If you’re apartment hunting in a busy city, you might bump into something called a railroad apartment. The name may sound unusual, but these units are actually quite common in urban areas. So, what is a railroad apartment exactly?
In this guide, we’ll break it down for you. We’ll explain what makes these apartments unique, why some renters love them, and how they stack up against studios and one-bedrooms. Stick around — by the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect if you’re considering a railroad apartment.
Main Takeaways
- Railroad apartments feature a straight-line layout with rooms connected like train cars, often found in older urban buildings.
- They’re typically affordable and full of charm, but may lack privacy, storage, and even lighting in middle rooms.
- Moving furniture, managing temperature, and dealing with noise can be tricky, so it’s smart to tour carefully and plan ahead.
What Is a Railroad Apartment?
You might hear the term railroad apartment pop up a lot when browsing through listings, especially with Philadelphia property management companies that handle all kinds of unique spaces.
The name railroad comes from how these apartments are laid out. So, you open the front door, and instead of a hallway or open space, you step right into a room. From there, each room connects directly to the next — bedroom to living room to kitchen — all lined up in a straight line, just like train cars hooked together.
There’s usually no hallway to separate the rooms, which means you often have to walk through one room to get to the next. Now, let’s see where they are common.
Where Are Railroad Apartments Common?
You’re most likely to find railroad apartments in older urban areas where space was tight, and buildings were designed to fit narrow lots. These layouts often show up in:
- Older neighborhoods: Many railroad apartments are tucked inside neighborhoods built between the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially in areas that originally housed working-class families. In Philadelphia, parts of South Philly, Northern Liberties, and Fishtown still have these layouts.
- Converted row homes and subdivided brownstones: Rowhomes often get turned into multi-unit rentals. Since these homes are already long and narrow, some of the new units naturally end up with a railroad-style layout, where rooms line up one after another.
- Multi-family walk-ups: In small buildings (often 3 to 6 units) without elevators, especially in dense neighborhoods, you’ll sometimes see this design used to maximize space.
Many older, historic parts of cities still feature these railroad-style floor plans, especially in spots where the original buildings have been well-preserved or only lightly updated.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Railroad Apartment
When it comes to renting a railroad apartment, there are definitely some plus points and downsides you’ll want to weigh carefully. Here are some of the biggest advantages:
- Efficient layout: The straight-line design connects rooms without any wasted space on hallways, making good use of every bit of square footage. This simplicity can be super practical for everyday living, though it might mean less flexibility in how you use or divide the space.
- Affordable option: You’ll often find railroad apartments are more budget-friendly to rent or buy than places with more contemporary layouts (and that’s one of the pros of living in an apartment in general!) Their no-frills nature helps keep expenses down, but the trade-off can sometimes be less privacy between rooms.
- Distinctive charm: Many of these units are located in older buildings that feature lovely vintage touches like exposed brick or original wood floors. This gives the space a really unique and cozy feel. However, older buildings might require a bit more upkeep.
Meanwhile, here are the cons:
- Unique but limiting design: While this uncommon layout can feel quite special and different from typical apartments—some people find the long, narrow setup warm and inviting—others might find the lack of shared open space a bit restrictive.
- Privacy trade-offs: Because rooms are often connected like train cars, you might have to pass through one to get to the next. This can definitely cut down on privacy, especially if several people are living there. Modern layouts usually address this with dedicated hallways or open-concept living areas.
What to Expect When Renting a Railroad Apartment
Before you sign a lease, it helps to know some of the small things that come with living in a railroad apartment — things that don’t always show up in listings but matter once you move in.
- Moving large furniture requires extra planning. The narrow, connected rooms make it tricky to fit large items like beds or couches. Always measure before moving in, just to be safe.
- Temperature can vary from room to room. One end may feel warmer or cooler depending on how the heating or cooling is set up. It’s something to check during your tour.
- Lighting may also be uneven. The front and back rooms often get the most natural light, while the middle rooms can feel a bit darker. If sunlight matters to you, pay attention to how each space feels.
Without hallways, noise moves easily between rooms. If someone’s watching TV in the living room, you’ll likely hear it in the bedroom.- Storage can be limited, too. Many railroad apartments don’t have big closets or built-ins, so you may need to get creative with extra shelves or storage furniture.
Railroad Apartment vs Studio vs 1-Bedroom: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re not sure which apartment style fits you best, here’s a simple side-by-side comparison to help you weigh your options.
Feature |
Railroad Apartment |
Studio |
1-Bedroom |
| Layout | Rooms lined up in a row, no hallways | One open room combining living, sleeping, and kitchen space | Separate bedroom, plus living area and kitchen |
| Privacy | Limited (must walk through rooms) | Very limited (everything is in one open space) | High (separate private bedroom) |
| Space Feel | Long and narrow | Compact and open | More spacious, clearly divided |
| Best For | Singles, couples, people who love charm and historic buildings | Singles or minimalists who don’t need much space | Small families, couples who want privacy |
| Cost | Often affordable | Usually the cheapest | Typically more expensive |
| Storage | Limited, depending on the building | Very limited | More storage options |
| Noise | Sound travels easily between rooms | Less interior noise, but open space means no sound barriers | Better noise separation between rooms |
Should You Rent a Railroad Apartment?
Before making your decision, consider how you’ll actually use the space on a day-to-day basis.
Think about how you’ll move around the apartment. Can you see yourself walking from one room straight into the next every day? Some people find it cozy and easy. For others, it may become a little annoying over time, especially if you prefer a clear separation between rooms. However, if you’re okay with open spaces connecting in that way, it might not be a significant issue.
Next, consider your furniture. Do you have large pieces that might be hard to fit through narrow doorways or into long, slim rooms? If so, you may need to reconsider your setup or be prepared to get creative with it.
Then there’s the building itself. Railroad apartments are often inside older buildings. Some people love the character, while others prefer something newer with fewer quirks. Pay close attention during your tour — inspect items such as heating, windows, and storage space.
Finally, think about how long you plan to stay. If this is a short-term rental, you might enjoy the experience and charm of a railroad apartment. However, for a long-term home, ensure the layout suits your daily routine comfortably.
Ready to Find the Right Apartment?
Railroad apartments have a straight-line layout with rooms connected one after another, often found in older city buildings. They’re affordable and full of charm but may lack privacy, storage, and natural light.
Whether you’re leaning toward a railroad apartment or exploring other options, finding a space that fits your lifestyle matters most. If you’re searching for apartments, our team at Bay Property Management Group is here to help you navigate your options and find a home that feels just right. Explore available rentals today.
