What Is a Garden-Style Apartment? A Renter's Guide

You'll see the phrase "garden-style" on a lot of apartment listings, but it isn't always explained. If you're comparing options in Sun Valley, CA, here's what garden-style actually means, how it differs from a high-rise, and who tends to love it.

The Definition

A garden-style apartment community is typically made up of low-rise buildings, usually one to three stories tall, spread across open, landscaped grounds rather than stacked into a single tower. They're most common in suburban and residential settings, and they tend to feel more like a neighborhood than a single large building.

What Renters Like About Garden-Style Living

•      A quieter, calmer feel than a busy high-rise in an urban core

•      More privacy, often with entrances shared by fewer neighbors

•      Lower operating costs for owners, which can translate into more affordable rents

•      A stronger sense of community, since fewer units share each building and open space

The Trade-Offs to Know About

•      Fewer luxury amenities than a high-rise, such as rooftop lounges, concierge service, or large fitness centers

•      A suburban setting that may sit farther from big-city nightlife and entertainment

•      Many low-rise buildings don't have elevators, so it's worth asking about stairs and floor level if that matters to you

Garden-Style Living at Sun Valley Apartments

Sun Valley Apartments is a collection of eight garden-style buildings in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles, with studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Each building varies in its charm and what it has to offer, so it's worth touring to find the one that fits you best. Across the community, residents have access to:

•      A pool and lounge area and an on-site recreation room

•      On-site laundry facilities and off-street parking

•      Online rent payments and maintenance requests

•      Pet-friendly homes, with size and breed restrictions, a pet deposit, and monthly pet rent

•      Patios or balconies, air conditioning, and wood floors in select units

Questions to Ask on a Tour

•      Which building is the available home in, and what's special about it?

•      Which floor is the unit on, and how many stairs are there?

•      Does this unit have air conditioning, a patio or balcony, or wood floors?

•      Where are the laundry facilities and parking relative to this building?

Tour a Garden-Style Home

Rents at Sun Valley Apartments range from $1,895 to $2,495 a month. Call 213-804-4431 or email leasing@sunvalleyla.com to check availability and schedule a tour.