I grew up in a house, transferred to college dormitories (which make an apartment look really good), and then lived in various types of urban apartments for years as a young adult. Eventually I moved into the house I’m in now with my husband. I never liked living in an apartment; I was always bothered by the sounds of neighbors above, below, and beside me, and I longed for windows on all four sides. But when it becomes too hard to take care of a house and yard, an apartment may be the answer.
Never far from the ground, though, I can tell you that. No 23rd-floor city view for me, ever.