A typical khrushchyovka was built with three to five stories since that was the most economical geometry. Regulations also required a costly elevator if a building was any taller. Only housing near the center of important cities could justify the extravagance of additional bells and whistles. The provinces and suburbs got low rise walk-ups. The individual apartments were small with minimal amenities in order to provide as many families new homes as fast as possible at the least cost.

Excellent articles on the current state of today’s khrushchyovka stock can be found here and here. It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly all at once. If an aging apartment is in a desirable location and is occupied by a small number of people who are reasonably prosperous the situation can be quite livable. Check out this Russian pixie mom and her DIY YouTube channel as she decorates her khrushchyovka. If too many budget conscious people are packed tight in an identical poorly maintained flat in a crappy part of the metroplex life can be unbearable. In other words, it’s like any place else in the world.