The ugly apartment buildings you are seeing are probably one-plus-five buildings (one concrete + five wood floors) that are actually optimized for balancing zoning+codes+affordability for single-family apartments. At least theoretically, they should offer cheaper rent due to their much lower construction costs.
I think of the ugliness of the facades as a bonus that would drive wealthier people to other buildings once options open up a bit.
I think of the ugliness of the facades as a bonus that would drive wealthier people to other buildings once options open up a bit.