Hmmm...not entirely 100% down to money, but I'm a lifelong apartment dweller. Financially, I could have bought a house further out in the suburb, but opted for a smaller apartment in central downtown location. I could also afford a newer and/or nicer apartment but have stuck around my current place for 15 years. The rent has gone up $250 over the 15 years. It's a really good deal and I'm loathe to give it up. But I am contemplating adding $200-300 more each month and getting a place with a balcony.
Covid times has really kicked up my desire for a balcony. Though I admit all my previous apartments had balconies/patios and I rarely used them!
