By offering spectacular views, convenient locations, security, and privacy to large numbers of people, it is no surprise that high-rises became such popular places to stay during the 20th century. By sacrificing some of the extra space they’d get with a house, high rises help many people achieve a higher standard of living than they could otherwise afford.

Today, high-rise buildings make up the fabric of many of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities. New York probably remains the most famous of these, perhaps followed by Tokyo, but there are plenty more that people should know about, many of them much more affordable. 

Here are some of the most popular high-rise cities from around the world and why people love living in them. 

1. Bangkok, Thailand: The sprawling concrete jungle that is the Thai capital is home to over 180 skyscrapers which are taller than 150m, and hundreds more towers approaching that height. Many of them are residential, and they are especially popular with foreign tenants as luxury apartments near the city centre can cost many times less than comparable ones in other developed countries. 

Modern tower blocks such as Cloud Thonglor-Phetchaburi, typically offer amenities such as rooftop gardens, pools, gyms, and security guards. Some even throw in luxury furnishings and regular cleaning services. 

This is all before you consider the perks of the city itself. Bangkok is already a well-recognized destination for culinary tourism, and you would have all of its amazing food choices on your doorstep. There is also much to see in Bangkok, from quaint temples to lively weekend markets. 

2. Istanbul, Turkey: On the border between Europe and Asia sits the ancient city of Istanbul, formerly Byzantium, and having been a trading hub for various empires throughout the centuries it is extremely rich in history. However, not all of its buildings are so old, and many of its population today live in high rises.

While not as cheap as Asia when it comes to the cost of living, Istanbul is still very affordable. Fresh food and ingredients can be easily found in its many covered markets, and restaurants and cafes are far from prohibitively pricey. 

3. Chicago, USA: The third largest city in the US is said to have the rich diversity and vibrancy of a large metropolis like New York, while the locals retain the friendly midwestern attitude. The city actually played an important role in skyscraper history, with many of the country’s tallest buildings being erected there in the wake of the fire which devastated much of the centre in 1871. 

These days, a significant portion of Chicago’s population lives in a high rise. Although there was an influx of tech industry workers during the 2010s, apartments in the city, and the cost of living in general, remain much lower than in New York.

High-rise living has proven popular across a variety of cultures and is an excellent way to enjoy some of the world’s most fascinating cities. The opportunities they offer people to advance their career, enjoy a vibrant social life, or be in proximity to world-famous attractions can more than make up for the lack of space.