Apartment Complexes vs. Buildings: What's the Difference?

You’ve likely seen the terms "apartment complex" and "apartment building" when searching through listings and wondered, “what's the difference?”

While the two terms are similar, there are some significant differences that could make an impact on which apartment you choose. To make it more confusing, you may discover that rental listings use the terms “apartment complexes” and “apartment buildings” interchangeably, so you won't always know what you're going to see until you get there.

Understanding Apartment Complexes

What is an Apartment Complex?

Apartment complexes are collections of apartment buildings owned and operated by the same property manager or landlord. Complexes may range from large metro buildings to small, house-like structures. However, all the buildings in a complex form a single community.

Complexes may be staffed with property managers and other on-site attendants who handle maintenance and daily upkeep. They are also more likely to be set up like a community, with additional features including clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, and parking garages.

Sometimes apartment complexes are buildings filled with private apartments or condos. The owner can rent out these apartments but probably have HOA fees that could raise your rent.

An apartment complex is more likely to be a high-rise in the city or sprawling property with multiple units.

What's the Difference Between Apartment Complexes vs. Buildings?

An apartment building is exactly what it sounds like -- a set of apartments within the same construction. An apartment complex, however, is a collection of buildings owned by the same landlord or property manager. Complexes are therefore larger than single buildings, and they may also have other amenities. Here are some to consider:

Complex:

• Building managed by Property Managers
• Set-up like a community
• Owners can rent out individual units
• High-rise design or sprawling property with multiple units

Building:

• A single construction
• May have fewer community amenities
• Complexes consist of several buildings

Pros and Cons of an Apartment Complex

Learn more about the pros and cons to decide if moving into an apartment complex is the right choice for you.

Sense of Community and Belonging

Depending on socializing preferences, the community and sense of belonging in an apartment complex is a big pro. There's always someone around to talk to in the communal spaces, and complexes will sometimes host events for tenants, like holiday parties. Depending on how your apartment complex is staffed, some amenities may also be open 24/7, including the fitness center.

More Community Amenities

If you like community amenities such as pools, tennis courts, or dog parks, you might want to consider apartment complexes. Complexes are more likely to be built on large plots of land that allow for sizable outdoor amenities. You will find pools, clubhouses, and even performance spaces at the center of many apartment complexes.

Security

Security is another bonus when you live in an apartment complex. An apartment complex is more likely to have someone to staff the door, monitoring guests coming in and out and signing for packages.

If you lose your keys and need someone to let you inside, having staff around can be helpful. The communal feel of your complex also means more people are hanging around the fitness center and other amenities and providing safety in numbers.

Neighbors Are More Involved

With a more communal feel, neighbors are often more involved in your life and everyone else's. Gossip may be a regular occurrence when you're trying to relax around the pool. Instead of going straight to your apartment, you're likely to run into neighbors who want to catch up or fill you in on the latest drama going on down the hall.

More Rules

Apartment complexes often have more rules to maintain order and amenities. Most of the rules are common sense, like wiping down your equipment at the fitness center after you use it. However, neighbors can also start getting annoyed, and tensions rise when people ignore the rules.

Find the Perfect Apartment Complex

Before you head out to apartment hunt, make a wish list of everything you want and need in an apartment before taking your next tour to see if a complex will work best for you.

Ready to find your new place? Take Apartment List's easy quiz to get matched today! Include all the amenities you want to find the perfect complex.