When you’re searching for the perfect rental home, there’s no shortage of options to consider. From compact studio apartments to spacious single-family homes, rentals come in virtually every size and style you can imagine. So, how do you know what type of rental is right for you? In this article, we will look at the benefits of a single-family home vs apartment renting.
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is renting a single-family home vs. an apartment. Both rental types have their own pros and cons, and learning more about each is the key to making an informed choice.
Is it better to rent an apartment or a house?
Like many of life’s big questions, the answer to this one is: it depends. Deciding between a house or an apartment comes down to a broad range of personal factors. What works for one person may not be the right fit for another, so it’s something you’ll want to consider carefully.
We’re breaking down some key points in the debate of apartments vs. single-family homes, so you can see which one might best fit into your life.
1. Responsibility
There are certainly apartments in all different sizes, but in most cases, a single-family home is larger. Add that to the fact that you’ll usually have an outdoor space to care for, and you can see why single-family homes typically come with more responsibility than apartments.
That being said, don’t assume that renting a single-family home means that you’ll be saddled with a long list of chores to deal with. For example, our homes for rent in Houston, Dallas, and Austin are part of a community that includes outdoor landscaping and maintenance as an amenity. In addition, our professional property management team is there to take care of anything that comes up in your home, whether you need a new air filter or a major repair.
2. Cost
It used to be that apartments were significantly cheaper than single-family homes for rent, but now, that’s not always the case. Although you may pay more in utilities (electricity, water, and more) for the larger living space of a single-family home, your rent may very well be comparable to that of an apartment.
It’s also important to consider that, with a single-family home, you may receive far more benefits for your money – so the value could be better.
3. Varied Amenities
One of the biggest benefits of renting is having access to community amenities. In an apartment community, you may have features such as a pool, gym, or shared outdoor areas. In comparison, many rental houses are simply part of a standard neighborhood (and include whatever amenities may be in the area).
But when you move into a master-planned, built-to-rent community like the ones from Wan Bridge, you can enjoy all the perks of a community created just for renters. Our residents have access to a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, walking trails, dog parks, expansive green spaces, and more.
4. Parking
A major difference between apartments and single-family homes is the parking situation. Whereas many apartments – especially those in urban areas – may not even offer one reserved parking spot, a single-family home will generally have a driveway, garage, or, at the very least, street parking in front of the property. You and guests will typically have an easier time finding parking than you would in an apartment community.
5. Privacy
Another factor that might lead you to consider a single-family home is privacy. In an apartment complex, multiple residents share common walls and community spaces. All too often, this means that your living experience can largely rest on the type of neighbors you have. Quiet, considerate neighbors are great, but neighbors that frequently have loud parties or play late-night music can significantly detract from your quality of life.
In a single-family home, you have more space and more privacy.
6. Location
Oftentimes, the location of apartments vs. single-family homes can vary considerably. Depending on where you live, most available apartments may be located in decidedly more urban areas. In contrast, single-family homes (and the neighborhoods they are generally in) tend to be situated in suburban regions.
That’s not to say that you can’t find homes for rent that are conveniently close to a city’s major highlights. Particularly here in Texas, the set-up of our metropolitan areas makes it simple to commute for work, entertainment, or school.
7. Landlords
You’ll be renting the property from a single owner/landlord in many single-family home rentals. But in an apartment, it’s more common that you’ll be interacting with a professional property management company. For many renters, this difference plays a part in their decision-making process.
However, Wan Bridge build-to-rent communities are all managed by a professional company. So, you have the convenience of a management team that is readily available, and you don’t have to worry about a landlord that may decide to sell the property before you’re ready to move out.
Find Single-Family Homes for Rent in Austin, Dallas, and Houston
When it comes to renting a single-family home vs. an apartment, the best decision largely depends on you and your family’s needs, lifestyles, and preferences. But once you decide that a single-family home is right for you, moving into a Wan Bridge community is one of the easiest choices you’ll ever make.
Our build-to-rent communities are unlike other Austin, Dallas, and Houston rentals, offering a completely new option for prospective residents. Each of our communities is built with tenants in mind, providing the ideal balance of renting benefits and single-family home advantages. Wan Bridge communities have everything from outstanding locations and ample amenities to luxurious, thoughtfully-designed residences.
Explore our Texas rental communities to find your next dream home, and contact our team for more information about becoming a Wan Bridge resident today.
Featured Image Credit: Rido / Shutterstock
