They're are advantages and disadvantages to both styles of living. Some people will simply not live in an apartment. Other people can not or will not pay all the deposits. Everyone's needs are unique. There are many things offered by apartments that you cant find in a duplex and vice versa.
Apartment positives
Mostly maintenance free
Much lower move in and good incentives (specials)
Less expensive rent
Often newer, nicer, and more contemporary
Many more amenities pools, Jacuzzis, resident parties, etc
Lower utility bills
Pet friendly
Have 1 bedrooms
Flexible lease terms
Apartment Negatives:
No yard
No garage (many have garages... they are extra)
Neighbors on top of you, the crazy ones... not the nice ones
Harder to qualify
Not exactly a home
Duplex Positives:
Yard (that's huge)
Garage (that's huge)
Storage
Privacy
"Can" be easier to qualify in
Homey
Duplex Negatives:
Expensive to move in...high deposits, usually no specials
Higher and usually more utility bills, older HVAC
Higher pet deposits
If not professionally managed there could be problems!
12 month leases usually required
