If you’re looking for an apartment that marries modern convenience with outdoor living, a garden style apartment could be the perfect fit. But what is a garden style apartment? These low-rise buildings prioritize green spaces, community-focused layouts and a peaceful environment, making them an appealing alternative to high-density city living.
Garden style apartments provide comfort and affordability. They are ideal for families needing extra space, pet owners who want outdoor access and renters who enjoy a suburban atmosphere. This guide will explore what defines a garden style apartment, its key benefits and how it compares to other housing options to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a garden style apartment?
A garden style apartment is typically a low-rise residential building, ranging from one to three stories, designed with outdoor areas such as landscaped courtyards, walking paths and communal green spaces. These apartments offer residents the chance to enjoy nature while still enjoying the convenience of apartment living. In contrast to mid-rise or high-rise buildings, garden style apartments prioritize horizontal layouts over vertical stacking, creating a more spacious and private atmosphere.
Garden style apartments are commonly found in suburban and semi-urban areas where there is more room for expansive complexes and greenery. Renters searching for "garden style apartments near me" are often seeking a balance of affordability, outdoor living and a peaceful environment that contrasts with the busyness of city life.
Key features of garden style apartments
Private outdoor spaces
A hallmark of garden style apartments is their focus on private outdoor spaces. Many units feature balconies, patios or even small yards, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air, entertain guests or create a personal garden. These outdoor spaces improve the overall living experience, offering a connection to nature that is often absent in high-rise buildings. This outdoor access significantly enhances the quality of life, providing a peaceful retreat without sacrificing the conveniences of apartment living.
Community green spaces
Unlike mid-rise or high-rise apartments, which typically focus on maximizing vertical space, garden style apartments are often designed around landscaped courtyards, walking trails and communal outdoor spaces. These features foster a sense of community and offer scenic spots for residents to unwind, host gatherings or partake in outdoor activities. Many renters seeking answers to "what are garden style apartments" value this feature because it allows for a lifestyle that mimics single-family home living but with the benefits of apartment amenities.
Low-rise architecture
Garden style apartments are typically one to three stories tall, with an emphasis on sprawling layouts rather than vertically stacked units. This design not only reduces congestion but also improves airflow and allows for more natural light. These factors create a healthier, more pleasant indoor environment compared to dense, high-rise apartment complexes, especially in cities where the density of the living environment can feel overwhelming.
Accessible parking options
One of the practical advantages of living in a garden style apartment is the easy availability of on-site parking, often in an open lot or directly adjacent to the building. Unlike high-rise buildings that may rely on structured parking garages, garden style complexes usually offer more convenient parking. Many also offer designated guest parking, making it easier for residents to host friends or family without worrying about finding space.
Proximity to nature
Garden style apartment communities are often built in locations with abundant green landscaping, mature trees and natural surroundings. This proximity to nature provides a tranquil escape from the noise and hustle of city life. Studies show that living near nature improves mental well-being, encouraging a more active lifestyle. Many residents opt for garden style apartments for the opportunity to enjoy morning walks, outdoor relaxation or simply a more serene environment.
Pros of living in a garden style apartment
✅ More space & outdoor access
Garden style apartments often feature larger layouts with direct access to outdoor spaces, making them ideal for families, pet owners and anyone who enjoys open areas. The added space provides ample room for pets to roam, children to play and families to relax outdoors.
✅ Quieter living environment
Because these apartments generally have fewer units per building and a more spread-out layout, they tend to offer a quieter, more peaceful living environment. This is especially appealing to those who value peace and quiet in their homes, away from the noise of crowded urban centers.
✅ Lower rental costs
Garden style apartments typically have lower rental costs than high-rise alternatives. Because they require less infrastructure—such as elevators or high-rise building maintenance—these apartments can be more budget-friendly, especially for those looking to save on rent without compromising on comfort or space.
✅ Easier accessibility
With many garden style apartments offering ground-floor units and buildings that are shorter in height, these apartments are often more accessible for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges or families with small children. The lack of elevators and fewer stairs can make daily living easier and more convenient.
✅ Stronger sense of community
The shared green spaces and outdoor amenities found in garden style apartments promote a stronger sense of community. Residents are encouraged to interact with neighbors in these common areas, creating a more social and connected living environment that can be hard to find in larger, high-rise buildings.
✅ Better natural light & ventilation
Due to their open, low-rise design, garden style apartments often boast larger windows, better airflow and more natural light. These features improve indoor comfort and create a healthier environment with less reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. Better natural ventilation reduces indoor pollution and helps to maintain a more pleasant atmosphere.
✅ Pet-friendly living
Many garden-style apartments cater to pet owners, with features like dog parks, pet-friendly walking trails and large patios that offer extra room for animals to roam. For pet owners, this makes garden style apartments an excellent choice for providing pets with the outdoor access they need for a happy, healthy life.
Cons of living in a garden style apartment
❌ Limited urban convenience
One downside of garden style apartments is that they are often located in suburban or semi-urban areas, which may not offer the same level of convenience as city living. Commutes to urban centers for work, shopping or entertainment may take longer, making these apartments less ideal for those who prefer living in the heart of a city.
❌ Fewer high-end amenities
Compared to luxury high-rises, garden style apartments often have fewer high-end amenities like rooftop pools, on-site gyms or concierge services. While they offer essential amenities like courtyards and pools, garden-style complexes typically focus on comfort and space over luxury features.
❌ Exposure to weather elements
Garden style apartments typically have exterior-facing doors and outdoor walkways, which means residents may be more exposed to the elements when moving between units or walking to communal areas. This can be less convenient during rain, snow or extreme temperatures.
❌ Security considerations
Because garden style apartments usually have more entry points, there may be more security concerns compared to high-rise buildings with controlled access points. Additional security measures, such as gated communities, cameras or security patrols, may be necessary to ensure safety.
Garden style vs. mid-rise apartments: A quick comparison
Is a garden style apartment right for you?
Garden style apartments are best suited for renters who prioritize space, privacy and outdoor access over urban convenience. They may be particularly appealing to:
Families who want outdoor play areas and quieter neighborhoods
Pet owners who need more room for their animals to roam
Remote workers who prefer a peaceful environment
Retirees seeking a community-focused lifestyle
Commuters who work in the city but prefer suburban living
SmartRent: Enhancing garden style apartment living
Integrating smart home technology into garden-style apartments enhances convenience, security and efficiency for both residents and property managers. SmartRent’s suite of solutions can:
Improve peace of mind security with smart locks and remote access control.
Enhance energy efficiency through smart thermostats and automated lighting.
Simplify package management with smart parcel lockers and controlled access points.
Streamline resident communication via mobile app-based portals.
Enable self-guided tours for prospective renters, allowing them to explore available units independently.
Ready to learn more?
Garden-style apartments offer a unique blend of affordability, space and community living, making them an attractive option for many renters. Whether you're looking for more outdoor access, a quieter living environment or a suburban lifestyle, these apartments provide an excellent alternative to high-rise city living.
Learn how SmartRent is making apartment living more affordable, enjoyable and connected. And property owners: schedule a demo to see how you can upgrade your community with SmartRent’s suite of smart home solutions.