I really think it depends on the area/street. Some of our friends lived on the first floor of a very busy street in the Village and they *hated* it because of the street noise, people could see into their windows, street dirt, they sometimes had some bug/vermin problems (could have been the building though - it wasn't a very good one), etc. But we have another friend who currently lives on the first floor of a quiet area (upper 70s between 2nd and 1st) and she really likes it. All of the street level apartments in her building have the bars on the windows (not exactly the most attractive, but adds a bit of safety). I've heard that street level/first floor apartments tend to be lower in rent - is that true or just a city myth? If so, it could really be worth it depending on the area.
I had never heard that first floors were cheaper… however we may have the option to purchase a co-op and hence me asking this question. But I guess the myth is really truth. In our case the first floor apartment is considerable less and I’m trying to understand why. I figure it has to be because they are less desirable but I still don’t get it. I would hate to find out after I bought the place.
I don't think I'd particularly mind renting a 1st floor apartment, but purchasing is a different story. You may have difficulty when it comes time to sell.
I've never lived on the first floor but my biggest concern would be the rat issue too. Rob's friend lives on the second floor of a nearby building and he's got a rat problem *shudder* I think it might be the fact that he lives close to the subway perhaps?
Noise and safety would be other concerns as well. But I live in the Bronx, where people think it's cool to sit in their car while they listen to music very loudly.
Obviously I don't have real experience, but here's what I'd worry about:
1. Much more street noise 2. Bars on windows - ugly 3. Possibly less safe, but the bars on windows might help that. 4. You'd want the curtains closed ALL the time otherwise people see in from the street. I certainly peek into any rooms I can see on the first floor. I was just thinking to myself as I was passing a nice building on central park west that the first floor would suck because of the bars on the windows and the fact that the people kept the curtains shut all the time. 5. Less light coming in because of shadows from other buildings 6. Potentially more rats/bugs
Pros: 1. If no elevator, less walking up stairs. No waiting for elevator if there is one. 2. Possibly cheaper bc less desirable to others 3. First out in fire 4. Sometimes you get the garden if there is one
I live on the 27th floor and do like it because of the extra nice view. My building rents lower floors at a cheaper price - so if you consider a low floor you should negotiate a cheaper rate.
just chiming in with everyone. my DH has a big thing about living on top, and in our building I'm glad for that because the floors are really hollow/squeaky and our downstairs neighbor is always complaining. :) in the summer we pay the most in a/c because we get all the sun, but in the winter we coast off of everyone's heat (which will be nice considering gas prices this winter). I would have a security issue with living on the first floor, plus I would be more afraid of my cats getting out/fleas getting in to my cats. We have a bigger problem with stray cats in our alley than we do with rats. however, the 1st floor here would be priced significantly lower than the 3rd floor, so it's a more economical way to get a good apartment. you just want to check out the upstairs neighbors and make sure they don't have four kids and two dogs and play music all night. at least you wouldn't have to carry groceries/kids up several flights of stairs (we don't have an elevator).
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Noise and safety would be other concerns as well. But I live in the Bronx, where people think it's cool to sit in their car while they listen to music very loudly.
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1. Much more street noise
2. Bars on windows - ugly
3. Possibly less safe, but the bars on windows might help that.
4. You'd want the curtains closed ALL the time otherwise people see in from the street. I certainly peek into any rooms I can see on the first floor. I was just thinking to myself as I was passing a nice building on central park west that the first floor would suck because of the bars on the windows and the fact that the people kept the curtains shut all the time.
5. Less light coming in because of shadows from other buildings
6. Potentially more rats/bugs
Pros:
1. If no elevator, less walking up stairs. No waiting for elevator if there is one.
2. Possibly cheaper bc less desirable to others
3. First out in fire
4. Sometimes you get the garden if there is one
Umm, that's all I can think of...
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