Townhomes vs. Apartments · Fort Myers, FL Near FGCU
Why more roommates are choosing a townhome at The Reef
Both floor plan styles at The Reef come fully furnished with private bathrooms in every bedroom, but a townhome-style layout gives a group of roommates something an apartment simply can't: two full floors to spread out on. Here's how the two styles compare, and why a townhome might be the better fit for your next lease.
Townhome at a glance
A private bathroom for every bedroom, split across two floors instead of stacked into one.
5
Bedrooms in the townhome-style plan
5–5.5
Bathroom configurations
2
Living levels
FGCU
Minutes from campus, with resident shuttle
Quick Answer
A townhome-style layout at The Reef spreads bedrooms and living space across two floors instead of one, which puts more distance between bedrooms and the shared living room and kitchen. That extra separation means less noise from roommates and guests, more privacy at bedtime or during study hours, and more total living space to divide among the group. The Reef's 5-bedroom townhome-style plans run 2,055–2,165 square feet, compared to 1,404 square feet in the single-level 4-bedroom apartment plan. See the full floor plan lineup to compare every layout side by side.
The Case For A Townhome
What a second floor actually changes
A townhome isn't just a bigger apartment — the two-floor layout changes how a group of roommates actually lives together day to day.
Separation of space
Bedrooms sit upstairs, away from the living room and kitchen, so late-night TV or a group hangout downstairs doesn't carry straight into someone's bedroom.
Less shared-wall noise
With bedrooms grouped on their own floor rather than lined up along a single hallway, footsteps and conversation from common areas are naturally further away.
Room to study, room to unwind
A two-floor plan makes it easier to keep a quiet study zone upstairs while the downstairs stays the social space, instead of both competing for the same open room.
More total square footage
The Reef's 5-bedroom townhome-style plans run 2,055–2,165 square feet — more room per person to spread out gear, furniture, and storage than a single-level layout.
Private bath, every bedroom
Whether upstairs or down, every bedroom keeps its own private bathroom, walk-in closet, and individually keyed entry — no sharing a bathroom schedule with the whole group.
A layout that feels like a house
Distinct upstairs and downstairs zones give a townhome a more residential, home-like feel than a single open floor apartment layout.
Side By Side
Townhome vs. apartment at The Reef
Both styles share the same finish package and community amenities. The difference comes down to layout, square footage, and how much separation you want between bedrooms and common space.
| Feature | Apartment-Style | Townhome-Style |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Single level | Two floors |
| Bedroom count | 2 or 4 | 5 |
| Square footage | Up to 1,404 sq ft | 2,055–2,165 sq ft |
| Private bath per bedroom | Yes | Yes |
| Bedroom-to-common-area separation | Shared hallway | Full floor apart |
| Fully furnished | Yes | Yes |
| In-home washer & dryer | Select units | Select units |
| Best fit for | Smaller roommate groups wanting a compact, efficient layout | Larger roommate groups wanting more separation and space |
A Day In A Reef Townhome
What two floors actually feels like
Morning
Everyone gets ready at once
With a private bathroom attached to every bedroom, five people can get ready for an 8 a.m. class at the same time without a single line forming.
Afternoon
Quiet upstairs, energy downstairs
A roommate catching up on reading upstairs isn't competing with the group watching the game on the 50" smart TV in the living room below.
Evening
Cook, hang out, then head up
The kitchen and living area stay the social hub, and when it's time to wind down, the second floor offers a clean break from the noise.
Weekend
Space for guests without the squeeze
More total square footage means hosting a few friends downstairs doesn't mean navigating around everyone's bedroom door.
Resident Voice
What it's like living here
★★★★★
Modern finishes, close to everything
Residents consistently point to the modern furniture and appliance package, the value relative to the area, and the location near FGCU and nearby shopping as standout reasons for choosing The Reef. The on-site lake and green space also come up often as an unexpected perk, along with the community's pet-friendly policy.
Pet-friendly, in a townhome or apartment
The Reef welcomes pets across its community, whether you land in an apartment-style or townhome-style floor plan. Contact the leasing office for current pet policy details, restrictions, and any associated requirements before applying.
Common Questions
Townhomes vs. apartments, answered
What's the difference between a townhome and an apartment at The Reef?
Apartment-style floor plans at The Reef put every bedroom and the living space on one level. Townhome-style floor plans spread the layout across two floors, separating bedrooms from the shared living area for more privacy and less noise.
How many bedrooms do The Reef's townhomes have?
The townhome-style layout comes in a 5-bedroom configuration, ranging from about 2,055 to 2,165 square feet with 5 or 5.5 bathrooms. Smaller groups can choose from the 2 and 4-bedroom apartment-style plans instead.
Are the townhomes fully furnished?
Yes. Every floor plan, including the townhome-style layouts, includes a modern furniture package, a 50" smart TV, and upgraded Wi-Fi at move-in.
Does every bedroom have its own bathroom in a townhome?
Yes. Every bedroom at The Reef, in both apartment and townhome floor plans, has a private bathroom, walk-in closet, and individually keyed entry.
Is parking included with a townhome at The Reef?
Free and reserved parking options are available to residents across all floor plans, including the townhome-style layouts.
How close is The Reef to FGCU?
The Reef sits just minutes from Florida Gulf Coast University and offers a private resident shuttle to campus, plus easy access to Gulf Coast Town Center and the beach.
Are pets allowed in a Reef townhome?
The Reef welcomes pets across the community. Contact the leasing office for current pet policy details and any restrictions before applying.
How much does a townhome at The Reef cost?
Pricing for townhome and apartment floor plans varies by bedroom count, square footage, and lease term. Because rates are updated regularly, the most accurate pricing is available on The Reef's pricing page or by calling the leasing office at (239) 316-3607.
See the townhome layout for yourself
Tour a 5-bedroom townhome-style floor plan at The Reef and compare it side by side with the apartment-style layouts before you sign.
Schedule a Tour View All Floor Plans10121 Shephard St, Fort Myers, FL 33967 · (239) 316-3607
The Reef Student Living is an Equal Housing Opportunity community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, or local law.