What is a High-Rise Apartment? + Pros & Cons

If you’re in the market for a new home in a big city, you have a ton of options to choose from. Deciding whether you want to rent a high-rise apartment will be chief among them.

High-rise apartments have distinct characteristics, making them a great choice for renters who love views and don’t mind short hikes to get to their front door. But they may not be right for renters with smaller budgets or who hate heights (quite, obviously).

If you’re unsure whether a high-rise apartment is right for you, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we take an in-depth look at high-rise apartments from their pros and cons to which level would best suit you. Let’s dive in!

What is a High-Rise Apartment?

High-rise buildings are those that have between 8 - 40 floors. However, that definition can change based on who you ask and where you are when you ask.

In the U.S., high-rise apartment buildings are determined by fire code standards, and are generally those with over a 75 feet distance between the first floor with ground access.

High-rise apartments differ from walk-up apartments, low-rise apartments, and apartments in skyscrapers.

Walk-up apartments are typically only five or six floors and don’t have elevators. Low-rise apartments are in buildings with seven floors or less with an elevator. Skyscrapers are buildings with over 40 floors.

Essentially, high-rise apartment buildings fall between low-rise buildings and skyscrapers. High-rises are generally found in the heart of large cities, like New York or Los Angeles.

Pros of Living in a High-Rise Apartment

Fortunately, there are a few advantages to living in a high-rise! Here are the pros of living in a high-rise apartment.

More Flexible Lease Options

More units means more room to accommodate tenants with a variety of needs.

If your renting needs fall outside of the traditional 12-month lease length and ‘bring your own belongings’ deal, then a high-rise apartment may be a good option for you!

Because high-rise apartment buildings have more units than smaller buildings, they may be more flexible when it comes to filling vacancies.

Some larger high-rises may even have a stock of furnished apartments for tenants who need month-to-month lease or similarly shorter lease options.

More importantly, high-rises may have more vacancies, so you’ll have an easier time of landing an apartment and may not have to worry too much about competition.

Unbeatable Views

Having an unbroken view of the beach, mountains in the distance, or even the city sprawled out before you is a unique and heady experience. When you live in a high-rise, you’re choosing to relive that experience every single day.

Of course, views vary based on your location, but most high-rises offer at least one perspective that makes them unique and offers an attractive option for renters.

Guaranteed Elevators

Exercise is important, though that doesn’t mean that getting to your apartment should count as an aerobic workout.

Fortunately, high-rises have elevators, making it easier to cart your stuff to and from your apartment.

If you love to break a sweat, you can simply use the stairs, which are usually less crowded than the elevators.

Centrally Located

High-rises are common in the heart of a city, usually in the downtown area. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a massive building on a residential street?

That said, the central location of high-rises allow tenants to stay right in the thick of things. Grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, and other apartment amenities are usually within walking distance.

It’s a perfect set up for the dedicated walker.

High-Security

As high-rises are so big, they require an extra touch when it comes to apartment security.

It can be hard to monitor who’s coming and going in a high-rise, which is why they almost always use high-tech security cameras and teams of security personnel to monitor all areas of the building.

Additionally, most high-rises employ doormen who get to know the building’s tenants so they can double-check any other individuals upon entry.

Beyond that, you’ll usually be kept abreast of any security threats through communications with your landlord or property manager.

Many Amenities

Most high-rise apartment buildings are billed as ‘luxury’ apartment buildings. Usually, the luxury sized units are reserved for the top floors, but the rest of the major apartment amenities are available to use for most tenants.

However, there are tons of communal areas that all tenants can access, including on-site fitness centers, laundry facilities, lounge areas, and more.

Cons of Living in a High-Rise Apartment

As with most great things, there are some drawbacks to renting a high-rise apartment.

Here’s a breakdown of the cons of renting a high-rise apartment.

More Expensive

Apartments in high-rise buildings are generally more expensive than traditional apartments.

The price hike is due to multiple factors, including excellent locations, tons of amenities, stunning views, and top-notch security.

If you plan on spending the extra dough on a high-rise apartment, just make sure your apartment budget has been adjusted to cover the cost!

More Noise

If possible, get to know your neighbors. If any of you disturb one another with excessive noise, a quick text should solve the problem.

If you live in a pet-friendly apartment building, your neighbor can give you a heads up if they’re planning on adopting a new pup and expect lots of barking in the next few weeks.

That said, shared walls can make privacy feel like a thing of the past when living in a high-rise apartment. Though, if you’re willing to put in a bit of work, you can take action and soundproof your apartment.

Less Privacy

With a ton of communal spaces and tons of occupied units in the building, there’s bound to be a lack of privacy.

Phone conversations can begin to feel like public addresses. However, it’s just a part of the package when you live in a high-rise building.

Limited Green Spaces

High-rise apartments aren’t garden apartments. Whether you want to take your dog for a walk or spend time out in nature, green space is a must for many renters.

Outside of small balconies, renters won’t find a ton of green or outdoor space when renting an apartment in a high-rise building.

If green space or parks are a huge part of your life, then do your due diligence to suss out an apartment that’s near a park or green space that fits your needs.

Parking Can Be a Challenge

Have a car? Where do you plan on parking it if you rent a unit in a high-rise building?

While some high-rise apartments offer private parking, many don’t. So, if you’re looking for an apartment with garage parking, you’ll need to make sure you narrow down your list of potentials early-on.

If you rent a unit in a high-rise apartment, you may need to figure out alternative parking options, which may be costly.

Sway

You know where most people don’t want to be in the middle of a thunderstorm or super windy days? At the top of a high-rise building.

Yes, buildings are made to deflect lighting strikes and sway in the wind, but no one really wants to be there when that happens.

If you live in a city like Chicago or New York, which experience some significant wind events, you may not feel comfortable renting an apartment in a high-rise building. It can be a frightening experience!

Which Floor Should You Live On?

If you’ve settled on a high-rise apartment as your next abode, the next big question you’ll have to answer is: “Which floor will you live on?”

Well, while you may not be able to choose the exact floor, you will need to determine whether you want to live in the apartment building’s lower, middle, or top floor apartments.

We’ve provided a breakdown of the difference between the three floor level options that high-rise apartments offer. Here’s what you need to know.

Top-Floor Apartments

When talking about high-rise apartments, you have to mention the incredible views that the top floors offer.

While not every high-rise has incredible views, most do. That’s the biggest draw to these units.

That said, high-rise apartments are best left for those patient souls who don’t mind waiting when elevator traffic gets too dense.

Top-floor apartments are also an excellent option for those renters looking for lots of space, reduced noise, fewer insects, excellent natural lighting, and privacy.

Middle Floor Apartments

Middle-floor apartments have the best of both worlds when it comes to apartment offerings in high-rise buildings.

Middle-floor apartments experience less noise and decent scenery. Plus, going to and from a middle-floor unit shouldn’t be too much of a hassle, even during rush hour.

Middle-floor options are great for those that don’t want to give up the benefits of both bottom and top floor apartments in a high-rise.

Bottom-Floor Apartments

Bottom-floor apartments are easily accessible.

Whether you’re moving in or carting your laundry out, the short trip between your front door and outside shouldn’t be overlooked.

That said, bottom-floor apartments don’t block sound well. So, you’ll have to contend with noise from your neighbors and noise from the outside world.

Better yet, if you prefer to avoid elevator traffic without having to hike, you can take the stairs. Plus, these apartments are usually among the least expensive in a high-rise.

Final Thoughts

High-rise apartments aren’t right for everyone, but they can make a select group of renters very happy with their new homes.

If you plan on making a high-rise apartment your new home, we’ve got you covered.

Take our apartment quiz to find a high-rise apartment that fits all your needs!