There is so much ignorance about apartments in Australia as well. I moved in to one recently after living in the suburbs my whole life and knowing no one in an apartment. Basically everyone tried to tell me it was a horrible idea and it would be super noisy, annoying neighbors, "shoebox", etc.

I did it anyway and I can't believe how everything I was told was wrong. With the high quality construction and double glazed windows, I have never heard such a level of silence. I keep the windows open because its so quiet you would go insane. It was a month before I even worked out the neighboring apartment was even occupied when I saw them exit at the same time as me. I have never heard a single sound from them.

And the best part is how liberating it is to live without needing a car. I have just walked everywhere and only use the car to visit my parents but I will likely get rid of it soon and have them come here instead.