Note: This is a guest post from Julia Ubbenga of Rich in What Matters.
Lately I’ve been happily fielding a not-so-surprising question: “Why are you raising your family in a 1,000-square-foot apartment?”
Well, actually, the question usually sounds more like, “Aren’t you looking for a house?”
While we certainly could be house hunting if we wanted, the truth is, we don’t have the desire. We did the live-in-a-house thing for three years before moving to our current apartment. And we aren’t in a hurry to get back to that lifestyle.
Yes, we realize it’s a bit countercultural. In the US, 80% of the population prefer to live in a single family home, while only 70% actually do. Meanwhile, apartment and condo living is preferred by only 8% of the population, yet 17% of Americans do live in an apartment or condo.
In European countries, however, apartment living is more common. In Spain, for example, 65% of the population live in apartments.
Clearly, choosing an apartment over a home is not the “American norm.” So why do we love being in that 8%? What’s the draw to apartment living? I think many people don’t even stop to consider the benefits.
Here are 7 reasons why we love apartment living and you will too:
1. Simplicity
Apartment living is a simpler way of living, which translates to a happier, lower-stress life. A simpler lifestyle provides the space to figure out what matters most and the freedom to focus on these things.
Some people may love fixing up their home, and that’s great. But if that’s not how you feel called to spend your gift of time, then apartment living will free you from those obligations that come with owning a house.
Instead of spending your weekends on home maintenance projects or mowing a yard, you can take your kids to the park and the pool. You can relax more and even nap more (yes!) without thinking about things that need done around the house.
This is not lazy living, just the opposite. It’s intentional living that focuses on what you believe matters.
2. Less stuff
A smaller space simply can’t fit a lot of material things in it. It’s minimalist by design. This reality forces you to edit your life constantly by making decisions about what stays in your home.
If you let clutter pile up, you quickly lose living space. In a smaller space, you’re not tempted to buy more furniture or other “toys” because you just don’t have a spot for them. When new things do come into your home, other things have to leave. You quickly learn the feel of “enough” in your home and become motivated to maintain this balance.
3. Connection
Connections thrive in smaller spaces. These connections could be within your family, your faith, or even to yourself. With less home to care for, family time, prayer, and self-care can become a daily theme, not a side note.
An apartment’s smaller space allows families to be more present for one another. This leads to more connection and more shared experiences.
You will talk more, play more, and do more together because you’re closer together in proximity (although apartments are still big enough to allow breathing room when needed).
4. Community
Apartment complexes come with a built-in community. Many have weekly activities or a clubhouse where people often meet. This can be beneficial, especially for stay-at-home-moms (or those of us who work from home).
A face-to-face, adult conversation is always easy to find, which can be a very welcome thing during a day spent taking care of kiddos and a home.
Feelings of social isolation are hard to come by in apartment complexes. Befriending elderly neighbors can be especially rewarding. The memories they share are almost always about family and experiences—not stuff. Hearing stories from their lives will remind you to slow down and keep a big-picture perspective on life.
5. Financial flexibility
Apartment living helps shape your spending around the lifestyle you feel most called to. If your family values relationships, traveling, health, and generosity, but your finances are going toward home projects and repairs, then you won’t be able to focus as much on those values.
Consider if the trade-offs make sense. Instead of saving up for a new roof, you could travel to see family out of state multiple times a year. Instead of redoing your flooring, you could have frequent nights out with your loved one. Instead of repairing your basement’s foundation, you could invest in your health by eating organic, real foods. Instead of renovating your kitchen, you could donate to a cause you’re passionate about.
6. Contentment
Happiness is found in being true to yourself and your values—not someone else’s. Studies also show time and time again that more possessions don’t ultimately make us happier. Although many people may pursue the “American Dream” (a bigger home, more stuff), they don’t report being any happier for it.
Raising your family in an apartment also instills this in your children. As your children observe your family’s lifestyle, they will realize that you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing or live the way everyone else is living to be happy.
7. A tidy home
Any living space requires upkeep. Apartments, by design, are easy to keep tidy. Less space means less to clean in less time. When cleaning doesn’t seem overwhelming, you’ll be more motivated to do it. And the peace that comes from a clean, uncluttered living space will motivate you to maintain this feel in your home.
Home maintenance systems are also easy to implement. Consider laundry, for example. When your washer and dryer are only steps away, you’re much more likely to stay on top of laundry than if you had to descend two sets of stairs to wash your clothes. Being in close proximity to your daily chores increases the chance you will do them.
We realize that apartment living isn’t for everyone. But for us, a minimalist lifestyle in a 1,000-square-foot apartment leads to more joy, more fulfillment, and more family togetherness.
Our home has never been tidier and our family is thriving in this simple, manageable environment.
If you’re looking for a way to simplify your life and focus on what matters most, why not give apartment living a try?
It’s not the American norm, but it could just be the right lifestyle for you.
***
Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog, Rich in What Matters. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City apartment home with her husband and two extremely lively young daughters.
Patrick Lee says
Minimalism is a good way to live in Hong Kong, a 300 sq ft space would cost you USD$1500 rent per month. It is hard to afford more spaces, becoming a minimalist seemed to be the only way.
Steve Payne says
Joshua, thanks for this post from Julia. There is an ongoing problem I see from many writers in the minimalism movement regarding “apartment living” versus owning a home. Julia falls into this trap with her #5. Renters pay SIGNIFICANTLY more than owners do over time. Ownership is a step toward financial independence. She talks about the money that you have if you rent instead of own, and the opposite is true! Now, if you sell you 3,800 sf house and rent a 900 sf apartment, yes, you’ll probably spend less. But you spend even less if you owned a 900 sf condo! There are advantage of renting (moving frequently). If one just reads through Julia’s post and asks, would I get the same benefit if I night a 1,000 sf condo instead of a house? Most of them are yes, and over time, you would spend much less than renting. (We landlords aren’t running charities, we’re in it to make a profit!)
adrian rackham says
To be honest I cant say I agree with this apartment living idea , I dont live in a large house , it has 4 bedrooms a terraced style with a garden both front and back. Since I’ve lived there, repairs and maintenance have been minimal (20 years ) I am in the UK and compared to US style houses it is very small , at present there 4 adults in this house , there were 5 but my oldest has since moved in with her partner. My garden has been maintained lovingly by my wife who gets a lot of pleasure , exercise , connection to nature , also during these difficult times our small garden has been a blessing . In the UK you would pay a maintenance fee towards the upkeep of an apartment this would be added to your rent or mortgage. I have,no mortgage, no rent , no maintenance fees no debt whatsoever, I have achieved financial freedom which , thanks to people like Joshua Becker , The Minimalists, and Courtney Carver . I find apartments a bit anti social , lack of community and isolating. They maybe great for some people, personally not for me .
Franklen Y says
Hi, I am German and american, I am a legal assistant and recently just moved back to US and spent 2 weeks in Finland and 2 in UK with my new second husband. Now we are broke! Renting is so expensive, we had some extremely good foods for less. Back to here, I found that I missed so much from our play and country-side, and loudly city-life; I live in an apartment and look so much forward to own my place in the future, hope to have no debts and no credits here to stay.
Mary Jo Ruck says
Yes, yes, yes. A resounding yes. My family lives as missionaries in Japan and we live in a 1,000 sqft apartment too. We have three kids, ages 7,5, and 2. Some days I wish I had more closet space, but really, even if we moved to a house (we’d still need to rent most likely because of visa status), I wouldn’t want it much if any bigger than this. Who wants to clean all that? Or pay the utilities!? I am so thankful for how close we are as a family because we literally are so close to each other. And yep, my washer and dryer are just a few steps away from the kitchen. Laundry gets done every day, and I’ve realized how little clothing we actually need. Maybe four pairs of regular every day closes and we’re set. We can even get by on two (I actually do!). Some days it can feel a bit squishy, but truth be told, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Melanie says
I love reading this blog and the articles. And today I want to take the time to comment: I am from Hamburg/Germany so my experience with appartments and morgage is totally different from the other commenters.
I agree, noise level may become a problem. But in general, besides playing children or babies/toddlers crying, I have never had a problem. I can’t hear my neighbours having sex, their television or have a problem with party noises. I have never had or heard of people having problems with water leakage. The maintenance done by the renting company is perfect. I live in the city but in a very green area full of low rise app. complexes with lots of playgrounds in between.
Paying for the morgage – even for a very small house with a tiny/small garden – would at least mean trippling my expenses. That would be my full income! And because of law regulations, the increase in rent can only be a specific amount per year which correlates fairly well to inflation.
btw I have stayed in this same app. for about 10+ years now and many of my neighboors stay quite a few years too, although in some complexes – especially with smaller flats for students – the fluctuation might be higher.
Would I love the small house? It has its benefits. For me that would be never having to consider my own noise levels and being on the ground floor without having someone “on top”. But the much higher costs make it basically impossible to pay for as a single. This (the cost and legal situation) may be a reason why there is way more app. living here in Europe.
Marian OReilly says
I sold my suburban 3 bedroom, 2 bath house and most of my possessions 1 1/2 years ago. I moved into a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 900 sq. Ft. apartment. I love it. It took my dog a little bit to get used to being walked and let out instead of having a doggy door and big yard but he has adjusted. I am just thrilled with with where I live, quiet neighbors, responsive management. It’s working very well for me.
Gail says
I did agree with the low maintenance aspect. Plus, we are hurricane and flood safe in this sturdy mid-rise. However, the elevator and the complicated grocery delivery process make this not a simple pandemic way of life for someone elderly.
Sarah says
Connections with family because of close proximity is SPOT ON! My husband and I often talk about our days in the one bedroom apartment as extremely intimate and personable. Though we live in a conventional 4 bed house, we were able to bring this “apartment life” mindset with us and I am so grateful. Beautifully written article thank you Julia!
Gina says
It really depends on the housing and rental market where you are. Where I am, I have only been able to get ahead on saving and paying off debt since buying a house. The average cost of renting a 2 bedroom apartment here is double my mortgage payment, and when I rented I still had to pay for water, gas, phone, cable, and trash separately. My bills for the house on those items is no higher now that I am in a house. I have no HOA. I have accelerated my mortgage repayments because I can and the value of my house has already appreciated to the point that if I sold tomorrow I would recoup every dollar I’ve paid against my mortgage.
I DO have a huge backyard which I am chipping away at converting to growing food, and I am replacing my front lawn with a pollinator garden. My neighbors here lookout for me; when I lived in apartments nobody spoke to each other.
My mortgage is fixed for the entire length of time that I’ll pay it.
I’ll keep my house. Nothing says I have to stuff all the rooms with stuff.
Paul says
My wife, toddler, and I have been living in an apartment for over two years now and we absolutely love it! Couldn’t agree more with you Julia — there is a certain contentment and connectedness that we feel about living simply together in our little apartment.
Also, we love the community aspect of apartments that you mentioned in your article! There is always an opportunity to meet, connect, and build relationships with new people.
Well-written and thought-provoking article — thanks so much for sharing!
Louisa says
This is how I made a friend when I first moved to our state. She is now moving to somewhere else and at first we had some good time and sharing fun with her dog. Now in our duplex the cost of HOC is high and our neighbors don’t see each other often. My work is my only connection to the community. my dream is to be in a condo with no lawn care, weekly trash disposal, or more fees. I live by myself and find this is the best choice and cost-effective.