No matter your city, no matter your state, an apartment is an apartment. I grew up in Queens, New York with my mother in a small apartment. When I was 17 we moved--to another apartment.
I used to wish that I could live in a house when I was younger, but now I've come to realize that I no longer want to. I'm completely comfortable with living in a building because I know that it's going to prepare me for my future in Manhattan. I don't have to worry about my delivery package being stolen from my front door, nor do I fear creepy attics and basements. If you've ever lived in an apartment then some of these things will probably relate to you, too.
1. With thin walls you can sometimes hear your neighbors conversations...and fights.
In my old apartment, I had neighbors that fought like cats and dogs. It was disturbing yet entertaining. Sometimes I would get extra nosey and put my ear to the wall. Don't look at me like that. You know that you would totally do it, too.
2. Your doorman either doesn't greet you or is always getting the door for you.
My building usually rotates between two doormen. One of them really loves to go the extra mile and the other one wouldn't care if you were being mugged.
3. Everyone outside your window looks like an ant.
I lived in my first apartment from the time I was born until I was 17. I was on the 11th floor and had a great view of tiny pedestrians, and of Manhattan.
4.You can't stomp or jump because the people below you will complain.
Unless you have wall-to-wall carpeting you know that walking around on bare floors can be a problem. If I ever try on shoes, I make sure to walk around on a rug.
5. Never having to worry about flooding.
Whenever the weather person comes on TV and predicts flood rains, I know that I'll be safe. I am blessed to be able to sit in my fortress and watch the storm roll by without having to worry if my basement is being damaged.
6. Wishing you had a backyard.
Growing up in an apartment meant that I was confined to 1000 square feet. For a child, it doesn't leave much room for playing. If I wanted to play outdoors I had to ask my mom to take me to the park. I didn't get to play in the grass or eat worms!
7.Knowing or ignoring everyone on your floor.
My mother is a very friendly person and so she is always talking to our neighbors. In my old building I knew practically everyone there, but since we've moved I haven't bothered to even try and talk to any of my new neighbors. Everyone seems to know my mom even if I haven't met them. People in my building now come up to me to tell me how nice my mother is and I simply can no longer be bothered.
8. Having the heat come on only when the super designates it to.![]()
I don't know how houses work since I've never lived in one, but I'm assuming that you can turn on the heat whenever you please. In an apartment, unless you have central air, you have to wait until your building's maintenance man turns on your heating. For New York City that date begins on October 1st and ends on May 31st. The problem with this is that it's usually not that cold in early October. It's also definitely NOT that cold in May.
9. Making sure your music isn't too loud for the neighbors.
I usually just play music from my phone or laptop and I don't use any extra speakers. This means that my music doesn't really play too loud. However, if you're someone that needs to be surrounded in a song, then good luck.
10. Elevators.
Unless you're claustrophobic, elevators are always fun. If you're lucky enough to be riding alone then it's a great opportunity to practice your "American Idol" audition.
All-in-all, apartments are a pretty rad place to live. It's nothing like "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody", but it has potential for adventures. But whether you live in a house or an apartment, it doesn't matter. A home is where you'll spend most of your time and it should be someplace special. After all, home is where the heart is.
