Let’s talk about urban living in St. Louis! There is no question that condos and lofts are very popular urban dwellings. Imagine a home where you can have privacy, neighbors, amenities, and easy access to city life. Are you considering living in downtown St. Louis? What should you buy, a condo or loft?
Condos can be great, but there’s also plenty to love about lofts. Of course, there are things to think about before choosing either style for your urban life.
5 Things You Need To Know About Condos and Lofts in St. Louis
1. Appearance
When it comes to condos, you have lots of options! Condos come in different shapes and sizes. Like apartments, condos share walls with other tenants in the building.
If you love high-rise buildings, the upper floors have a fabulous view of the city lights at night or a fantastic view of the skyline in the morning.
On the other hand, a loft is typically a raw industrial space converted into a residential unit — think exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and open floor plans. Warehouses and factories in industrial areas are excellent for upscale luxury lofts.
Lofts tend to be open spaces with high ceilings and flexible layouts that can efficiently utilize the available space for work and residential purposes.
2. Ownership and Maintenance
Condos typically have a lower entry price and lower maintenance living. You don’t have to mow the lawn or shovel snow! A condo complex does not have a single owner, but each unit has a separate owner with common areas that are owned by all owners. Together, the owners form an association responsible for maintaining the complex, security, hallways, fitness facilities, and rules or regulations.
If you plan to rent a condo, you will have to pay a monthly fee to the association for maintenance. This is called an “HOA fee” or homeowners association fee. With amenities, easy maintenance, building security, and neighbors around, condos offer a level of convenience sought by many.
On the other hand, lofts are generally empty shells that you can design as your dream open space. Like condos, the owners association maintains lofts and provides a variety of amenities depending on the building.
3. Privacy
Whether you plan to live in a loft or a condo, you may have shared walls with other residents. That means you might not have as much privacy when it comes to sound in some instances. Adding to the list, you will also have to follow the rules and regulations set by the owner if you are renting.
4. Community
If you love to make friends, either of these options is perfect for you! Here you can get to know your neighbors in the shared common spaces. Whether you wave hello to the person next door or meet someone in the elevator, you for sure will make friends and enjoy living in a community.
5. Location
There are plenty of things to do near condos and lofts in downtown high-demand areas. The real estate mantra is “location, location, location.” It’s easy for residents to enjoy everything the city has to offer without having to get into their cars every time they want to go out. You can walk or bike anywhere you need to be in most cases.
Downtown St. Louis is an amazing place to live. If you’ve thought about a condo or loft in any neighborhood downtown, please give us a call. We’d love to help you get into a place of your own, downtown. Get to know Central West End, Downtown, and Clayton of St. Louis. If we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please click here for our contact page.
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