7 things to expect when you live above a restaurant, according to my friend who rents an apartment above a Chinese restaurant.

Pro: Easy Access To Food

Grabbing a quick dinner on the way to your apartment is super convenient…but so are food delivery services. And you’re not limited to just the option downstairs. It’s still a small perk though.

Con: Smells

You can never escape the smell of food so you better pick a cuisine you like. Besides your walls smelling like old oil you’ll also have the stench of an industrial bin somewhere close by.

Pro: Good Vibes

Some people find the constant hum of activity comforting. You can throw open your windows and enjoy a coffee shop atmosphere without even having to leave your apartment. You certainly won’t feel alone.

Con: Parking

The last thing you want after a long day at work is having to hike home from your car because the street is already lined with diner cars. Especially if the restaurant you live above is popular. You’ll never have priority parking.

Pro: Free Wifi

If the coffee shop downstairs offers free wifi to their customers it can sometimes reach your apartment and you might be able to avoid a bill. However, it’s usually pretty unreliable.

Con: Heated Floors

Every restaurant has appliances of some kind that emit a large amount of heat. Unless you’re living in below zero temperatures no one likes the feeling of living in an oven. Not to mention the cooling expense in Summer.

Con: Chance Of Pests

Restaurants can be a magnet for rodents and pests searching for food scraps. It’s not a guarantee though and if you’re worried you can always check the health inspection records before moving in.

If we do the math living above a restaurant mostly has its disadvantages. But we didn’t factor in price or location. The deal may outweigh the negatives for you. But now you know what to expect.