Balconies on apartment buildings: why does no one use them? (houses, floors)

[BinxBolling]

I noticed this and then for a few days, I went around looking up and down every apartment building with balconies I saw, looking for people. I didn't see a single one. I must have looked at hundreds and hundreds of empty balconies. Why does no one use these? And why do they keep putting them on new buildings, now that we've presumably known for decades that no one uses them?

Note that I'm not talking about private houses, or true terraces.

[Guyanese]

dont you have anything better to do than look for people on balconies, seriously get a life

[BinxBolling]

OK, I exaggerated how carefully I looked. I do have other things to do. Question still stands.

[Chava61]

If I had a balcony on my apt. I would use it.

[Gantz]

I have two balconies and we use them from time to time. To be honest, what did you expect to find? There are several factors that have to come together at once for you to actually notice someone on a balcony. 1. People actually have to be home. 2. They have nothing better to do in their house but to go on a balcony. 3. The balcony has to be lower than about 6th floor, because you wouldn't see a person if they are just sitting there from ground level, unless they are standing up and peeking outside. 4. They have to be there at the exact hour and minute you have to be randomly passing by to look at them. That's like saying, I have been to my friend's house once for 5 minutes and saw his fridge, but he never opened it!! Why the hell does he have a fridge?

[jcoltrane]

I use my balcony. That is I step out daily. Though we have yet to put any furniture.

I think there are two factors:

First and foremeost, steppping out on the balcony means you will be ASSAULTED by noise, as well as the city's grit. The lower your floor the worst it gets.

On the upper floors there may be less noise and grit, but who wants to sit out on 3 feet of concrete on the 50the floor?

Also, wind can be a negative factor, depending on the buildings physical situation.

Second, self consciousness! Stepping onto the balcony of a high rise and you are front and center, despite one posters comment, people absolutely notice you!!!

[rlrl]

fear of heights and panic attacks means no balcony for me even if one is available!!

[BinxBolling]

Well, I stand corrected: I guess some of you do use balconies. Thanks for responses.

I asked because I'm half-looking for a new place and a couple listings I've seen had balconies...I wondered if there was some secret reason why they're no good. I always thought I'd like one.

[Kal.]

Someone having out in their balcony would be deemed a weirdo or psycho. Even if their intentions were pure.

[Kefir King]

I always thought I'd like one.

EVERYONE thinks he'd like one and then he gets one one...and store bikes and baby strollers on them, or worse, uses it for a doggy potty.