{"id":76796,"date":"2022-06-28T10:53:43","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T17:53:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=76796"},"modified":"2023-12-15T09:48:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T17:48:42","slug":"what-are-micro-apartments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-micro-apartments\/","title":{"rendered":"Micro Apartments: Are These Small Living Spaces Right For You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding affordable apartments has become a challenge, especially as <\/span>inflation continues to affect home and rental prices<\/span><\/a>. This is especially true if you\u2019re a first-time renter, like a student or a new professional. As prices continue to increase, people are looking for smaller apartments to stay within their rental budget<\/a>. A popular option for many people is the micro-apartment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Micro apartments have existed in Europe since the 1950s. Currently, they are an extension of the micro-living movement and can be a good option for those looking to live with less space and money. Many people choose these spaces even if money isn\u2019t a factor. So whether you\u2019re a first-time renter in <\/span>Seattle, WA,<\/span><\/a> or a seasoned apartment hunter in <\/span>San Francisco, CA,<\/span><\/a> read on to learn more about these efficient spaces to see if they\u2019re right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What are micro-apartments?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As living has gotten more expensive and <\/span>tiny living<\/span><\/a> more mainstream, micro-apartments have become a popular choice for many renters. They\u2019re usually located in dense urban areas, like <\/span>New York City, NY<\/span><\/a>, where space is priced at a premium. These tiny spaces typically have a main room with a small kitchen, a bathroom, and sometimes a balcony. Some are purely <\/span>efficiency spaces<\/span><\/a> similar to a hotel room, while others provide standard amenities<\/a>. What many micro-apartments often lack in space and amenities, they make up for in convenience and affordability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all micro apartments are the same. Some share common spaces with other units. Michael Abramsky, Senior Credit Consultant from <\/span>Credit Firm<\/span><\/a>, believes they can be a good option for some. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind sharing a restroom and cooking area with your neighbors, you can live in some of the most desirable urban areas without paying titanic rental prices.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Micro-apartment Square footage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Micro apartments are generally 100-500 sq ft., although most average between 250-400 sq ft. For scale, the average two-car garage is about 400 sq ft., meaning many micro-apartments are smaller than that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Micro-apartment Layout<\/span><\/h3>\n

Similar to a studio apartment or efficiency unit, a micro-apartment is typically a single room that serves as a combined living room, bedroom, and kitchen. They often have a separate bathroom as well. Some have an elevated loft area that can serve as a sleeping space, and many have a balcony.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, not all micro-apartments are created equal \u2013 the key to thriving is utilizing the space well. You want to feel comfortable living, sleeping, and cooking in a small room without sacrificing comfort. Because demand is growing, architects and developers are finding new ways to squeeze more amenities into smaller spaces. Some of these tactics include <\/span>built-in storage<\/span><\/a>, multi-purpose furniture, and utilizing vertical space. Whatever it looks like, make sure your unit works for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much do micro-apartments cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because of their smaller footprint, micro-apartments tend to cost <\/span>about 20-30% less<\/span><\/a> than traditional-sized units. \u201cWith the rising inflation rate and current economic climate, a micro-apartment may be a good solution for some renters,\u201d says the team at <\/span>Valiant Credit Repair Services<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThey can suit individuals looking to save money or who have a career that involves a lot of travel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

You can generally find plenty of moderately-priced units in most major cities. There are plenty of options if you\u2019re looking for something fancier, especially with the rise in luxury living. New developments often include next-level amenities like state-of-the-art workout spaces, rooftop terraces, and concierge services. If you\u2019re living in a luxury building, a micro-apartment can cost more than a larger apartment in a cheaper building.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pros and cons of a micro-apartment<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pros<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are many pros to downsizing. Most importantly, less space means <\/span>spending less money on utilities<\/span><\/a> such as electricity, heating, and cooling. \u201cA micro-apartment requires less energy to run,\u201d says the team at <\/span>Sea Turtle Properties<\/span><\/a>. \u201cBecause it\u2019s a small space, you don\u2019t have to keep your HVAC running at full blast.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But beyond efficiency, there are many more pros to downsizing to a micro-apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n