Hello Charlie! A "garden unit" is at ground level, the same level as the garden. A unit below grade is a basement.
Basement units were not valued very highly, and as time went by people began to lie and say that a basement was a garden. This became such a frequent misuse of the term that, "garden" became another word for "basement". A ground level unit is a true garden level unit.

Hi! Anyplace else on earth these garden apartments/condos would be called a BASEMENT! Chicago likes to call them a "garden" (totally rad when you can see the roots of the garden, right?). Humans don't live in basements in other cities. Now a ground level condo would be a little different but there could be security issues. Check the demographics.

Typically in a garden unit, some portion of its volume is below grade (steps down ,mainly vintage pre WWWII bulidings with raised first levels, conversions,etc ) .In a ground floor unit, all of the unit volume is above grade and there are no steps down (more typical of contemporary and post WWII construction).
Valuewise, it depends on market's reaction/appeal which varies area to area. Usually garden units are priced at, a minimum 10% below of its upper unit counterpart ... I.E ...@ 3835 W. Wrightwood in Logan Square a 2/br/2ba is listed @199k while its identical first floor pair, recently closed for $259,900 (equalized for parking) so represents significant savings especially since both units are very similar in therms of layout ceiling heights, natural light, etc

Hi Charlie. Great question...these terms get thrown around with many different meanings, and buyers are often confused by them. Typically a garden unit has steps down (can be one or several) and a ground floor is jus that, at ground level, no steps down. At least, those are the appropriate use of the terms. Having said that, I have seen many garden units, which are only a couple steps below grade, with lots of windows, hardwood floors, and very little humidity, because during renovation all the necessary precautions were taken to prevent any water issues. Like anything in real estate, or in life, you just have to "try it on" and see how it feels to you, then do a good home inspection! In these economic times, many first time buyers are opting for more conservative price points, and a sunny, spacious garden unit, might offer buyers the opportunity to afford more space in a neighborhood they would otherwise be priced out of! Good luck Charlie!

Yes, there is definitely a difference between a garden unit and a gound floor unit. A gound floor unit is not below grade and therefore has better light . A garden apartment is more apt to have issues with heating/air conditioning. Humidity can be a problem. In addition, resale is typically better with a ground floor unit vs a garden.

If given a choice between a garden and a ground floor unit you are probably better off buying the ground floor one if concerned about resale.

I live in a condo community that has a garden level unit and it is slightly below the street level. I would consider garden to be partially below grade and ground floor either to be a first floor unit in a complex or even with the sidewalk.
Liz Tintinalli

No Charlie, there is no difference between the two. Calling a Ground Level Condo a Garden Unit just seems to sound more appealing to buyers!

Kristin

Semantics.

Best of Luck with your search.

Tom McCarey
The Real Estate Lounge Chicago