Thread: What are the pros and cons of highrise living?

Thinking about leasing a highrise apartment in Houston, but since I've never lived in a highrise before, I was hoping some posters on here who know a great deal about highrise living could help me. Looking for the what you believe the pros and cons of highrise living are. Im looking into an Uptown/Galleria location.

The view is normally such a win!

Pros- VIEW
Cons- The only one that matters...Fire!

Pros: Ease of living and all that come with that, View, free heat depending on floor etc

Cons: No yard, HOA fees

Racin, my cousin just started at a luxury high-rish/loft leasing company. I can put you in touch if you want.

Pros are no lawn to mow, to roofs to maintain, less maintenance in general, views, more breezes.

Cons are maintenance fees, no lawn, it is a pain to bring in groceries/etc.

I've done both, I couldn't really tell you which is best. Each had their own pros and cons.

Originally Posted by The Judge

The view is normally such a win!

This and location are why Im leaning towards this highrise.

Originally Posted by thomascrown

Racin, my cousin just started at a luxury high-rish/loft leasing company. I can put you in touch if you want.

Pros are no lawn to mow, to roofs to maintain, less maintenance in general, views, more breezes.

Cons are maintenance fees, no lawn, it is a pain to bring in groceries/etc.

I've done both, I couldn't really tell you which is best. Each had their own pros and cons.

you have pm

Depending on the high rise, you can find underground parking and if your spot is near the elevator, its not that difficult for groceries, etc.


Cons:
Moving in, depending on size of furniture could be a pain in the ass.
Safety in the occurrence of fires, etc
Depending on build quality, you can hear your above neighbor's cousins sisters kids family's step child babies stomping on the floor.
Have higher HOA dues per month/quarterly, etc.
You will be restricted against usage and size pets you can have

Pros
Depending on the floor and side you're facing, you could have spectacular views.
little to no maintenance.
Usually a concierge and security guard.
Also, can be great locations
HOA can include water , garbage, etc.

List goes on for each category, what are your main desires and wishes? Also, what would you not like so much.

Originally Posted by MarcNV

what are your main desires and wishes? Also, what would you not like so much.

I work a ton, so I need a property that is low maintenance and safe above all. I have a Maserati so I need a private garage to store it safely. I would buy a property but dont want to deal with upkeep and maintenance which I just dont have time for like cutting grass or fixing things. I know a high rise isnt "quiet" but I dont want it to be cheaply built so far as I could hear what the other people are talking about in the other room (ref. Office Space). I do know I want to RENT and not buy. Biggest reason is I have always lived in the burbs, and am not sure where else id like to currently live so id like to roam around adjacent areas near my business. I currently live over 30min from work, and would like to cut that into less that half, not only saving on fuel costs, but also loss of TIME.

NEED:
-private garage
-close to work and nightlife
-1 bed plus study for my office
-balcony/terrace
-updated/modern finishes (stainless, granite, hardwood)
-safe (security guard, doorman)
-parking for vistors
-24hr repairs
-good management/staff

WANTS:
-as high up as I can go 20th+ floor
-spectacular views
-lots of space
-quiet/privacy
-ammenties (gyms, personal trainers, weekend brunches/dinners, concierge, house keeping, etc)
-like aged community/atmosphere
-excellent management/staff


HATE:
-poorly built buildings
-open parking (non resevered)
-no ample parking for vistors
-unsafe buildings
-overpriced properties
-no space/efficiencies
-not clean (breezeways, hallways, elevators)
-impolite neighbors
-impolite staff
-unresponsive staff/Management

cons:
- no garage to work on 'little things' (eg, oil changes)
- your garage neighbor parks right next to you
- many don't have a place to wash your own car
- no parking for guests
- can't listen to music/movies as loud as you want
- drunk idiots pulling the fire alarm @ 3am in the morning
- you can't get the fixtures/appliances you necessarily want
- no backyard
- HOAs are dumb
- many have no BBQ policy for balconies (screw that)

pros:
- view
- "easier living"
- you can enjoy a pool in the city (sometimes) - unless the idiots built it so that the shade of the buildings covers the pool by noon

to consider if they're factors:
- security guards can't monitor entire place so that's not a feature imo
- high floor balconies sound cool - but they are too fucking windy to enjoy


deal-killers IMO:
- many condos are moving towards a valet-only model
- many in the city now rent out garages during day for businesses - extreme hassle/pain in the ass trying to just goto the store during the day

hmmm, why am i living in one of these dumb-ass buildings....

- chuck

I hear people that live in highrises get more blowies.