Low Rise Condos vs. Mid-Rise vs. High-Rise: What's Best For You?

Condominium communities are widely popular in major cities and are gaining a stronghold amid suburbs and moderately sized towns. Condos appeal to many people, including first-time buyers, those looking to downsize, and anyone investing with a budget.
Buying a condo raises the question of whether a low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise condo best fits the buyer's lifestyle and preferences. Discover the best condo community for your budget and desired lifestyle by learning about the difference between low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise building classifications.
Differences Between High-Rise, Low-Rise & Mid-Rise Condos
The difference between each style of condo building comes down to the number of stories.
- Low-Rise Condo Height Range: 1 - 4 stories
- Mid-Rise Condo Height Range: 5 - 9 stories
- High-Rise Condo Height Range: 10 or more stories
These ranges may vary from area to area based on the zoning regulations in that area. There are pros and cons to all types of condos. Understanding the general framework of building classifications can help you make a more informed decision when buying a condo. Take a look at the benefits of each to help get closer to finding which kind of property might be the better choice for your home investment.
What to Love about Low-Rises

While taller buildings often thrust owners into the excitement of the city core, low-rise condos are often the preference of those who prefer a smaller, quieter community. They offer a few perks worth considering when shopping for a condo. Here are some key points buyers who opt for low-rise condos can enjoy.
Those who enjoy a smaller community will adore low-rise condo living. These neighborhoods tend to have more character and personality. Furthermore, it's easier for residents and management to pay attention to the property's condition versus a large high-rise community, meaning renovations and improvements are more feasible in low-rise condos.
Because the community is smaller, owners will likely encounter neighbors much more easily than they would when living in high-rise apartments that can often have hundreds of residents. Tenants often embrace their community and make friends with neighbors. These efforts are simplified when there aren't hundreds of individuals to contend with in the neighborhood.
Another benefit of living in a low-rise is that they are often in quieter parts of the city or the suburbs, usually equating to a calmer atmosphere. This makes it easier to relax and have more access to the community's shared amenities and common areas.
Speaking of amenities, there are often many conveniences in a low-rise condo development. This is because they are laid out with more open space between connected units and expansive common space centrally. Building residents can enjoy additional advantages such as:
- Clubhouses
- Communal kitchens
- Fitness centers
- Swimming Pools & spas
- Laundry rooms
- Additional parking
Of course, amenities will vary between properties, and luxury low-rise condos may offer more private amenities.
Low-rises are often close to neighborhood streets, so it simplifies getting to and from the home to the car. Some communities may be proximal to a few conveniences within walking or biking distance.
Benefits of the High-Rise Life
Wondering if you'd prefer a high-rise or low-rise condo? A high-rise condo building can have numerous advantages that other condo options may not typically have. High-rises are often in the most desirable locations but come at higher prices.
Due to a denser population than in the suburbs, owners might have reduced travel times to nearby shopping, dining, attractions, and employment. It may be possible to get to places without a car in walkable and bike-friendly communities. The most luxurious high rise developments might even feature on-site concierge services.
One of the primary appeals of living in a high-rise condominium is their tendency to offer stunning views of the city and landscapes below. Making use of floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans is typical in high-rise condos, allowing occupants to soak in glorious sunrises and sunsets while having a bird's eye view of the neighborhood.
While low-rise condos may only feature flights of stairs, a high-rise condo community will almost always have at least one elevator for residents to use. Some larger properties have several service elevators and freight elevators to ease moving or replacing furniture when needed. Choosing a community with multiple elevators will help you easily move into a high-rise building.
Another excellent component of living in a high-rise community is that they will likely have a private maintenance team on staff. High-rise condo owners won't need to go far or make several calls for repair requests should an emergency arise like a busted pipe or HVAC failure.
What Is a Mid-Rise Condo?
For many people, a mid-rise condominium presents the perfect compromise between the sky-high luxury high-rise buildings and the grounded accessibility and affordable prices of low-rise buildings.
There are several reasons you might want to consider mid-rises over other types of housing.
Like shorter buildings, mid-rise condos are typically less expensive than highrises. The lower scale of mid-rise buildings accommodates stringent zoning regulations in cities where high-rise buildings aren't allowed. In this sense, they provide the best possible views and provide desirable housing in denser urban areas.
Other amenities found in mid-rise condominium communities include private balconies, resort style pools, secure parking garages, and in-building elevators.
Low, Mid or High? Which Condo Building Is Right For You?
The only question is, "How high in the sky do you want to live?" High- and medium-rise condominiums will provide best-in-town views while garden-style apartments can be more convenient and accessible. Buyers should also consider their available budget and desired lifestyle before deciding on a condominium complex. Taking personal tours of both condo types and peeking at the amenities is sure to help in making a final decision.
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