I just rented a basement apartment - each room has a window above the ground and we have made it very clean...the only problem is that there are more insects...Of course it is as good as condos, apartments, and rooms in houses, but it's relatively private and cheap, a little bit dark and wet, and maybe cold in winter.
Once we find a better job...I think we will move out.
The positive side is: after moving into this basement, find wrinkles under my eyes have disappeared!!! (I lived in an air-conditioned apartment before and it's really dry)