What Is A Walk-Up Apartment?

Skip to content woman walking up stairs What is a Walk-Up Apartment? Published December 19, 2019 | By Morgen Henderson | 2 Minutes Read

Key Takeaways

No elevator. Just you and some stairs.

woman walking up stairs

A walk-up apartment is an apartment located in a building accessible only by stairs. There’s no elevator to reach the upper floors of the building — just your legs and lots of steps.

Things to consider before moving into a walk-up apartment

Walk-up apartments can be a lot of work so they might seem less desirable. Due to the low demand, that means they can be more affordable — even in an expensive city like Manhattan.

Buildings with walk-up apartments are usually smaller and have fewer tenants, giving you a more private living situation. And you can ditch the gym membership since you’ll be getting your exercise every day via the stairs.

But there are lots of obvious downsides to a walk-up apartment. If you decide to move into one, it’ll be difficult hauling all of your furniture up multiple flights of stairs. It can be tiring walking up and down stairs each day and even worse if you’re someone who’s bouncing in and out of the house regularly.

Pros of a walk-up apartment

  • More affordable rent price
  • Exercise
  • More privacy

Cons of a walk-up apartment

  • Difficult to move into
  • Tiring
  • Not ideal for someone who is frequently in and out of the house

[ag-video src=”https://youtu.be/-npLEZG0HxM”]

It’s all about perspective

Whether or not a walk-up apartment is right for you all comes down to your perspective. What one person views as a pro might be viewed as a con to you or vice-versa. Make sure the pros outweigh the cons from your perspective before moving into a walk-up apartment.

Additional resources

  • How to Move Furniture Up the Stairs Without Scratching
  • How to Start Working Out Without Paying for a Gym Membership
  • What is an Accessible Apartment?
  • How Your Apartment Can Help You Lose Weight
  • 6 Ways to Get Fit in Your Apartment
Love what you read? Share it:

Morgen Henderson

Morgen Henderson is a writer who grew up in Utah. She lived in the Dominican Republic for a year and a half, where she was involved in humanitarian service. Some of Morgen's work has appeared in State of Digital, The Next Scoop and TechPatio. In her free time, she loves to travel, bake, master DIY projects and improve her Spanish skills. [email protected]

Get a home loan that helps you win

Get prequalified

Recent Articles

The Toledo, OH skyline at dusk from across the water.

5 Unique Things to Do in Toledo, OH You Can’t Miss

May 28, 2025 plants, books, and art

10 Moody and Masculine Living Room Ideas for Your Rental Apartment

May 20, 2025 A group of friends toasts drinks across a rooftop table at their apartment building.

Hosting a Stellar Summer Party in Your Apartment: 7 Hot Tips

May 14, 2025 pile of rolled rugs

How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Living Room: Complete Your Apartment Design with 10 Tips

May 9, 2025 tv sitting on a kitchen counter

Revamp Your Retro Realm: How to Decorate an Outdated Kitchen & Add a Dose of Modern Edge

May 7, 2025 aerial view of Los Angeles, CA

How to design a loft: Unlocking urban living with style and personality

May 7, 2025

Related Articles

The Toledo, OH skyline at dusk from across the water.

5 Unique Things to Do in Toledo, OH You Can’t Miss

plants, books, and art

10 Moody and Masculine Living Room Ideas for Your Rental Apartment

A group of friends toasts drinks across a rooftop table at their apartment building.

Hosting a Stellar Summer Party in Your Apartment: 7 Hot Tips

pile of rolled rugs

How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Living Room: Complete Your Apartment Design with 10 Tips

tv sitting on a kitchen counter

Revamp Your Retro Realm: How to Decorate an Outdated Kitchen & Add a Dose of Modern Edge

aerial view of Los Angeles, CA

How to design a loft: Unlocking urban living with style and personality

A view of the Des Moines, IA skyline as night falls on the city from across the river.

Unique Things to do in Des Moines, IA from 12 Local Experts: Explore Like a Pro

A panoramic view of the Columbus, OH skyline at sunset. The sky is blue with pink clouds streaking across, and the city is reflected across the water.

8 Unique Things to Do in Columbus, OH: What Locals Love About Discovery City

Moving made easy

Compare free quotes

Tag » What Is A Walk-up