What's a Walk-Up Apartment?

Walk-up apartments are units in an apartment building that does not have an elevator. They’re only accessible by walking up multiple flights of stairs.

Walk-up apartments are especially common in older, dense cities like New York City. They can also be multi-bedroom, studio, or efficiency apartments.

How Many Floors Does a Walk-Up Apartment Have?

Most walk-up apartments are two to six floors, but some can be seven floors or even more. When considering whether a walk-up apartment is right for you, you should think about the walk up to your apartment with groceries and packages. You should also envision what your move-in day might look like if you have to haul heavy pieces of furniture up many flights of stairs. You could be in great health, but be honest with yourself if you’re okay dealing with the climb every day.

What Are the Pros of Walk-Up Apartments?

There are several pros to living in a walk-up apartment.

1. Walk-Up Apartments are Usually More Affordable

Due to their lack of elevator, walk-up apartments are usually more affordable than a multi-bedroom apartment or townhouse. The higher up you are in the walk-up, the cheaper the rent usually is. But if you can score a unit on a lower floor, you can enjoy the cost savings of a walk-up apartment.

2. Walk-Ups Are Usually in Smaller Buildings with More Privacy

Walk-up apartments are typically located in smaller urban buildings. That means fewer tenants and more privacy.

Of course, the level of privacy you want is your choice. It’s easy to meet your neighbors when you live in a smaller, tighter-knit apartment building.

3. You’ll Get a Good Workout Walking Up and Down Stairs

Walking up to the fifth or sixth floor isn’t for the faint at heart. However, it can still be a pro of walk-up apartments. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to burn calories walking up and down stairs every day, especially if you need to carry up any groceries.

4. Walk-Up Apartments Have Vintage Charm

Walk-up apartments are usually in older buildings that come with vintage touches. Expect original crown moldings and black and white checkered floors in some areas like the kitchen or bathroom. You can also expect oversized bay windows and other unique details.

What Are the Cons of Walk-Up Apartments?

Know the cons of living in walk-up apartments before you sign your next lease.

1. Moving In and Out Is Difficult

Moving in and out is difficult and potentially exhausting when living in walk-up apartments. It’s challenging not to scratch hallway walls when moving heavy furniture up and down stairs. Depending on the city you live in and the rates of local moving companies, you could be charged a premium for the extra stairs.

2. Walking Up and Down Stairs Can Get Tiring

Living in a walk-up apartment may afford endless opportunities for exercise—but maybe you’re not looking to exercise every time you come home. Forgetting something in your car or at the store down the street could ruin an otherwise incredible day.

3. Walk-Up Apartment Buildings Tend to Be Older

Walk-up apartments are usually in older buildings that may be historic and have vintage charm. However, the building can also show its age.

Utilities and amenities may not be updated. Also, walls and floors may carry sound easier than the newer apartment complexes down the street.

Here’s a pro and con comparison chart to pull everything together:

What Else Do You Need to Know About Walk-Up Apartments?

Now that you know the pros and cons of walk-up apartments, there are a few more things you should consider that often go overlooked.

Think About Deliveries

Walk-up apartments don’t have doormen to accept packages, which also makes rents cheaper in these buildings.

Delivery people are often not fans of multi-flight runs up to your walk-up apartment. Be prepared to get some push-back and to tip your DoorDash delivery person for walking up multiple flights of stairs.

Consider How Often You’re Home

Homebodies or anyone who works from home can thrive in walk-up apartments. A nonexistent commute means you’re not exhausting yourself up and down the stairs multiple times a day.

Remember Your Weekly Groceries and Laundry

Bringing up laundry, groceries, and kids up the stairs can be a painful task. You may need to make multiple trips just to get everything to your walk-up apartment.

What About Your Bike?

If you love cycling, dragging your bike up and down to your walk-up apartment may prove impossible. Find out if there’s on-site storage and whether you can manage your bike without the multiple flights of stairs.

Who Should Live in a Walk-up Apartment?

Walk-ups are made for renters who value privacy, character, and cost savings, and don’t mind skipping the elevator. They’re a great fit for remote workers, young professionals, solo renters, or couples who aren’t hauling kids, bikes, or strollers every day. If you’re not constantly running in and out (or up and down), you’ll likely love the trade-offs.

Who Should Avoid a Walk-up Apartment?

If you have mobility concerns, heavy daily errands, or young kids in tow, a walk-up can wear you down fast. They’re also tricky for renters who rely on delivery services, move frequently, or need ADA accessibility. If the idea of carrying groceries up four flights in August makes you break a sweat just thinking about it, you might want to pass.

Walk-Up Apartment Checklist: Is It the Right Choice for Me?

Choosing the right apartment style depends on how you live day to day. Use this checklist to evaluate whether a walk-up apartment—without elevator access—aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and daily routines.

Ask yourself:

• Do you work from home or have a short commute?
• Are you comfortable climbing multiple flights of stairs several times a day?
• Can you manage carrying groceries, laundry, luggage, or deliveries up your stairs on a regular basis?
• Do you live with children, pets, or anyone who may have difficulty navigating stairs?
• Would you trade elevator access for a more affordable rent or reduced competition?
• Are you drawn to older buildings with vintage charm and unique architectural details?
• Do you prefer living in smaller buildings with fewer neighbors and more privacy?
• Are you okay with limited accessibility for guests or family members who may visit?
• Will you be moving in large furniture or bulky items?

If you answered “yes” to most of the questions above, a walk-up apartment could be a practical and cost-effective option. If not, it may be worth considering a building with elevator access for added convenience and accessibility.

Find the Right Apartment for You

Walk-up apartments can be ideal for their affordability, intimacy, and even their built-in exercise getting up and down the stairs. However, there’s no denying walk-up apartments are also older, difficult to maneuver during a move or with heavy packages, and can exhaust you. Weigh the pros and cons to determine if a walk-up apartment is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walk-Up Apartments

What is a walk-up apartment?

A walk-up apartment is a rental unit in a building without an elevator. You’ll need to use stairs to access your apartment—sometimes up to six floors.

Why are walk-up apartments usually cheaper?

Walk-up apartments tend to be more affordable because they lack amenities like elevators, doormen, or modern finishes found in newer buildings.

How many floors can a walk-up apartment have?

Most walk-up buildings max out at five or six floors—any taller, and building codes often require an elevator.

Are walk-up apartments hard to move into?

Yes, moving into a walk-up can be physically demanding, especially if your unit is on an upper floor. Movers may charge extra for the stairs.

Is a walk-up apartment a good option if I work from home?

Definitely. If you’re not running in and out all day, you’ll barely notice the stairs—and you’ll enjoy the privacy and savings.

Do walk-up apartments have elevators?

No, walk-up apartments do not have elevators and are stairs only.

Are walk-up apartments safe?

Yes, walk-up apartments are generally as safe as any other apartment, but there isn’ t a doorman to monitor people coming in and out. Like any apartment, safety depends on location, building upkeep, and neighbors.

Can I live in a walk-up apartment with kids or pets?

Yes, you can live in a walk-up with kids and pets, but consider the logistics. Carrying strollers, groceries, or big dogs up stairs every day might wear you out.

What should I know before renting a walk-up apartment?

Before signing a lease agreement for a walk-up apartment, be honest about your lifestyle. If you’re okay skipping the elevator for a better price (and stronger calves), it could be a win.

Do walk-up apartments have laundry?

Some walk-up apartments have in-unit laundry, but many rely on shared facilities. Other walk-ups, especially in older buildings, require taking your laundry to a local laundromat.

Are walk-up apartments a good fit for seniors?

No, walk-up apartments aren’t usually a good choice for senior citizens. The lack of elevator access can make daily life harder and limit accessibility for people with mobility issues.