For me I'd definitely say houses. Apartments are nice for kinda low key single type sims that don't want to spend alot of time maintaining a residence. Also I find the apartments are really nice for sims that work super long hours or have really demanding jobs. Low maintenance is key there I think. But for the sims that have more times or a family and such I definitely say houses are the way to go. Having kids in an apartment is stressful whether it be in game or real life.