Just curious as to how your play styles might differ / relate to my own! I've been trying to play in a high rise apartment, but its always a small, idyllic suburb in Newcrest that takes my vote. ...
The freedom to move about is great, out the front door and you're standing in the sunshine raring to go :)
I only play in one storey houses, many of them about the same size as, or smaller than, some apartments but I never feel cramped or claustrophic in them.
I like to have a garden, too. If the house is getting filled up with stuff I can sling new items outside. A lot of my Sims love the outdoors so they're happy.