Apartments are great, unless you want a yard, a large family, to let your parents[-in-law] move in so you can take care of them, a large dog, more than two cats, more pets than the property owner has arbitrarily decided to allow, equity, a barbecue, frequent parties, or the ability to not have to pay rent or a mortgage someday. Buying apartments is not the norm, nor are ones large enough for a family with more than 1 or 2 kids.