Condo Living – What is a Low Rise Condo?

The definition of what a low-rise condo is varies slightly depending on what part of the country you live in. Generally speaking, they are buildings that range in height from two to nine stories tall. In Edmonton, Alberta, they are buildings that consist of four stories or less, and the total height of the building is about 46 feet (14 meters). In Houston, Texas, low-rise condominiums are one to three stories tall.

High-rise condos provide stunning views and usually have security officers at the entrance as you enter each unit from the inside. However, these are often the most expensive type of condo due to all the amenities they provide.

Low-rise units, on the other hand, often have individual access to each unit from the outside, and condominiums can look like brownstones or row houses. It’s easier to have a garden with these condos, and some open onto a community area. You may have a communal pool or a large patio for barbecue gatherings. They tend to have cheaper condos because there is less maintenance to do and less security to provide.

You will rarely see an elevator in a low-rise condo building, as they are so low to the ground. This can make carrying large pieces of furniture upstairs a bit difficult. Because it’s lower to the ground, you won’t have panoramic views from your window. But, in the event of a natural disaster, it is much easier to get out and evacuate.

Many condo owners lead busy lives and therefore don’t have the opportunity to take advantage of the many amenities offered at larger condominium complexes, such as a business center or fitness center. Smaller buildings without amenities not only save you money, but you don’t have to feel guilty about never being able to use the amenities.

Depending on your building, each condo may have a unique floor plan, so you know you have something special. Each condominium unit is rented or owned by individuals, making it different from an apartment building or multi-family home that has one owner, often a large company.

Some low-rise condominiums are created by rehabilitating old warehouses into original urban living spaces. These are great for people who love city living but don’t love the expense of city living. You’re close to all the museums and restaurants you could want, and you have easy access to public transportation, train stations, and airports. Warehouse condos also give you the latest in home features as they have just been refurbished.

These smaller buildings also mean you have fewer neighbors. For those who work with a lot of people every day, it can be very appealing to come home to a quiet haven. However, if you work from home, you can enjoy working in a relatively quiet environment. They may still be family-friendly units, just without all the congestion.

Newly constructed low-rise condominium buildings are now made with some innovative technologies to help them resist earthquakes and hurricanes. Special foundations can support the building even in a big earthquake.