Living in a ground-floor apartment may seem like an attractive option at first glance. You have easy access to your unit, and you don't have to hike up a flight of stairs or wait for the elevator after a long day. Not to mention, they often come at a cheaper price. However, while these features may seem attractive at first, the reality is often quite different. First-floor apartments come with a wide range of issues that can negatively affect your daily life, which is why they're often cheaper. So if you're considering a condo on the first floor, here are a few reasons why you may want to think again.
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Less Privacy
One of the biggest issues with ground-level apartments is privacy. Being so close to the streets means everyone can see what you're up to. While you can invest in some heavy curtains to block any street-facing windows, you'll need to keep them closed at all times to avoid feeling exposed. Depending on the positions of the other windows, you may be forced to make a hard choice between sunlight and privacy.
If you plan to buy an apartment in New York, you should also consider the light pollution from passing cars. Headlights constantly beaming into your apartment can get quite irritating after a while, but it may be unavoidable if you live on a busy street. Plus, living on the first floor of an apartment building means you're more exposed to noise from crowds outside and other disturbances at any time of the night.
Less Natural Light
Another disadvantage of living on the first floor is the lack of natural light. The lower you are to the ground, the harder it is for sunlight to penetrate the surrounding buildings and other structures.
Natural light can be a major selling point for a residence, especially in a vertical city like New York, which is one of the reasons the ground floor units tend to be cheaper. It can depend on the layout of the unit, but in general, the lower the floor, the less light you can expect. That means you should get used to keeping the lights on (which also means a higher electricity bill) if you plan on living in a 1st-floor apartment.
Security Concerns
Aside from comfort levels, ground-floor units can also present security concerns. First-floor units tend to be targeted by thieves far more frequently than units on a higher floor. The reasoning is fairly obvious: It's easier to get in and out.
Unless the burglar knows valuables in the top floor units will make it worth their while, they tend to go after the low-hanging fruit and rob the homes that are easiest to access. Being on the ground level, you're more vulnerable to break-ins because there's no barrier between the residence and the street. So you may want to invest in a solid security system if you buy a ground-floor apartment in NYC.
Floods and Leaks
In addition to thieves, you should also consider floods and leaks. If there is ever a heavy storm or other major weather event, the ground-floor unit is the first to flood. Even being on the second floor would mean the water level would have to get pretty high to cause any damage.
Yet, being on the first floor, you don't have the same luxury, and it often doesn't take much for an intense storm to flood a ground-floor unit. You should also consider that most standard homeowners insurance policies don't cover flooding, so you may need to purchase an additional policy to protect yourself.
Along with flooding, you should also consider leaks from the units above you. If a pipe bursts or your upstairs neighbor forgets to shut off the bathtub, water can easily seep into your apartment. While any unit beneath another residence is vulnerable to leaks, ground-floor units have it the worst because they're at the very bottom.
Rodents and Pests
Rodents and pets are another problem, especially in a first-floor apartment in NYC. Being so close to the street, it isn't as hard for vermin to enter your home, especially if you live near restaurants or retail spaces.
One of the disadvantages of living in New York is that there are all kinds of critters and unwanted guests roaming the streets at night. Although pests can be a big problem no matter where you live.
When you live on a higher floor, there’s a bit more separation that makes it harder for bugs and rodents to get in. But when you live on the ground floor, all it takes is an open door or a tiny hole to cause an infestation.
What Is the Best Floor to Live On In an Apartment?
Which apartment floor is best is all a matter of opinion. However, many people consider the top floor ideal, which is why the penthouse is typically the most expensive. Penthouses offer the opposite of a ground-floor apartment: privacy, security, and fantastic lighting. However, which floor is right for you all depends on your budget and needs.
In general, it's typically best to avoid the ground floor unit if you're looking for somewhere to live for the long term. They come with a long list of problems, which can make them harder to resell when you eventually get tired of dealing with the hassles of ground-floor living.
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