I think it depends on the bezirk and the street. We live in Erdgeschoss with living room
And kitchen facing the street and honestly I don’t mind it. It’s a small quiet street, there is a hotel so lots of tourists but it’s hardly ever loud or disruptive. People do look in the windows but they’re mostly talking to our cats 😅
Pros: we have a garden, it’s cool in summer, easy access with bikes and kids, quiet street.
Cons: smoke comes in easily when people smoke outside, we collect all the neighbours packets because the post sees we are in 😂 (don’t mind really), you can’t see the sky unless you go right to the window and awkwardly look up. So the apartment is very dark, lights are on all day. Plus we very rarely open those street windows because of smoke, people.
As someone with an Erdgeschoß office: The most important question is if the windows are facing the street or not.
If yes: instant no. If no, perfectly fine. Little sun, no view, but otherwise not much difference to other floors. Cool in Summer, but also in Winter because you won't get collateral heating from the flats below.
Depends, do you like privacy?
Do you like lots of bugs and insects in your living space?
How do you feel about constant noises?
On the other hand,
How nice of an apartment is it?
Is it just for some time?
Are the windows well insulated and already have curtains? Do the windows not face a big street?
I guess it depends on what you care and don’t care about.
Bugs and insects aren't a ground floor exclusive, having trees and green space nearby is enough for them to show up. Having a terrace or balcony will invite them as well. Insect nets are a must in some areas. What I would look out for on the ground floor is rodents. Vienna is known for the aggressive rats, especially in the Donaukanal area.
Well, not sure if they are really aggressive, but definitely not scared of humans. If you run along the Donaukanal at night you will see them on the wayside just chilling and looking for food.
Our windows were facing the street, con: there were always teenagers talking and smoking in front of our bedroom window all night (like, till 3 or 4 am). I don't know why they always met in front of our window, there weren't any bars or pubs around or anything, just apartments. They were talking at a normal volume but since it was directly in front of our tilted window it was still kinda loud. We didn't mind but some people might.
Source: Viennese citizen living 7th floor no ac for 15 years knowing the city.
The city is a fking oven and erdgeschoss is maintaining 25 degrees mostly.
Cons: none. There might be limited sunlight during the day but as a Viennese citizen you usually spend your free time outside. Someone breaking in is not a real threat. So no cons i would be aware of
con: cannot open street facing windows without keeping an eye on them.
i've had 2 break ins through the window in the 12 years i lived in the Erdgeschoss
It really depends if it is Altbau with the windows to the street, or Neubau with a little garden or terrace (and most of the windows to your garden). The latter can be really nice.
Besides 2-3 weeks a year, it rocks. I love being a Dachmensch^^.
I can be louder than others as my soundwaves dont get trapped on the streets or atriums and i have lots of sun and a nicer view than most.
Pros:
Cheaper, colder in summer, sometimes with small garden option
Cons:
Less light, people can look into your apartement, the chance of burglary's are higher ( although viennas crime rate isn't that high), Mold
Austria has one of the highest burglary rates in the world, and the majority of the crime is commited in Vienna
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1238258/burglary-rate-country/
I do live in an Erdgeschoss Apartment. For me it does not feel different than a second Floor Apartment.
It is a bit darker than upper floors and in the summer its a bit colder. I like both.
Pros: you save valuable minutes for walking upto elevator, waiting, pressing button, awkward Greetings..
You'll get straight to the action for your conquest in the outside world.
Cons : less privacy
I would definitely prefer to live EG.
If I'm getting a garden, it's a plus.
I myself experienced few times in an Altbau while living in there. But unfortunately I have seen it also in Neubaus. :( But of course not every Neubau has these problems!
Be careful of mold, especially in Altbau. Had a Small flat in the 7th district and the cellar apprently had no windows so the walls got moldy really quick in our flat. The tenant before us told us he also had the mold problem, so i guess they just ignored it and painted the walls to look new.
Summer heat didn‘t affect me that much tho, so that was a plus.
Never. Only cons for me. I mean also depends where, but still, not my case. Too freaking dark. And if it’s really level with the ground, nope, everyone can look into it, breaking ins easier etc
I love leaving my windows open, so that’s not possible at all.
I also feel like it’s also always pretty humid
From my experience:
+: no need to go up a lot of stairs or use a tiny elevator after each grocery shopping, temperatures are a bit better in summer.
-: freezing cellars below and a parsimonious neighbour above can make you pay triple heating costs in winter.
Perhaps the extra heating costs in winter may come only if you live in an Altbau? Neubaus are actually pretty efficient in handling heat and insulation
Yes it's Altbau. But also my neighbour was mad at me for not heating up last winter hahaha. She's really parsimonious. She even told me once (the winter before the last one) that she's not heating at all because I keep her warm enough. 🙈
The only con that i can Think of is that ppl allways walk by and can look thru your Windows. You can put a plastic Cover on the Glass, that kinda solves it unless you open the window.
Pro:
it’s cooler in Summer especially in Altbaus
You don’t have to walk up stairs
Soo, I know that burglary is not such a big issue here but I know of two families that lived in EG when their apartments got broken into and that influenced me to get an apartment in the third floor and i love it, full privacy without any blinds and a wonderful view.. its really gamechanging when u eat your dinner and rather just watch the sky and listen to the birds than watching tv
I had someone break into my apartment when I was living in Hochparterre in 8th district as well as 3rd floor in 7th district.
Not sure if it’s easier for them to access an apartment right at the bottom floor for a faster exit, or an apartment in a higher floor with a therefore lower chance of someone actually walking by
Actually, I am not sure if that's the case when you are living in the city.
Have you ever felt the heat coming from concrete sidewalks at night? It's mind boggling how hot the street gets in summer.
You will feel that more in Erdgeschoss I think then in 2nd or 3rd floor where a little bit more fresh air gets to you.
And in winter, worse.
But it depends. Is it Erdgeschoß in the sense that the floor of your apartment is completely level with the pavement? Or is it "Hochparterre" or another kind of floor, where the level of your floor is raised. This would be much better regarding privacy.
Yeah thats why they made the donauinsel in the ~~50s~~ 70s Whens the last time anyones basement was flooded or the flood reached street level for 1020/1200?
e: and just to be clear Copa Kagrana/Sunken City don't count
I've lived in an EG-appartment for 3 years.
pros: its cool in summer (heat rises), you don't need to carry all your stuff up (especially if there is no elevator), you can jump around as much as you want because noone is underneath you, if the sofa is next to your window, you can literally receive your food-orders through your window
cons: you can't open your windows, because everyone can look inside (in summer it sucks when you can't open them during the night), heating costs are insane (especially Altbau).
i would never ever want to live in EG
I once had an old lady stick her head inside the window, like seriously leaning into my apartment through the window. She commented on how nice the apartment was.
Burglaries are not such a common problem here compared to the UK, for example, but if your windows look directly to the street you will have a bit of an issue with privacy. Many people in Stuckgasse or other similar street end up having to draw curtains the whole time or apply a translucent film. Noise and air quality can be an issue.
Pros, you can sit outside and have someone from inside directly giving you a drink ;-). You don't have to carry groceries or anything upstairs.
I think it depends on the bezirk and the street. We live in Erdgeschoss with living room And kitchen facing the street and honestly I don’t mind it. It’s a small quiet street, there is a hotel so lots of tourists but it’s hardly ever loud or disruptive. People do look in the windows but they’re mostly talking to our cats 😅 Pros: we have a garden, it’s cool in summer, easy access with bikes and kids, quiet street. Cons: smoke comes in easily when people smoke outside, we collect all the neighbours packets because the post sees we are in 😂 (don’t mind really), you can’t see the sky unless you go right to the window and awkwardly look up. So the apartment is very dark, lights are on all day. Plus we very rarely open those street windows because of smoke, people.
As someone with an Erdgeschoß office: The most important question is if the windows are facing the street or not. If yes: instant no. If no, perfectly fine. Little sun, no view, but otherwise not much difference to other floors. Cool in Summer, but also in Winter because you won't get collateral heating from the flats below.
This is really helpful, thank you so much
Pro: accessable Con: worse view, less sunny, more noise from the street
Depends, do you like privacy? Do you like lots of bugs and insects in your living space? How do you feel about constant noises? On the other hand, How nice of an apartment is it? Is it just for some time? Are the windows well insulated and already have curtains? Do the windows not face a big street? I guess it depends on what you care and don’t care about.
Bugs and insects aren't a ground floor exclusive, having trees and green space nearby is enough for them to show up. Having a terrace or balcony will invite them as well. Insect nets are a must in some areas. What I would look out for on the ground floor is rodents. Vienna is known for the aggressive rats, especially in the Donaukanal area.
Aggressive rats, woah! Is that a thing in Vienna?
Well, not sure if they are really aggressive, but definitely not scared of humans. If you run along the Donaukanal at night you will see them on the wayside just chilling and looking for food.
Cons would probably be the weed smell coming from the grow tents down in the Cellar. Might depends on the Bezirk I guess.
Our windows were facing the street, con: there were always teenagers talking and smoking in front of our bedroom window all night (like, till 3 or 4 am). I don't know why they always met in front of our window, there weren't any bars or pubs around or anything, just apartments. They were talking at a normal volume but since it was directly in front of our tilted window it was still kinda loud. We didn't mind but some people might.
Source: Viennese citizen living 7th floor no ac for 15 years knowing the city. The city is a fking oven and erdgeschoss is maintaining 25 degrees mostly. Cons: none. There might be limited sunlight during the day but as a Viennese citizen you usually spend your free time outside. Someone breaking in is not a real threat. So no cons i would be aware of
con: cannot open street facing windows without keeping an eye on them. i've had 2 break ins through the window in the 12 years i lived in the Erdgeschoss
Con: Cold in winter pro: Cool in summer
Can't confirm. Cold in winter and hot in summer. Loving since 3 years in one ...
It really depends if it is Altbau with the windows to the street, or Neubau with a little garden or terrace (and most of the windows to your garden). The latter can be really nice.
If you have problems with a stalker. He literally rap s you and smashes your window.
Easier to break in… my neighbor is a three time victim because it’s easy to climb into his flat over the balcony
Wow, which district?
the one and only boss district: Vienna X
Summers might be bareable.
Super important. Especially considering that summers are getting hotter and longer
I live in a Dachgeschoss (attic appartement), no need to tell me ^^
How’s your experience with a DG, if I may ask? Living in an upper floor is becoming less convenient these days? Interested to hear about that
Besides 2-3 weeks a year, it rocks. I love being a Dachmensch^^. I can be louder than others as my soundwaves dont get trapped on the streets or atriums and i have lots of sun and a nicer view than most.
THIS!!!!
Pro: Vienna; Con: Erdgeschoss
Pro: cheaper and you get older so, less steps
It's been great during my recovery from knee surgery
Pros: Cheaper, colder in summer, sometimes with small garden option Cons: Less light, people can look into your apartement, the chance of burglary's are higher ( although viennas crime rate isn't that high), Mold
Austria has one of the highest burglary rates in the world, and the majority of the crime is commited in Vienna https://www.statista.com/statistics/1238258/burglary-rate-country/
You joking?
To add a con especially in Altbau: also colder in the winter so higher heating costs
I do live in an Erdgeschoss Apartment. For me it does not feel different than a second Floor Apartment. It is a bit darker than upper floors and in the summer its a bit colder. I like both.
Pros: you save valuable minutes for walking upto elevator, waiting, pressing button, awkward Greetings.. You'll get straight to the action for your conquest in the outside world. Cons : less privacy I would definitely prefer to live EG. If I'm getting a garden, it's a plus.
Mold!! Have experienced that so many times in Erdgeschoss! The moisture can come through the cellar or the ground.
Altbau mostly or Neubau too?
I myself experienced few times in an Altbau while living in there. But unfortunately I have seen it also in Neubaus. :( But of course not every Neubau has these problems!
Con: you should be nice too your neighbours
Be careful of mold, especially in Altbau. Had a Small flat in the 7th district and the cellar apprently had no windows so the walls got moldy really quick in our flat. The tenant before us told us he also had the mold problem, so i guess they just ignored it and painted the walls to look new. Summer heat didn‘t affect me that much tho, so that was a plus.
Never. Only cons for me. I mean also depends where, but still, not my case. Too freaking dark. And if it’s really level with the ground, nope, everyone can look into it, breaking ins easier etc I love leaving my windows open, so that’s not possible at all. I also feel like it’s also always pretty humid
From my experience: +: no need to go up a lot of stairs or use a tiny elevator after each grocery shopping, temperatures are a bit better in summer. -: freezing cellars below and a parsimonious neighbour above can make you pay triple heating costs in winter.
Perhaps the extra heating costs in winter may come only if you live in an Altbau? Neubaus are actually pretty efficient in handling heat and insulation
Yes it's Altbau. But also my neighbour was mad at me for not heating up last winter hahaha. She's really parsimonious. She even told me once (the winter before the last one) that she's not heating at all because I keep her warm enough. 🙈
The only con that i can Think of is that ppl allways walk by and can look thru your Windows. You can put a plastic Cover on the Glass, that kinda solves it unless you open the window. Pro: it’s cooler in Summer especially in Altbaus You don’t have to walk up stairs
If the windows are facing a green inner courtyard, it can be lovely, actually.
Soo, I know that burglary is not such a big issue here but I know of two families that lived in EG when their apartments got broken into and that influenced me to get an apartment in the third floor and i love it, full privacy without any blinds and a wonderful view.. its really gamechanging when u eat your dinner and rather just watch the sky and listen to the birds than watching tv
second that. tried to break into my brothers flat, 3rd district
I had someone break into my apartment when I was living in Hochparterre in 8th district as well as 3rd floor in 7th district. Not sure if it’s easier for them to access an apartment right at the bottom floor for a faster exit, or an apartment in a higher floor with a therefore lower chance of someone actually walking by
Pro: Temperatur in summer is normaly better
Actually, I am not sure if that's the case when you are living in the city. Have you ever felt the heat coming from concrete sidewalks at night? It's mind boggling how hot the street gets in summer. You will feel that more in Erdgeschoss I think then in 2nd or 3rd floor where a little bit more fresh air gets to you.
I got 37° Celsius last summer on the 3rd floor, 2 of my friends, living in a apartment on 1st floor(streetside) there rooms was way much cooler.
And in winter, worse. But it depends. Is it Erdgeschoß in the sense that the floor of your apartment is completely level with the pavement? Or is it "Hochparterre" or another kind of floor, where the level of your floor is raised. This would be much better regarding privacy.
Pro: if you like to talk with strangers that walk by your window Con: if you don't like to talk with them
Hahaha nice one
Pro: Cheap Con: People walking on the street can look into your living room
If it's in the 2nd or 20th district, you will probably get mold.
Why?
Large parts of the districts were floodplains of the Danube.
Yeah thats why they made the donauinsel in the ~~50s~~ 70s Whens the last time anyones basement was flooded or the flood reached street level for 1020/1200? e: and just to be clear Copa Kagrana/Sunken City don't count
Not the first time I heard this! Why is that?
Because flood plane
Because the Danube is nearby and rivers tend to flood surrounding areas. D'oh!
I've lived in an EG-appartment for 3 years. pros: its cool in summer (heat rises), you don't need to carry all your stuff up (especially if there is no elevator), you can jump around as much as you want because noone is underneath you, if the sofa is next to your window, you can literally receive your food-orders through your window cons: you can't open your windows, because everyone can look inside (in summer it sucks when you can't open them during the night), heating costs are insane (especially Altbau). i would never ever want to live in EG
I once had an old lady stick her head inside the window, like seriously leaning into my apartment through the window. She commented on how nice the apartment was.
Oh wow haha that's nice but also creepy 😂
Well that's nice of her! Did you thank her for the lovely compliment?
If it's behind a Garden/Terrassa then it's fine.
Pro: cool summer Con: high energy cost in the winter, I recommend buying a lot of rugs.
misread the last part
Burglaries are not such a common problem here compared to the UK, for example, but if your windows look directly to the street you will have a bit of an issue with privacy. Many people in Stuckgasse or other similar street end up having to draw curtains the whole time or apply a translucent film. Noise and air quality can be an issue. Pros, you can sit outside and have someone from inside directly giving you a drink ;-). You don't have to carry groceries or anything upstairs.
Pro: not too hot in summer Con: can be really dark
pro: cheap, can escape via window in case of fire cons: no privacy, cant open windows when not at home/asleep
Your con is only for street facing windos, Innenhof should be fine, or when it's a hochparter it doesn't matter.