400 sq ft... (apartments, how much, house) - Tampa Bay - Florida (FL) -Tampa - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - City-Data Forum

Michaelsaurus Rex · 07-08-2009, 10:27 AM

So I read blogs about design and a lot of it is focused around small studios in big cities. So I found a small studio here in Hyde Park (400 sq ft) but haven't gone to tour it yet. I guess coming from florida means you are not used to these small places but is it really that bad? None of my friends are from Big cities really and they are all telling me 400 sq ft is going to be way too small and I am going to hate it. Anyone lived in anything that small here in Florida? Is it that uncomfortable for one person or are us non big city folk just spoiled with bigger places being everywhere?

MT8 · 07-08-2009, 10:35 AM

Sounds like a dorm room. 400 sq feet is tiny. Does it have a closet? You need a closet. Does it have a kitchen or a kitchenette? Be prepared for a really small fridge and stove with two burners.

tilli · 07-08-2009, 10:46 AM

That is really small. Have you walked through it yet? That should help you get a better feel for if you can live with it or not. It might be worth the compromise to live in Hyde Park.

algia · 07-08-2009, 12:19 PM

that's like a tent!?

gypsychic · 07-08-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michaelsaurus Rex

So I read blogs about design and a lot of it is focused around small studios in big cities. So I found a small studio here in Hyde Park (400 sq ft) but haven't gone to tour it yet. I guess coming from florida means you are not used to these small places but is it really that bad? None of my friends are from Big cities really and they are all telling me 400 sq ft is going to be way too small and I am going to hate it. Anyone lived in anything that small here in Florida? Is it that uncomfortable for one person or are us non big city folk just spoiled with bigger places being everywhere?

It is all about your lifestyle. People in big cities like Paris, San Francisco and NYC have been living in that size and smaller for decades. If you don't need a lot of "stuff", and are on the go or like to be outside a lot how much space does one really need? That amount of space is about like my "great room", and it seems it could be enough for one person. Besides, think how quick it will be to clean, and how cheap your utility bills would be. Bottom line, it's up to YOU - how do YOU feel about living in that space. I think you need to see it in person especially in context of the neighborhood. If it's a great space in a great area, you just might find it enough. Don't let your friends or anyone else tell you what you will and will not like.

algia · 07-08-2009, 03:48 PM

I actually do agree with gypsychic,.....for one person that should be enough, of course if you like to entertain a lot of people, it may not work, or have family over etc.....get a Murphy bed and you're set...we get VERY SPOILED here in FL, when the same family of 5 in NY lives in half the size of our house just fine....but I completely agree with the "keeping up" part....the bigger you go, the more you have to do inside and outside...and I am not sure if it worth it in the end if you cannot afford a maid service! it seems like all you do is clean! I miss living in a smaller place and with concrete instead of so much grass around!

Michaelsaurus Rex · 07-08-2009, 04:50 PM

thanks algia and gypsychic
Yeah my biggest thing is carpet and it seems that all the apartments down here are carpet and the ones that aren't are 1000/month and up. These are nice historic places but since I have no experience with studios and can't picture the size until I see it first hand I wanted to see what people had to say about the size. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

algia · 07-08-2009, 05:04 PM

You're welcome,

Yes, the carpet is a trend, it should NOT be, considering that we live fairly close to the beaches and we drag sand all over........but I haven't seen apartments that didn't have it....

Sunnydee · 07-08-2009, 09:12 PM

Yes, 400 sq ft is small, but very doable for a single person. Think of a 20 ft x 20 ft. space and that's it. My studio apartment also had a mini stove, sink, and refrigerator and it was fine. I wouldn't have wanted to live there forever, but for a young person with limited funds it was great! Best wishes.

TampaKaren · 07-10-2009, 12:53 PM

So, would you tell us what you thought about the 400sf apartment?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michaelsaurus Rex

thanks algia and gypsychic
Yeah my biggest thing is carpet and it seems that all the apartments down here are carpet and the ones that aren't are 1000/month and up. These are nice historic places but since I have no experience with studios and can't picture the size until I see it first hand I wanted to see what people had to say about the size. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.