The disadvantages of living in an apartment Apartments are often smaller than houses and have little to no private outside space. You may also be unable to use a clothesline. Noise and privacy: The privacy given by apartment living may be less than that afforded by house living. With many apartments sharing common walls, it is possible for others nearby to hear anything said within earshot of those walls. This can be problematic for people who enjoy quiet time alone or for individuals who work from home. Noise pollution: If you live in an area with a large population center, you will likely experience noise pollution from buses, trucks, and other vehicles driving by at all hours of the night or day. These noises can cause stress and insomnia. In addition, if you are one of the many people who work from home, you will need to deal with noise from construction workers, dog walkers, and other residents who do not mind letting you know what they think of your workplace environment. Lack of privacy: Even if your unit is located on its own floor within the building, there's still a chance you'll feel like someone is watching you whenever you go out into public spaces. This is particularly true if you receive frequent deliveries or have a pet who likes to make himself known to neighbors. It's also difficult to keep personal items hidden from view when living in an apartment complex.