Traditional houses have long been considered the gold standard of homeownership. But why?
Penthouses offer a lifestyle unlike anything other, and it goes well beyond just ‘the views.’ Here’s a few reasons why choosing a penthouse over a house might be the best decision you’ll ever make:
1. Privacy
Despite being in dense urban areas, penthouses offer remarkable privacy due to their elevated position. No need for drapes, blinds or curtains: no one can peak in and see you from across the street or walk by your window at night. And being on the top floor means you’re free from the sounds of upstairs neighbors. No sounds of footsteps or dragging chairs above you. No loud music to worry about. No barking dogs, early morning garbage trucks, or late-night honking to disturb you.
It’s nice and quiet up here.
2. Security
Security is synonymous with penthouse living. High rise buildings typically offer controlled access, surveillance systems, doormen, security staff and multiple entry access points. Some high end buildings even provide private entrances, exclusive elevator access or separate lobbies just for penthouse residents.
And let’s not forget the elevated position also reduces exposure to street level activity, break ins, and other types of ground level crime.
3. Safety
Living in a high rise penthouse means you’re somewhat shielded from the elements that a house may succumb to.
- Earthquakes? These towers are engineered to flex and withstand movement.
- Floods? You’re literally above it all.
- Hailstorms? We’ve got a reinforced windows and roofs for that.
- Animals? Zero raccoons in the attic, coyotes in the yard or rats in the basement.
You don’t need to worry about any of them when you live in the sky. At least not to the extent a conventional homeowner would.
4. Air quality
The air is generally cleaner at higher elevations where penthouses are located. You’re further removed from car exhaust, ground level smog and pollutants that tend to linger closer to street level. That also means less exposure to blowing dust, leaf litter and wind blown trash that accumulates around traditional homes and sidewalks.
Also, the higher you go, the fewer insects you’ll typically deal with…mosquitoes, ants, spiders and roaches are far less common (especially in sealed and climate controlled units with minimal access points.) You’re also less likely to encounter pollen heavy landscaping, mold spores from damp soil or allergens tracked in by pets or yard work.
5. Time
Building management typically handles exterior maintenance, structural upkeep, landscaping, snow removal, and common area maintenance. This frees up the penthouse owner from many responsibilities that come with house ownership. No bushes to trim, no roofs to replace, no driveways to wash and no concerns about soil erosion, drainage issues or zoning disputes.
In short, penthouses allow you to enjoy your life and buy back your time. The fact you’re not mowing lawns, clearing gutters, fixing fences or painting exterior walls on weekends makes it the obvious choice.
6. Eye candy
OK, now I’ll mention it: The breathtaking views you’ll experience with a penthouse are impossible to achieve with a traditional house. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a sweeping city skyline, oceanfront scenery or mountain backdrop…being perched at the top of a high rise building offers an unmatched visual experience that can instantly improve your mood.
Additionally, high rise buildings are impressive to observe from the outside and they tend to have beautiful lobbies, too. Having your place of residence as a sight for sore eyes and always in tip top condition (thanks to the building staff) day-in and day-out means means you’ll feel just a little bit better whenever you arrive home from a long day.
7. Social credit
I’ll admit, this point could be a little vain or controversial, but it must be said. You will win more points with people when they eventually discover you own a penthouse. You’ll be invited to more gatherings, along with being expected to host many of your own (which, you’ll naturally want to do anyway.)
It goes without saying, you’ll also be much more popular with the opposite sex. Whether that is a desirable outcome or not is irrelevant…it is simply the truth. I’m sure some individuals purchase a penthouse for this very reason. And I’m not one to judge, but it is a reality and we cannot deny it.
Need I say more?
No one could, in good faith, argue a home is better than a penthouse. In every conceivable way (at least, in the ways that matter to most of us) a penthouse is the clear winner. It’s why they command a higher price. It’s why they appreciate so much more. It’s why they are associated with success, prestige and status.
For many, it is the symbol of superior living…because it is.