Does high-rise living sound like the lifestyle for you? Whether you’re looking to relocate to a big city or want more luxurious apartment amenities, it’s essential to do research before signing a lease.
Learn more about high-rise apartment buildings, the difference from low and mid-rise properties, and how to move into one seamlessly.
What’s a High-Rise Apartment?
A high-rise apartment is a residential or mixed-use building starting from seven stories, although it can be taller. Its structure includes an elevator, skyscraper views, and is often in urban or metropolitan areas. Depending on the property, there may be doormen, a freight elevator, and advanced security systems.
They’re generally higher in rent than low and mid-rise buildings due to their larger construction and more maintenance costs. Residents choose to live in high-rise apartment buildings for the unique benefits they offer. They’re usually in prime locations like major metros, bring premium amenities like rooftop lounges, and have ground-floor retail space like small grocery stores.
High-Rise Living: What to Expect & How to Prepare Before Moving Into a New Apartment
If you’re considering renting a high-rise apartment, here’s everything you should know before moving and how to find the right one based on your living needs.
Know Your Total Living Budget Before Browsing Properties Online
As a renter, it may seem obvious to know how much rent you can afford before searching for places online. But do you know how to calculate your total living budget? You must factor in your gross monthly income, monthly expenses, like food and healthcare insurance, plus utilities.
While there are rent calculators to help, the best rule of thumb is the 30% rent-to-income ratio. For example, if your gross monthly income is $5,000, then your rental budget is $1,500.
To calculate your living expenses, use the 50-30-20 rule:
•50%: The recommended amount to set aside for necessities, like groceries, car payments, and utility bills.
•30%: The recommended amount to set aside for spending, like take-out food, shopping, and entertainment.
•20%: The recommended amount to set aside for financial security, like 401(k) payments, credit card bills, and student loans.
Combining both of these calculations and checking the average rental rate in the neighborhoods you’re interested in will give you a better idea of your total living budget.
Tour the High-Rise Apartment Building & the Surrounding Area Before Moving In
Now that you have an average living budget set, the next step is to start touring places. You can even scout the surrounding area online with tools like Google Earth and virtual apartment tours from property websites before you go, if offered. That way, you’re more prepared to ask the right questions.
During your tour, the property manager will show you what’s available on-site for residents. These include apartments with different floorplans, shared public spaces, potential parking, the elevator, and in-building amenities.
While this information is helpful, you should also ask the following key questions to get a better idea of what it’s like to live there:
•What is the total monthly rent, and which utilities are included? Are there any additional costs for amenity fees or parking permits?
•What are your total move-in costs? (Ex: Security deposit, first month’s rent, application fee, etc.)
•What are your lease terms? Are there flexible terms or penalties for breaking the lease early?
•Can I see the actual apartment that’s available for rent? Do you have accessibility-designed features? (Ex: Lower cabinets, walk-in showers, etc.)
•How is the building secured? (Ex: Doormen, security cameras, gated access, etc.)
•How do you handle maintenance requests? Is there a 24/7 emergency service available?
•What is your pet policy?
•What’s the community like? Are there planned community events? (Ex: Families, students, young professionals, etc.)
•What are the nearby attractions or points of interest? (Ex: Public transportation, grocery stores, entertainment, etc.)
•Are there local noise levels I should be aware of? How do you handle noise complaints? Do you implement quiet hours? (Ex: Traffic, neighbors playing musical instruments, nearby construction, planned building renovations, etc.)
In addition to these questions, keep a sharp eye on the building’s details. Look at how close each apartment is to the other and how high the floor levels are in between. This helps determine how likely you are to hear your neighbors or their pets.
Tour different floorplans as high-rise buildings may have smaller apartments that may require decorating strategically and downsizing your belongings. Check the property to see if you can live with your pet in a city apartment easily, with ample space and outdoor green areas.
High-rise living shouldn’t feel like a leap of faith. You can avoid moving into a place that isn’t right for you when you’re prepared for tours.
Decide Which Floor is Best for You
When skyscraper apartments can reach up to 12 or more stories high, it’s crucial to know which floor is best to live on. While the floor you want may not be available, knowing what to expect can help you make a better decision.
If you require greater accessibility as a person with disabilities, ground-level apartments are often best. Although AHA-compliance is required for public building spaces and select units, it can be easier to move into a floor-level apartment without the need for elevators.
If you want a more affordable high-rise apartment, mid-floors are more affordable than upper ones. If minimizing noise levels or accessing premium features are a priority for you, top-floor levels are best.
Consider Professional Movers
After you sign a lease, the next step is moving in! However, you may want to consider hiring professional movers. Moving will always be tiring. However, moving into high-rise buildings can get tricky.
You may need to book a freight elevator, as some properties don’t allow using residential elevators when moving in. Professional movers also have premium-grade equipment to protect your belongings and experience moving oversized items or furniture into high rises to prevent property damage. Going up and down an elevator alone can also be time-consuming.
Plan for Parking Ahead of Your Move
In addition to potential elevator restrictions, high-rise apartment buildings may also have parking rules. Properties in big cities may require you to get a parking permit for long-term street or curb use when moving in. There may also be limited hours you can use the parking permit, so planning your move with their parking schedule can help avoid fines.
Consider Renters Insurance
We recommend buying renters’ insurance when living in high-rise buildings. Even with new construction properties, accidents can spread more easily into nearby units since they’re more concentrated. If your neighbor accidentally leaves the stove on or there’s a natural disaster, it can put your high-value belongings at risk without protection.
In the event of an emergency, landlords aren’t liable for personal property damage. Depending on the carrier and policy, renters’ insurance can cover up to $30,000 in value and can cost as low as $15 per month. If you live in an area prone to extreme weather like earthquakes or have roommates, it can give you better peace of mind when it’s generally affordable.
Get to Know Your Neighbors After Moving In
Once you finally settle into your new apartment, introduce yourself to your neighbors next to you, above, and below. It helps build a friendly community, especially when you live so close to one another.
These relationships can help resolve potential noise issues amicably without involving property management. They can also be a valuable resource, such as pet-sitting, emergency help, or checking on delivered packages while you’re travelling.
Elevate Your High-Rise Living Experience in Chicagoland
Searching for high-rise apartments in the Chicagoland area? You’ve come to the right place.
At TLC Management Co., we have over 30 properties in and around Chicago, including high-rise buildings, with the expertise to find you the best apartment to live in.
Our high-rise apartment properties have unique and convenient amenities for diverse lifestyles:
•Oglseby Towers: A high-rise apartment building in South Shore, Chicago, with serene views of Lake Michigan, balconies, a newly renovated clubroom, on-site management/maintenance, and a doorman in the evenings.Â
•The Majestic: A townhouse-style apartment building in Vernon Hills, featuring a luxe outdoor lounge with a movie screen, noise-reduced construction, and a resident-exclusive Bark Park.
•The Scholar: A high-rise apartment building in downtown Evanston, featuring proximity to the prestigious Northwestern University campus, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning Lake Michigan views.
Ready to experience quality high-rise living?
Browse our Chicago and suburban apartment properties or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to start touring today!
