How to Choose the Perfect Condo, Penthouse, or High-Rise Apartment
Making the decision simple by focusing on your lifestyle, not just the square footage.
When Big Spaces No Longer Define Luxury
When I moved from my large house into a condo, it felt like a leap into another world.
My old home had it all: a swimming pool, a huge kitchen, three bedrooms upstairs, two more downstairs, and a sprawling living room where every corner could host a gathering.
Naturally, a condo was never going to match that space. It felt like stepping into a fraction of what I once lived in—not literally, of course, but emotionally. Still, I knew this was the right move. My son’s school was nearby, and for the next decade, proximity mattered more than square footage.
That’s when the real challenge began: choosing the right condo in a city full of options.
I visited many units. Each one offered something tempting — a large corner unit with a balcony that stretched wide, a smaller one with modern finishes, another with city views that sparkled at night. It was overwhelming, but I quickly learned the only way to choose wisely was to get very clear about what mattered to me.
Step One: Decide the Lifestyle You Want
The most important rule when choosing a high-rise living unit is this: decide on the lifestyle you want.
Don’t get caught up in the cost-per-square-foot calculations, or whether a larger space feels like a “better deal.” It isn’t just about where you sleep — it’s about how you want to live.
For me, that lifestyle meant simplicity and convenience. I wanted to wake up, walk upstairs to a rooftop pool, and know that my gym was right next to it. I didn’t want to trek into a dark basement or drive to another facility. Time is a luxury, and the right building could give me back hours of it.
That clarity made the decision easier for me: I focused on buildings that felt like a lifestyle upgrade instead of a real-estate decision.
🏙️ Related Read: The Elegant Guide to Vertical Living: Thriving in Condos, Penthouses, and High-Rise Apartments
Step Two: Understand Your Cooking Style
Condos often differ most in one overlooked space — the kitchen. Some are compact, designed for people who dine out regularly. Others are thoughtfully built for home cooks, with proper counter space and plenty of storage.
Since I like to cook and eat at home regularly, a decent-sized kitchen was non-negotiable. I wanted enough cabinets and drawers to keep my ingredients, cookware, and small appliances organized. It didn’t need to be a grand chef’s kitchen (though I would love a Gordon Ramsay-style kitchen — who doesn’t?), but it did need to support the kind of life I live every day.
Ask yourself honestly: Do you prepare meals at home most days, or do you prefer the convenience of dining out? If you’re rarely in the kitchen, you can prioritize other features and save valuable square footage. But if cooking is part of your lifestyle — as it is for me — don’t compromise on this space.
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Step Three: Prioritize Amenities That Matter
Every building will tempt you with amenities. Parking garages, car chargers, concierge services, rooftop lounges, co-working spaces, and even on-site cafés are available nowadays. It’s easy to get dazzled, but not every perk will matter to you.
Instead, think about what will genuinely enhance your daily life. For me, the essentials were clear: a rooftop pool, a gym, and a well-designed building that felt intentional.
It could be a nearby children’s play area if you have young kids. Or a pet-friendly building. The key is to separate the “nice-to-have” features from the “must-have” essentials. That way, you won’t be swayed by features you’ll never use.
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Step Four: Choose a View That Feeds You
One of the most underrated aspects of high-rise living is the view. It’s what you’ll see every morning when you sip your coffee, and every night when you wind down with a book or glass of wine.
For me, having a view of nature was everything. From my place, I see beautiful trees that change with the seasons. It’s calming, grounding, and makes me feel like I still have a connection to the natural world, even in vertical living. I also have a beautiful view of the city, as well as nature — the perfect combination for me.
For others, the dream might be a sparkling city skyline, endless water views, or even a cozy courtyard where neighbors pass by. Ask yourself: What do I want to see when I look out the window every day? That answer should guide you more than square footage or layout.
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Step Five: Storage and Wardrobe Space
As a fashion designer, one thing I couldn’t compromise on was a walk-in closet. A well-organized wardrobe is more than storage — it’s part of my creative life.
Ironically, as large as my old house was, I never had an actual walk-in closet there. So when I found a unit with one, it felt like the luxury I had been missing.
This is why clarity matters: the unit I ended up selecting didn’t have the largest living room or the most dramatic balcony. But it had the essentials that matched my lifestyle — a decent kitchen, a rooftop pool and gym in the building, and the walk-in closet I always wanted.
The lesson: Storage is often invisible during the tour, but it will define your daily life. Whether it’s closets, a pantry, or built-in shelving, make sure the unit you choose has enough room for the way you live.
The Unit I Chose
In the end, I chose a unit that gave me balance: a smaller living room, a more manageable balcony, and a walk-in closet that felt like a dream.
I passed on the corner unit with its dramatic space because it didn’t offer the daily conveniences I valued most. And I’ve never regretted it — because I chose exactly what I wanted.
That’s the beauty of modern vertical living: it teaches you that true luxury isn’t just the size of the space — it’s about personal preferences and time-saving.
Final Thoughts: Simplify the Decision
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about choosing a condo or high-rise apartment, remember these guiding questions:
-
What lifestyle do I want?
Simplify everything first — don’t focus on square footage as most people do. -
What’s my cooking style?
Small or large kitchen, depending on your habits, because nourishment is essential for health. -
What amenities do I truly use?
Gym, pool, parking, security, etc. -
What view inspires me?
Nature, city, water, or courtyard. -
What storage do I need?
Closets, kitchen storage, or extra space for hobbies.
When you answer these honestly, the right unit will become clear.
For me, it was about choosing a lifestyle that made my daily life elegant, intentional, and easy. That’s the real key to thriving in vertical living.
