list due to it having special architectural and / or historical interest) and its in a conservation area.
There is a great park (laid out in 1830 and beautifully restored) just around the corner. The area i live in is frequently used by film crews from all over the world.
I have a small yard for my dogs (two pugs!) and we visit the park every day.
Its also in the city centre-and i have to say-i love it!
On a more 'frugal' note, its true to say that my apartment is quite small-but that means that it costs less to run.
Julie x

**Edna_E** · 02-14-2008, 08:38 PM

I rent a house now, but I have been in apartments much of my adult life. I did own a house for 6 years, but generally my industry is fairly unstable and I don't want to buy a house and then be stuck with it if my job moves. I also like the ability to let someone else make the repair decisions - as long as they get them done well and in a timely manner.

**i.m.cheap** · 02-14-2008, 11:08 PM

We are quite happy to rent. We live in a two-bedroom townhouse in a nice apartment community. We enjoy having no maintenance, lawn care, or snow removal worries. Our townhouse has plenty of room for the three of us, and we could never afford to buy a home in the great school district we live in.

**rachelMcK** · 02-15-2008, 09:16 AM

I choose to rent too. For a few reasons. Houses are just too expensive, too much work, and together a pain. We have cousins that just bought a house in the same city we live in, its not a very nice looking house to be honest, definitley needs alot of work. They pay $1500 a month in mortgage, not to mention heat hydro, water, garbage etc. They work so much to pay the bills they dont have time to fix the place up...no thanks!

**quiltergirl** · 02-15-2008, 09:45 AM

I have to admit I was a little afraid to start this thread. I was afraid I would get absolutely no respones or only negative response. I never dreamed I would get this kind of response on this forum.

I think it is very good that we are showing that not everyone who rents sees it as some sort of personal failure or a waste of money. There are many people for whom renting is not only a choice but the right choice.

Thanks guys, you are great. Anybody else?

**pinkdaisy** · 02-15-2008, 11:38 AM

Another happy renter here! I much prefer renting apartments or small town houses because I don't have to stress about costly home repairs or maintenance, and I don't have to do any yardwork (yuck)! The cost for heating and cooling a smaller space is much less expensive too. If you are creative with your organizing, I think a smaller space is a great way to live. I have no desire to buy a place right now.

**StaceyS** · 02-15-2008, 12:04 PM

Oh Yeah, yard work! I HATE mowing and now I have a front lawn but the management company mows it. I forgot about that advantage!

**Marie78** · 02-15-2008, 06:52 PM

Taxes are really high if you own in my community. We can afford to rent here though and it's safe and big enough for what we need right now in our lives. We may never buy a house depending on where we end up living after my fiance finishes his Grad Degree. I like that maintenance comes quickly if we have any problems and they take care of the lawn work in nice weather and the plowing and snow removal in the winter.
They also offer a pool and a weight room for the tenants.

Depending on where people live, renting isn't always a bad deal financially. Of course it's frowned upon to invest in something you will never own...but the cost of mortgage, taxes, utilites, and all repairs need to be taken into consideration.

**shoiji** · 02-15-2008, 06:53 PM

I always wanted to own my own place. What always stops me is the cost. Plus I never earned enough money where I thought I could cover the expense. So, I do enjoy the fact that the apartment I am in is nice, grounds kept up, and animals are allowed. Don't really know how I would deal with the added stress of homeownership. Especially now!!