Even when the housing cost going down, the prices are still way unaffordable for someone like us. What I like about our apartment is that it is very cheap and very close to work that I just walk sometimes. The gas and water are free and monthly payment is less than $900. I used to spend $250 per month in gasoline. I have trimmed that down to $50 because we do travel during weekends as well.
Aside from the monetary savings, there are quite a few features that we love. The apartment has a marble sink and a very nice plumbing fixtures. It has a big kitchen and living room. The living room also has a fireplace. The landscaping are great and the complex is gated. We have great neighbors eventhough it is a small complex (only 24 units) And yes, it has a swimming pool as well.
On the outside, it is a pretty quite community and close to a lot of shopping area such as the malls and especially Costco.
So living in an apartment is not too bad at all!!