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They are often overlooked or ruled out because of their location in a building, but sometimes a ground floor apt can be a hidden gem with great value.

"The stigma is usually they think it’s a little bit dark, and they assume there’s a security issue and they also assume it’s a little bit loud if it faces the street, but not all of them do. Unfortunately someone might overlook something like that and they may be overlooking a good deal or good value," says Josh Cohen of The Real Estate Group New York.

Cohen says just because it has a "1" in front it of it, doesn’t mean buyers should assume it has all the stereotypical issues associated with ground floor units. Many are in the back of a building and are situated behind a doorman, so they are quiet, secure and private.

Generally, first floor units sell for less and if you rule one out too quickly, you could be missing out on a great deal.

Many also offer an unusual or larger layout that can't be found on a higher floor.

"A lot of the time, typically in prewar buildings you'll see third, second and first floor have higher ceiling heights, larger floor plates because typically they are used as doctors offices or other commercial use so now that these are used for residential, you get a lot more bang for your buck," says Francs Katzen of Prudential Douglas Elliman.

First floor buyers may even get outdoor space, or look out into a quiet garden.

Even though the market has self corrected, some buyers are still finding themselves priced out of certain neighborhoods or buildings. But many don’t know that a first floor unit could be a way to get in the door.

"When you are on a ground floor unit in comparison to the rest of the units in the building you're going to save a considerable amount of money," Cohen says. "In a particular line where you may not have the opportunity to spend 'X' amount of dollars where you would have to pay a 10 percent, 20 percent premium to be on a high floor. So you do get the chance to get into a great building for a lot less."

"I don’t think people understand what they are missing. They need to see it. Typically what I would say is you need to see it, and then tell me what you think," Katzen says.

So if you’re a buyer, don’t buy into the stigma. Having an open mind may open the door to your new home.