Here at J. Thomas Homes, your options for a home are only as limited as your imagination.  Because of the diversity of spaces we offer, it is our goal to help you make an informed decision on where you will live. Today we would like to talk about a townhouse versus a single-family option. Townhouses are sometimes seen as the less popular option, but that may be due to people not having quality information on the benefits associated with them.

The first misconception most people have about townhouses is that they are just apartments with a fancy name. This is simply not true. Townhouse owners, unlike apartment owners, own the land they live on. The strip of land that a townhouse sits on may be smaller than a traditional home, but it is does belong to the townhouse owner. If owning land is important to you, a townhouse can be an affordable place to start, one that could possibly accrue value in a way that an apartment cannot.

Misconceptions aside, one of the biggest differences between a single-family home and a townhouse is the community. A community of townhome owners jointly owns any amenities on the property, such as a laundry room or a tennis court. This shared responsibility will introduce you to the people living around you, which makes a townhouse a great option for younger home owners who are looking to increase the size of their social circles or anyone else who wants the ease of a built-in community. 

Additionally, because this community shares the amenities, the members can decide to pool their money together to upgrade or add new amenities. A shared hot tub or swimming pool is much more affordable with a few households splitting the cost.

This community also offers the benefit of added safety. Living in a townhouse, you don’t have to worry about leaving your home alone on vacation. Sure, people in single homes can ask a friend to check up on their house, but having neighbor on either side provides a much more in-depth form of surveillance at no extra cost.

The last benefit of townhouses that we would like to highlight is the maintenance. Living in a townhouse will require that you pay dues to a homeowners association. While no one loves extra fees, these dues typically go straight into paying someone to upkeep the lawn or shovel snow, etc. As such, a townhouse can be a great fit for older residents who are well enough to care for themselves, but are unable to complete the physical labor of working outside.

While a townhouse may not be for everyone, it is important to not overlook them as a possibility when you are on the hunt for a home. Contact us today to learn more about how a townhouse can be right for you!