Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Living in Jakarta is more commonly associated with living in houses.

Not quite with living in apartments.

And, I guess many people prefer living in houses than apartments because of the following ‘advantages” :

– A bigger space
– A garden
– A garage
– A domestic helper (or two)

(Any more you can probably add to the list?)

Well.

While living in a house here in Jakarta sure has advantages that apartments don’t, here are my personal five reasons why living in an apartment can be a better alternative :

1. Mosquitoes 

Mosquitoes are usually the main ‘problem’ when we live in houses, especially at night time. They are everywhere!

If we  live in high-rise apartments, mosquitoes are not quite a problem.
There’s hardly any (unless they follow you and get into the lift =)

[It’s common to see ‘electric mosquito killer’ rackets like these available for sale here in Jakarta =)]

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When we live in a house, it’s impossible NOT to have house lizards, roaches and ants.

2. Lizards, roaches and ants

Ah, this is probably what I enjoy the most =)

When we live in a house, it’s impossible NOT to have house lizards, roaches and ants.

(These creatures naturally have easy access to houses)

Now, since I *unfortunately* have this phobia of house lizards, to not encounter these creatures every day, I’m so VERY grateful!
Note:
They still can appear at our apartment, but the possibility of having them around is much lower compared to if we live in a house =)

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3. Apartment Facilities

Generally a swimming pool, tennis courts and a gym are available in most apartments.

And this, surely is something we enjoy having! =)

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4. No ‘flood headaches’

Although the surrounding apartment areas can be flooded, at least we know that our own furniture and belongings are safe from the flood.

(I very well know what damage floods can do to a home, because my own parents live in a flood-prone area)

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I am one who prefers to NOT have a live-in maid though. So, in a way, living in an apartment works out well for our family, because while we enjoy our privacy, there’s also LESS space to manage and clean =)

5.  Live-In Maid

If we live in a house in Jakarta, the dirt and dust can be rather overwhelming. Having a live-in maid can help keep the house clean and manageable.

I am one who prefers to NOT have a live-in maid though. So, in a way, living in an apartment works out well for our family, because while we enjoy our privacy, there’s also LESS space to manage and clean =)

(Don’t get me wrong though, … apartments in Jakarta DO get dirty and dusty too! I sweep twice a day at least)

We simply engage a part-time helper who so far comes three times a week for a couple of hours (and she does the overall cleaning, ironing, etc)

This arrangement works out great so far!

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Anyway.

Those are just my personal views on living in houses versus living in apartments in Jakarta.

What is YOUR view?

Which one would you prefer and why?