Balconies on apartment buildings: why does no one use them?

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by 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.

Well for one our weather is pretty crumby for a big portion of the year, when it is good New Yorkers like to go out, shop, go to the park, etc. We aren't a balcony people. Some people at least decorate them though...

[barkomatic]

Originally Posted by 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.

I've had a balcony for a few years now in my new place and I love it. It's a good size, and is big enough for a table and four chairs. I also have a ton of plants out there so that makes it much more pleasant -- like a little oasis. I'm growing mint, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers and its all doing well. I've also got Boston Ivy growing up a brick wall among other plants. Whenever I have a party, tons of people rotate out there and sit and drink.

Although the balcony does remove a proper wall that one could put furniture up against there is also another benefit -- it essentially created floor to ceiling glass door/window to let more light into the apartment in general. It really opens up the space and makes living room look a lot bigger. Seeing the plants on the outside of the glass while inside also creates an illusion of having a lot of space.

However, I've also noticed that most balconies are underutilized and serve as storage spaces for bikes and junk. If you make an effort and appoint it correctly, its a real asset.