Have you considered entrance type as part of your apartment search? If not, you should.
In general, there are 4 main apartment entrance styles – and not every apartment complex has each type.
The four main entrance types are:
- private entrance,
- semi-private entrance,
- common hallway, and
- private with garage.
In this guide, we will look at all the main entrance types and some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Private Entrance Apartments
Apartments with a private entrance (sometimes referred to as walk ups) allow you to walk directly into the unit without sharing a hallway, elevators, or stairs with any other residents in the building.
PROS:
- PRIVACY/DISTANCE FROM OTHERS
- EASY TO GET IN
- EASY TO GET OUT
- GOOD FOR PET OWNERS (IF PETS ALLOWED)
CONS:
- POTENTIALLY LESS SOCIAL
- NO PROTECTION FROM WEATHER (I.E. IF RAINING AND AT DOOR)
Semi-Private Entrance Apartments
Semi-private entrance apartments also offer a reasonable degree of privacy because you only share the entrance between usually one and six other apartment units. In this instance, you do not have a shared hallway, and gives it a boutique living experience.
PROS:
- PRIVACY
- SOCIAL WITH OTHER UNITS
CONS:
- NOT AS PRIVATE
- TAKES LONGER TO GET IN AND OUT
- MAY BE MORE STAIRS
Common Hallway Entrance Apartments
In a common hallway apartment (mid rise or highrise) building with an elevator. You enter through a common door and then typically a long hallway before getting to your apartment door, or even an elevator followed by a long hallway.
PROS:
- MORE SOCIAL AS SEE OTHER RESIDENTS
- PROTECTION FROM WEATHER ELEMENTS WHEN ENTERING
CONS:
- TAKES MORE TIME TO GET IN AND OUT
- NOT AS IDEAL FOR PETS (DUE TO THE TIME IT TAKES)
- POTENTIAL FOR HALLWAY NOISE FROM MORE NEIGHBORS
Private Entrance with Garage
A private entrance with garage typically occurs in either a townhome, single-family home rental, or a stacked duplex.
PROS:
- Protection for your car from weather elements
- Benefits of private entrance (i.e. privacy and convenience)
CONS:
- Less social potentially
- Likely townhome set up, so a lot of stairs inside the home
- Potentially not full amenity package if duplex set up
How Do You Know What Type of Entrance an Apartment Has?
If you are browsing through rental apartments, pay close attention to the features listed.
For example, if the apartment has a private entrance, this will usually be emphasized in the listing, as it is a key feature to highlight. You can also check with the landlord or agent if this hasn’t been mentioned in the listing.
Apartment entrance type is a personal preference. It should certainly be considered as part of your search, but you’llĀ want to make sure you are considering other apartment features as well.
