You may hear people use the term “garden apartment” or “garden-style apartment”, but what does it mean?
Once you break it down, it’s not as confusing as it may first seem.
In fact, you’ve likely seen many examples of these before.
A garden-style apartment refers to a type of an apartment building, and is an outdoor-style (garden) complex that can be one, two, or three stories in height (low rise), and typically are two or three stories.
The complex is also further characterized by garden-like settings – low-rise buildings surrounded by lawns, trees, shrubbery, and gardens.
Because of their ‘outdoor’ nature, garden-style apartments are usually found in suburban, suburban-urban hybrid, and rural areas. Buildings may or may not have an elevator. Usually have parking in front of the buildings or along the outside of the complex.
On the contrary, in a downtown or more-dense urban environment, you usually have more “mid-rise” or “high-rise” buildings. Most people know what a high-rise is. A mid-rise is usually characterized as an internal building that looks like a high-rise but is not as ‘tall’ in height. Mid and high-rise apartment buildings have at least one elevator.
While the exact definition of garden-style is not too important, and some people may have slightly different definitions, the possible benefits are worth noting:
- Easy access. When you wake up in the morning, you usually don’t have to travel very far to get to your car (assuming the building has good on-site parking). That is, you walk outside your unit into the parking lot, and similarly, when you get home, it’s easy.
- More spread out from your neighbors. Most of the garden-style buildings are generally more spread out as opposed to a mid or high rise. This is helpful as it can translate into a quieter living environment, although there are many more factors at play with sound control.
- Lots of greenery. By definition, because they are outside, many garden-style communities are characterized by green space. A good management company keeps this greenery, flowers, and landscaping looking beautiful. Often times, there are interior courtyards.
- Amenities on-site. Because of their space, many garden-style complexes have amenities like a clubhouse and pool.
- Direct Walk In. Garden-style apartments usually have open breezeways where you walk up the stairs and can walk directly into your apartment door without entering internal common hallway.
There are advantages and disadvantages to different building types, but it’s also a personal decision and one that’s going to vary depending on your options. When you’re ready to begin your search, and in addition to building type, you might also want to consider these other factors – things like location, price, reviews and the rental agreement.
Our 9-step approach to picking an apartment will help you check off the most important considerations.
