Choosing the right floor in an apartment building greatly affects your day-to-day experience. Whether you're seeking quiet, convenience or cost savings, each level comes with unique benefits and drawbacks. Let's break down the pros and cons of living on the top, middle and ground floors so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Top Floor: Elevated Living with a View
Pros:
- Peace and quiet: Sound tends to travel down in apartments, so being on top means fewer disturbances from neighbours. And the farther you are from ground level, the more privacy you’ll have and the less noise you’ll experience from pedestrians or street traffic.
- Stunning views: The higher up you are, the better the views, whether it’s city lights, scenic landscapes or blue skies.
- Peace of mind: Some residents still feel safer without street access.
- More natural light: Living above the trees and other nearby buildings means top-floor apartments enjoy more sunlight throughout the day.
Cons:
- Higher costs: Rent tends to increase with the floor level, and utility bills may be higher due to increased heating or cooling needs.
- Accessibility challenges: Top floors can be more difficult to access, when elevators are busy or under maintenance. Moving in can also be a hassle, especially if you have large or hard-to-maneuver furniture.
Ground Floor: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Pros:
- Easy access: Ground-level apartments offer the greatest accessibility, especially for families with pets or young children. You’ll never need to wait for an elevator when you’re rushing to work or climb stairs after a long day.
- Cooler summers, warmer winters: Hot air rises, and harsh winds are buffered by trees, buildings and other obstructions, meaning lower apartments are protected from extreme heat and cold. And the ground acts as a thermal sink, absorbing the sun’s rays during the day and releasing that warmth at night.
- Lower rent and utility costs: Ground-level apartments also often come at a reduced price and lower utility bills since they maintain a more consistent temperature.
- More access to amenities: Many ground-floor suites offer larger patios and easier access to common areas like gyms, laundry facilities and underground parking. Outdoor and neighbourhood amenities are at your fingertips as well, including gardens, parks and local businesses.
- Moving made easy: Carrying furniture is quicker and less of a challenge when you're on the ground floor. For suites with balconies, or other direct outside access, large or hard-to-maneuver items can be brought in directly, with no need to move them through shared doors or hallways.
- No downstairs neighbours: Being on the bottom floor means you have fewer neighbours than most suites, so you can be a little less concerned about the noise you’re making. That means no more tiptoeing when you get up early or come home late.
Cons:
- More noise: Depending on your building’s layout, you may experience additional noise during the day due to street traffic and neighbours travelling to and from communal areas like laundry rooms.
- Less privacy: Because ground floors are more accessible, they can sometimes feel less private and pedestrians can see into your suite if you forget to close your curtains.
- Limited views: While street-level views offer their own charms, and you may still get a pleasant view of trees or greenery, you likely won’t have access to the same skyline vistas that higher floors offer.
Middle Floors: A Balanced Option
Pros:
- Best value: Rent on middle-floor suites is more affordable. This lower cost comes with many of the same benefits as suites on the top and ground floors.
- Elevator flexibility: Because elevators travel to the furthest request first, wait times are usually shortest around the middle of a building. That means elevator access is convenient while taking the stairs remains a practical option.
- Relative privacy: Apartments on the second floor or higher are protected from street-level noise and can be harder for a passer-by to see into, especially if they have a balcony.
- Consistent utility costs: Being between floors grants most of the protection from extreme weather that ground floors offer. Better regulated heating and cooling, means your utility bills are more predictable.
Cons:
- Neighbours above and below: Having lots of neighbours is both good and bad and being on a middle floor means you’ll have more immediate neighbours than anywhere else in the building. You’ll need to be mindful of those on either side of you, as well as neighbours living above and below your suite.
- Neighbourhood dependent: Depending on where your building is located middle-floors suites may have access to all the sights and natural light of top-floor suites. But, if you are surrounded by other tall buildings, middle floors can have fewer panoramic views, less sunlight and can limit your privacy.
Which Floor is Right for You?
- For families: The ground floor is more forgiving when things get a bit louder and is ideal for easy access when moving strollers, carrying in hockey gear, or taking the dog for a walk.
- For students and young professionals: The middle floors offer the best value. With more time spent away for work or socializing, affordability becomes more appealing, and noise will be less of a concern. At the same time, ground floor suites offer the same affordability, and can save a little time on your commute.
- For people with hybrid or work-from-home careers: The top floor offers the most peace, privacy and fantastic views. Though they usually cost more, you'll get more value from them because you spend more time at home. Having to wait for an elevator also won’t be much of a concern, and you’re less vulnerable to disruptions by noisy neighbours.
At the end of the day, choosing the right apartment depends on your lifestyle, preferences and budget. Knowing your needs and whether you prioritize convenience, cost or quiet will help you make an informed decision and find the floor that’s right for you.