Micro-Units and Micro-Apartments: What Are They?

Micro-apartments, also known as micro-units, are one-room apartments typically smaller than studios and have self-serving facilities, including a private bathroom and kitchenette. Think of micro apartments as super-efficient studio apartments.

Micro-apartments are the trend-setting standard for tiny dwellings in city centers. These small apartments embody the spirit of tiny home living, all within an urban atmosphere with all the amenities you could hope for.

In this article, we explore everything you should know about micro-apartments, who they’re right for, and how to find them.

Micro-Apartments

What Is a Micro-Apartment?

Micro-apartments (AKA micro-units) are smaller-than-average studio apartments (i.e., one-room apartments) with a footprint typically between 200 and 400 square feet. Micro-apartments are NOT small one-bedrooms. They’re usually a studio-style, open-concept area where a bedroom, living space, and kitchen blend together.

You can also think of a micro-apartment as an efficiency apartment with small amenities, complete with a lofted bed to free up precious space. However, micro-unit renters usually enjoy more upscale apartment amenities and convenient locations for smaller price tags.

Despite the small size, micro-units are designed for maximum efficiency. They often have high ceilings and oversized windows to make them feel larger than they really are. Pick the right city and location, and your small apartment may feature dazzling city views.

Why Do People Live in Micro-Apartments?

There are many pros to living in a micro-apartment, including:

• Paying Less Rent: Many renters opt for micro-apartments to reduce their rent costs.
• Closer to Downtown (Usually): This affordability makes it possible to live in trendy, central locations that might otherwise be out of reach. You can be right in the heart of the action, close to work, and more.
• More Functionality and Features: While the square footage may be compact, some micro-apartments boast sleek, space-saving furniture and built-in storage solutions that maximize every inch.
• High-End Amenities: Some micro-apartment buildings compensate for the smaller living quarters by offering high-end amenities that you might not find in a traditional apartment, such as rooftop terraces, fitness centers, and co-working spaces.
• Minimalist Lifestyle: With less space, you're naturally less likely to accumulate clutter. This can be freeing for those who appreciate a streamlined aesthetic and easier upkeep. Less space and stuff also means less cleaning.

What Are the Disadvantages of Micro-Apartments?

The obvious disadvantage of the micro-unit is limited space, which can translate into a few issues:

• Limited Space: Micro-apartments have very little square footage and can feel cramped. Activities that require space can be challenging in a micro-apartment.
• Storage Woes: With limited square footage comes limited storage. You might find yourself struggling to find places for your belongings, which can lead to clutter and a sense of disorganization.
• Not Ideal for Couples or Families: Micro-apartments are designed for single occupants or, at most, couples who are minimalists and comfortable with very close quarters. Having children or even large pets can be impractical in such a small space.
• Lack of Privacy: Thin walls and close proximity to neighbors can be an issue, as noise from surrounding apartments can be a significant problem.

Who Lives in Micro-Apartments?

Micro-apartments accommodate a diverse range of ages and demographics. However, they are targeted towards single twenty-somethings and millennials with city jobs. Their income levels are often higher than most, and people in that demographic are looking for everything urban living has to offer, from pubs and restaurants to museums and parks.

Micro-living is all about lifestyle and convenience. It simply isn’t ideal for everyone. These cozy apartments usually aren’t right for families or anyone struggling to make ends meet.

And due to their small size, micro-apartments aren’t suitable for roommates or long-term visitors who want to stay indefinitely.

What Is It Like Living in a Micro-Apartment?

You’ll wake up with the sun streaming through the window and start your day by padding down the loft steps to brew coffee. Since micro-apartments are small, you’ll pick up after yourself as you start getting ready for the day.

The bathroom and kitchen are only a few steps away from each other, so you’ll smell your coffee percolating as you finish your shower.

If you work from home, you'll need a dedicated work desk set up, likely a few feet away from your bed. Some apartment complexes may have a shared coworking space as one of their amenities.

Just keep in mind, when you get home at night, the reduced size means you'll have to get a lot done within a small space. Consider solutions like TV projectors, convertible tables, and, unless an activity requires the entire space within an empty room to perform, you'll be able to do it in a small area.

Where Are Micro-Apartments Popular?

Micro-apartments are popular in densely populated cities and common in large European and Asian cities. Micro-apartments have begun to spring up in cities like New York, Seattle, and Boston in recent years, and last year, 2.4% of all new apartment units were micro-units.

Other cities, such as Honolulu, Seattle, and San Francisco, have the highest concentration of micro-apartments, with some having more than 10% of their housing categorized as micro. That said, micro-apartments are still less common than traditional apartments in the U.S.

What Amenities or Features Should You Look for in Micro-Units?

Finding the right amenities and features is key when choosing a micro-apartment. Without the right layout and space-saving features, micro-apartment units can feel positively cramped.

Here are the top features to look for in micro-units:

1. Illusion of Space

Look for features that create the illusion of space. Those can include high ceilings, balconies, or decks. They may also feature storage solutions like vertical cabinets to keep your micro-apartment feeling as spacious as possible.

2. Common Areas

An upscale micro-apartment building also features common spaces like spacious lobbies and rooftop decks. Those areas allow residents to spread out and gather for an evening of socializing.

3. Additional Storage

Take note of apartment buildings that offer resident storage in a common area, such as a basement. Additionally, some complexes may have bike racks that can further maximize your apartment space.

How Do You Find Micro-Apartments?

Your best bet for finding micro-apartments is to look in a city’s downtown area or adjacent neighborhoods.

Trendy areas full of nightlife and amenities are also hotspots for micro-apartments and complexes. Although not impossible, you’re less likely to find micro rentals in the suburbs or neighborhoods known for cheap rent and spacious dwellings, but they are becoming increasingly popular.

Start Your Search Early

If you have your heart set on a micro-apartment, start looking as early as possible. Apartment hunting in competitive cities like New York and Boston can be time-consuming, as it takes effort to find the rental you want. Take notes of buildings and complexes that have micro-units and check back with the landlord or property managers frequently.

Know What You Are Looking For

Most micro-units are between 200 and 400 square feet. They're not small one-bedroom apartments. Instead, they're usually an open concept area where your living room, bedroom, and kitchen all blend.

Here’s where you need to come prepared. Micro apartments are usually a trade-off. You typically get to live in a fantastic city for less rent than you would in a larger space. However, if you decide you need a decent-sized sleeping area, you should have an idea of your ideal layout.

You may want more separation of space or enough room to add some screen dividers. You may also be fine with a tiny micro-apartment as long as there’s an on-site gym, rooftop terrace, and swimming pool.

Know what you’re looking for in your micro apartment before you start your search to score the place you want.

Search for Listings Online

Online listings are also an ideal place to find your micro-unit. Checking online listings like Apartment List for a wide range of rentals, including micro-apartments. We offer over 5 million listings for apartments across the US.

Whatever online listings you can use these search terms to find micro-units, such as: “micro condos,” “micro rentals,” “tiny apartments,” and small studio apartments.”

Set Up Apartment Tours

Whenever possible, visit the space in person or request photos and a live video walk-through. A tour gives you a better feeling of just how small a micro-apartment is and how comfortable you may feel in the space.

For a successful tour, come prepared with questions to ask about micro-apartments and other units.

Apply and Sign Your Lease

Once you’ve found your perfect, cozy micro-apartment, it’s time to apply and sign your lease.

Come with cash on hand for your application fees, credit cards, and a few checks, just in case one payment is preferred over another. You’ll also need identification, proof of employment such as a pay stub, and possibly references.

You can save yourself time and resources by calling ahead before your next tour. Inquire about what documents are required to sign a lease on a micro-apartment, and come over-prepared.

8 Tips on Making Micro-Apartments Feel Bigger

1. Fill the space. While it may seem counterintuitive, cozy spaces tend to feel more welcoming. Making your space feel welcoming can make it more inviting.
2. Don't block your windows. Light can make small spaces appear and feel bigger than they are. Invest in blinds rather than curtains.
3. Stay away from darker colors, which can make your place feel smaller. Stick to lighter colors and vibrant jewel tones for a pop of color that doesn't diminish your unit's apparent size.
4. Skip the couch in favor of a loveseat and oversized armchair. Grab a tray to repurpose the footrest into a coffee table.
5. Murphy beds that fold out from the wall can be great space-savers. Some units may even come with them.
6. Consider ditching the dining room table in favor of a kitchen bar area.
7. Micro-living may also require a smaller fridge and stove to create a pint-sized, full-service kitchen. Some units will come with kitchenettes rather than full kitchens.
8. Focus on dual-purpose functionality for your furniture and appliances. That’ll keep your home feeling as efficient and spacious as possible.

Is a Micro-Apartment Right for You?

Micro-apartments are a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to live in the heart of a thriving city center. If your dream city is calling your name, but the rent prices for a one-bedroom are out of reach, what do you do? Search for some micro-units. They're also perfect if you want more privacy and are ready to leave your roommate days behind you!

FAQs About Micro-Apartments

Does the U.S. have micro-apartments?

Yes, micro-apartments have become increasingly popular around the world, including in the United States. Most micro-units can be found in large cities such as Denver, New York, and Boston.

Are micro-apartments a good investment?

Micro-apartments are usually considered a good investment because they are typically in sought-after neighborhoods close to downtown areas.

Why are micro-apartments popular?

Micro-apartments are popular because they often offer great amenities and provide the right amount of space for one person to live comfortably in a busy city.

What is the difference between a micro-apartment and a studio apartment?

The main difference between a studio and a micro-apartment is that a micro-apartment is even smaller than a studio and contains all the basic amenities. Studios typically have slightly larger square footage than a micro-unit.