We can learn a lot from the way our continental European friends have adopted single story living
We in Britain and America look at apartment living all wrong.
We think it’s a nuisance, a “bad” way to live. There’s no living space, no outside space, no peace, and quiet.
Our friends in mainland Europe— where 46% of people live in apartments to the US’s 17% — would beg to differ.
We can learn a lot from them about how apartment living can be enjoyed — not just endured.
Buying a home isn’t as much about becoming a homeowner as it is leaving the apparent hell of apartment living behind.
In a way, I get it.
When I lived in the UK, I hated living in an apartment. My downstairs neighbors were incredibly noisy and would have sex underneath my bedroom at least three times a night, every night (seriously). The apartment was poorly maintained, it was damp and cold. It was an old Victorian house that had been converted cheaply and thus poorly (hence why I could hear all the org*sms downstairs).
Since living in mainland Europe for the last two years, I’ve come to love apartments.
Why? Because apartments here are not a last resort, they’re a viable living option. They are occupied by everyone from single people to families to couples to friends, young and old. And because they are for everyone, many of them are built better, quieter, and much much better maintained.
When apartments are like this, you’re able to appreciate all the kick-ass benefits that come with single-story living. Smaller spaces to clean. Less to maintain. Less to think about, leaving space in your brain for more interesting activities.
When apartment living is good, it’s really good. And when people are happy living in them — not just waiting to escape in exchange for a house — they become even better.
I am a seasoned expert in urban living and housing dynamics, having extensively studied and observed housing trends and lifestyles across various continents. My firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge of housing structures and cultures allow me to provide valuable insights into the misconceptions surrounding apartment living, particularly in the context of the article you've mentioned.
The author, Charlie Brown, discusses the prevalent misperceptions in Britain and America about apartment living and contrasts them with the more positive and widespread acceptance of this lifestyle in mainland Europe. I wholeheartedly agree with Brown's assertion that there is much to be learned from our continental European friends regarding the advantages and enjoyment of single-story living.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Apartment Living in Britain and America vs. Mainland Europe:
- Misconception in Britain and America: Apartment living is viewed as a nuisance, lacking living space, outside space, and peace and quiet.
- Contrasting Perspective in Mainland Europe: In mainland Europe, 46% of people live in apartments, highlighting a more positive and accepting attitude towards this lifestyle.
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Rethinking the Perception of Apartment Living:
- Rocco Pendola's Insight: The article quotes Rocco Pendola, emphasizing that buying a home is not just about becoming a homeowner but often about escaping the challenges associated with apartment living.
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Personal Experience:
- Author's Experience in the UK: The author shares a negative personal experience of living in an apartment in the UK, citing noisy neighbors and poor living conditions.
- Transformation in Mainland Europe: After living in mainland Europe for the past two years, the author expresses a newfound love for apartments, attributing it to the better quality, quietness, and improved maintenance of the apartments there.
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Benefits of Well-Designed Apartments:
- Universal Occupancy: Apartments in mainland Europe are occupied by a diverse range of people, including singles, families, couples, and friends, of varying ages.
- Quality of Construction: Well-built apartments in Europe offer benefits such as smaller spaces to clean, easier maintenance, and a reduced mental burden, allowing residents to engage in more fulfilling activities.
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Shift in Perspective:
- From Last Resort to Viable Living Option: The article suggests that when apartments are seen as a viable living option and not merely a last resort, people tend to appreciate the benefits of single-story living more fully.
In conclusion, the article encourages readers to reconsider their perceptions of apartment living and appreciate its advantages when well-designed and embraced as a legitimate housing choice, drawing inspiration from the positive examples set by continental European communities.
