When it comes to housing, we’re at the crossroads of a lot of stats. This past year, there was an increase in single-person households and a rise in urban living. Even taking Covid into consideration, in 2020 in North America, 83.6 percent of residents lived in cities. And U.S. News reported in 2018 that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. All this highlights the need for more affordable living spaces and the need for more living spaces in general.
One answer in the past few years has been the construction of micro apartments or micro units. Not as trendy as tiny homes (there’s no equivalent Tiny House Nation for micro apartments), they’re still a great way to afford city life — if it works for you. And that’s the question.
What is a micro apartment or micro unit?
First off, these small apartments are not tiny one-bedrooms. Micro apartments, a.k.a. micro units, are usually between 200 and 400 square feet. They have an open floor plan, a bit more like a studio apartment, with a living room, sleeping space and a kitchen area possibly with an island or room for a small table. There’s a separate bathroom and some come fully furnished.
But the rules about size aren’t set in stone. No standard definition exists. According to an Urban land Institute (ULI) report, “a micro unit might be 300 square feet in New York City or 500 square feet in Dallas. A micro unit is a somewhat ambiguous term that covers anything from a relatively small studio or one-bedroom apartment to a short-term lease, SRO [single room occupancy] unit with communal kitchen and common room areas.”
To put that into perspective, one-bedroom apartments in the U.S. averaged 1,156 square feet, and the average size of a primary bedroom in a house is about 224 square feet (14′ x 16′).
The pros of micro apartments
Here are some reasons to consider looking at micro units as you go on your apartment search.
Lower rent
Although a micro apartment actually costs more per square foot, the overall monthly rent is about 20 to 30 percent lower, according to ULI. And because it’s so small, you should have lower utility costs.
More amenities
Small doesn’t mean you’re living in a cell. Builders and developers entice micro unit renters with access to balconies, rooftop gathering spots, communal game rooms, external workspaces, dog runs and other fun stuff outside the walls of the micro apartment.
Easy maintenance
It should go without saying, but here’s a reminder, anyway. It might take just an hour a week to clean your space. That’s a great news if you travel a lot.
Lower carbon footprint
Using less energy to heat and cool, furnishing with fewer pieces, having access to public transportation all mean you’re traveling more softly in the environment.
A way in
In cities with prohibitively high costs of living, the rent on a micro apartment might be the only way you’re going to get a toehold in a place you’ve always dreamed about living.
Cons of micro apartments
Such a small space isn’t right for everyone, and you’ve got to consider the other side of the micro unit coin.
Hard to find
There’s only a small stock of micro units in the U.S., and they’re likely hiding in large, dense cities like New York, Boston, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco.
Tight squeeze
This past year has taught us a lot about living, working, educating and entertaining all in one place. If another pandemic is in our future, a micro apartment might feel a bit cramped if we’re all sent back indoors 24-7.
Changing your lifestyle
Among other things, if you’re a shopper, you’re going to have to curtail the habit. You’ll have to pare down your clothing and furniture. And if you love to entertain, it can be tough to get more than a couple of people to hoist their glasses around your table.
Finding furniture and appliances
Your dreams of a large French-door 28-cubic foot refrigerator will be dashed. It might be difficult to find those Goldilocks right-size pieces to fit your smaller space. On the plus side, lots of manufacturers are making smaller versions of great appliances to fit small-apartment living.
Is a micro apartment right for you?
A lot of thought will go into whether a micro unit is right for you. Consider your lifestyle and your belongings, as well as your wallet. Be honest when answering the following question:
- Are you the kind of person who will downsize and keep up with the minimalist spirit?
- Do you have a pet that will need space?
- Do you plan on partnering with someone?
- Can you cope without having the space to throw your annual holiday party?
- Can you live and work in such a small space if the world has to return to pandemic protocols?
If you aren’t sure, look into other types of small apartments, like a studio or an efficiency or even shared housing with roommates.
Going small doesn’t mean you have to go all “Alice in Wonderland” down a claustrophobic rabbit hole. Find something with large windows, natural light, higher ceilings, a balcony and outdoor amenities, and you can still live large in a small space.
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Source: apartmentguide.com