Would you rather have a big apartment in a fifth-floor walk-up or a tiny apartment in an elevator building?

By Lambeth Hochwald | February 22, 2018 - 10:00AM

Some New Yorkers don't mind getting their cardio by hiking up five flights to an apartment, especially if a big space awaits at the top. But, for others, the thought of lugging groceries up that may stairs just isn’t worth it. And of course, still others aren't physically able to make such a climb.

We asked five New Yorkers which type of apartment they'd prefer if given the choice. (They're all evidently non-disabled.)

Who’s going to move my stuff?

“Give me an elevator any day of the week. No one can move furniture up that many stairs, so I wouldn’t be able to get anything into that large apartment! And, although my butt and legs would look amazing and I probably wouldn’t need a gym membership anymore, I still don’t think it would be worth it.”—Laura Monaco, Hell’s Kitchen

...And she's buying a stairway to heaven

“While an elevator is really convenient, I’d rather have more space in a walk-up, even an apartment that’s five floors up. I’d rather have the space and the toned legs. No pain, no gain, am I right?”—Isobel Davis, Murray Hill

The simplicity principle

“One of my favorite pastimes is cleaning out my apartment and closet to make some extra space and get rid of the clutter. While a fifth-floor walk-up would be a great workout, as a short girl, I don’t think I could do it in heels. Plus, I would only worry about the things I need rather than having all the extra stuff that just gets in the way.”—Gabrielle Aboodi, Upper East Side

Stair master

“I’d rather have a big apartment that’s in a fifth-floor walk-up because 1) I need a big closet and 2) I also need the exercise. It’s a win-win!”—Mariel Granguillhome, Queens

Breathing room

“I’d rather have a big apartment that’s a fifth floor walk-up, because finding an apartment that’s bigger than a telephone booth is crucial. A girl needs space to breathe!”—Kate Schwab, Kensington, Brooklyn

The verdict: For a majority of these New Yorkers, a large living space is more important than the amount of huffing and puffing it takes to get there.

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