Melbourne

I've lived in many apartments and it's quite variable. I agree with Seagoon it depends on construction. Currently I don't hear a damn thing even if in the hallway can hear my neighbours loud music. I've also lived in an apartment where I could hear my upstairs neighbours footsteps, my across-the-hall neighbours' wailing (he was quite unwell), and it had double height, full wall glass as the outside wall, and I could hear the voices of people on the street. That apartment almost drove me insane and I had to break the lease and leave early and significant cost.

Townhouses count? One side I can hear on the stairs (must be a mech warrior to stomp like that!) other side occasional arguments and some plumbing noises. The lonely dog in the next block is more annoying.

Hate apartments but I'm bias because I can't have my studio in an apartment.

Plus I grew up in public housing ghetto apartment block.

Yeah it's probably more the 2nd one now that I think about it.

Edit: Closer consideration, a unit or town house would be awesome. Just not people above or below me.

Freaks me the fuck out.

I live in an apartment. I think I lucked out, I can't hear my neighbours in their apartments; just in the building hallway. I can hear Sydney Road more clearly than I can hear my neighbours lol

I am on the top floor though, but I've never ever received any complaint about being loud.

I'm used to apartment living though, I got used to running into my neighbours and the general noise level of Brunswick. I feel safer than if I was in a house, less likely to be robbed.

it really depends on the construction

Not in my current apartment but it's a bit unusual in construction. Previously yes. It's never really bothered me, if it's a nice enough place I find it kinda nice to hear people around.