Purchasing a home is a big decision — one that mustn’t be made hastily. It’s a big step in life and signals a certain sense of financial freedom. When choosing to buy a home, people often leave townhouses out of the equation. However, there are many advantages of townhouse living. In fact, by the end of this article, you may even think townhomes are better than single-family houses.
Advantages of Townhouse Living
More often than not, when people consider residential options, they only think of single-family homes or apartments/condominiums. The thought of living in a townhouse doesn’t usually cross their minds. This could be attributed to a number of reasons. Some people dislike the idea of shared walls, while others simply prefer the image of detached homes.
There’s some stigma to townhome living, especially in certain circles. However, townhouses offer a lot of benefits that single-family homes typically don’t have. Let’s take a look at them below:
1. Less Work
One of the most appealing advantages of townhouse living is not having to put as much of an effort when it comes to maintenance. Landscaping becomes a breeze because the community association takes care of that.
You don’t have to worry about mowing your lawn or pulling out weeds every weekend. Spend your Saturdays relaxing after a week’s hard work and admiring the pristine condition of your front lawn.
Some single-detached homes have pools, but that comes with a heavy burden. Owners living in those homes are responsible for maintaining and cleaning their pools — a particularly unenjoyable experience, especially during certain seasons. With a townhome, you get rid of that problem. Townhome residents have a shared community pool that magically stays in tip-top shape thanks to the community HOA. All other communal facilities follow this pattern, as well.
When you live in a townhouse, you get all the functionality and zero responsibility for maintaining it. If you want a place of your own but do not want to play an active part in the upkeep, a townhouse is your best bet.
2. The Amenities
There’s an obvious reason why a lot of people frequent resorts: the amenities. From giant pools to impressive gyms, resorts provide you with recreational facilities so that you don’t have to venture far to find them. In this way, townhomes are very similar to resorts.
Townhouses come with a large array of communal amenities. Feeling hot on a summer’s day? Head to the pool to cool down. Looking to shape up? The fitness center shouldn’t be too far. Other amenities can include BBQ pits, clubhouses, playgrounds, dog parks, tennis courts, and even car washing stations.
Additionally, the HOA takes care of maintenance and upkeep. Picnic areas and clubhouses can also be reserved to entertain guests for parties. The best part is, you can avail of these amenities throughout the year.
However, the benefits of townhome living go beyond recreational amenities. Utilities like pest control, trash services, and HVAC inspections also typically come with the deal. Though your HOA community-based property has assessment fees, these fees are worth every penny considering the amenities you get in addition to a lovely place for yourself.
3. Value for Money
Contrary to what some may believe, townhouses actually provide great value for money. In the same neighborhood, townhomes have been shown to be more affordable than single-family homes. In fact, they are a cheaper option almost every time in comparison to standalone homes.
Furthermore, you don’t have to pay staggering property taxes when you live in a townhome. Due to the smaller lot size, townhome residents pay lower property taxes than those in conventional homes. Homeowners association fees also tend to be lower when compared to condos.
Owning a townhome is the same as owning a single-detached house. You can either finance the house or pay upfront in cash. Plus, you still own the piece of land the townhouse is built on. The selling process is pretty much the same as well. You can sell it on your own or with the help of a realtor. However, you must abide by the protocol set by HOA community guidelines and bylaws.
4. Sense of Community
A defining feature of townhome living is the sense of community and camaraderie one experiences. Townhomes generally have shared walls, which means residents live close to one another. When you’re that close, it’s hard to go on with daily life without even learning your neighbor’s name.
When you live in a single-detached house, you tend to be more isolated. You may know your next-door neighbor or say hi to the family living across you, but it’s hard to form a real community with this setup. With townhouses, you have several people living within a short distance from you. Plus, you see them in communal spaces and events as well. Living in such a way almost guarantees a feeling kinship between and among neighbors.
5. Good Location
When it comes to real estate, everyone knows that location is key. In fact, it’s one of the things buyers prioritize the most when they hunt for new homes. Luckily, townhomes check this box, too.
More often than not, townhouses sit in dense and convenient locations. These developments are usually situated near vibrant establishments, offering ample choices for entertainment, dining, and shopping. Some townhomes can also be within walking distance to schools and parks. In this way, townhouse living suits virtually everyone — childless or otherwise.
6. More Security
Perhaps one of the most alluring advantages of townhouse living is the added security. Single-detached houses often rely on fences and security systems to ward away potential intruders. However, with townhomes, you get a little bonus in the form of a security gate. While not all townhomes have this feature, some do. If a security gate is an extra you need, look for a townhome community that has it.
Additionally, townhome communities are typically well-lit, which means you don’t have to worry about walking the streets at night. Neighbors also tend to look out for one another, and this protectiveness can be reassuring. In today’s world, splurging a little more for added security is almost common sense.
7. Great Option for Seniors
If you happen to be a retiree or a senior citizen, living in a townhome is a great way to enjoy freedom without the added baggage of extra maintenance. HOA communities provide a great sense of community which is crucial at this age.
The social events are fun and provide you with an opportunity to make new friends. Additionally, you can look for communities that are specifically designed for elders, which will help you settle in no time.
8. No Worrying Over External Home Improvement
Typically, townhouses are managed by property management companies. Therefore, the exterior upkeep of your house is also taken care of by the HOA. If you think your house needs a paint job or some external fixtures need replacement, the management has got you covered.
The process of application can be found in the bylaws of the community. Normally, though, a formal application needs to be put forth. However, you can rest assured that the job is usually done quickly and without much hassle.
Townhouse vs Single-Family House
You’ve seen it multiple times across this article, but you may not know what it means. A single-family house is a residential building that doesn’t rely on another structure for support. In other words, it’s free-standing. Some people also refer to it as a single-detached house or a standalone house.
On the other hand, a townhouse or townhome is a residential building that shares one or more walls with other units of its kind. Though not mandatory, most townhouses usually sport a uniform look or design and consist of two or more floors.
Give Townhouse Living a Shot
Townhouse communities have much to offer. From facilities and maintenance to security and affordability, the advantages of townhouse living are clear and far-reaching. When you live in a townhome, you get convenient services and amenities most people only dream of. Granted, there are fees to pay, but the price is definitely worth what you get in exchange.
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