You are looking for your next apartment in Boston and are considering all your options. Many clients we meet with go back and forth if they want a “Brownstone” feel or a luxury high rise building. There are pros and cons to each and these are some of the things we think you should consider when making your decision:

Price

An obvious one maybe but price can vary quite a lot between luxury buildings and non-concierge style living. You are certianly paying a premium for those services and you should consider what that pricetag is. Consider apartments with similiar finishes and size in the same neighborhood and see what you are really paying for that luxury building’s features.

Also, keep in mind your costs associated with some of the amenities you could eliminate if you lived in a luxury building. If you are paying $100 a month for a gym membership but there is one in your new building, you could be saving $1,200 in that area.

Policies

Every building has their own set of rules and regulations but many luxury buildings have very strict policies compared to other apartments in Boston. While these are made to ensure the best living conditions for everyone in the building, many do not like all of the rules associated with living there.

This can be especially true with pet policies so be sure to check them out if you have a furry friend.

Lifestyle

Think about the real value to you of the amenities in the building, a huge plus to a luxury building in Boston. Do you travel a lot and really appreciate having someone hold your packages, etc? Then that could be a huge value to someone who may not have as much need for this. Think about the way you live your life and determine if you are willing to pay a premium for it.

Not sure how much you can afford in rent? Check out this great article all about determining what your ideal rent payment should be.