Defining the Austin Loft

When looking for an apartment or condo, quite often you will hear the word “loft” used to identify a rental you’re checking out. Most people think they understand what a “loft” is, then again will this specific expression always have a similar meaning? The short response is No, precisely what Austin apartments refer to as a loft can have an incredibly different appearance and feeling than what Seattle apartments label a loft and so forth.
In the most technical terms the expression “loft” is classified:

Loft: -Noun: 

1. An top floor of a business building, storage place, or manufacturing plant, typically made up of wide open, non partitioned floor area.

2. A terrace or platform erected over a great room and utilized particularly for sleeping.
Based on which area of the country you're living in, or even which part of the world, you probably identify a loft with the first definition. The idea that comes to mind in this example may be the movie “Ghost”, which depicts a Chicago-style loft which seems like a warehouse, with open-exposed supports, brick rooms, towering ceilings and plenty of windows. With this thought in your mind you might be greatly disappointed when you arrive at the apartment to find that the majority of lofts don’t resemble that in any way.
Austin, Tx apartments just don't typically tend towards the Chicago-style lofts. There are merely a few, typically in close proximity to downtown, they are harder to get and will definitely cost a renter more than $2.00 per sq. ft .
The typical Austin, Texas rental loft space is effectively a floor plan type, similar to description #2. Most commonly it is two stories and traditionally, the bedroom or an office/entertainment space is located on the second floor. That floor is separated off from the space or room beneath by either a half wall or railing overlooking the living room space.
About the only thing this loft could have that is similar to the loft a lot of people imagine is the high ceilings necessary to accommodate the 2nd story. While it still has an open floor plan which usually feels very big, you will not find most of the other warehouse style features like exposed brick, exposed ceiling beams, elaborate columns or widespread windows.
The main things to think about when leasing a loft are utility bills and the level of privacy. The more elevated the roof, the more area to cool, and the larger your utilities. This is valid in winter also as warmth rises and it'll take much more to warm your area. Level of privacy might be a concern if you are considering the loft as your bedroom, or even as a secondary bedroom. If the loft is a single bedroom unit and you are considering using the loft as a second bedroom, there will normally be one restroom, which is often found in the main bedroom.

Lofts can be a fantastic method to achieve extra living space and an appealing architectural characteristic. Whether you prefer the Chicago-style or perhaps the simpler lofts, there is an apartment that can meet your needs.


Natalie Young in the manager at A Plus Apartments in Austin, Texas, specializing in locating the perfect Austin Apartments.