5 Benefits of Living in a Townhouse

What many of us assume about townhouses is this: they're just fancy apartments. They're homes crammed together so closely that they share walls. They're governed by strict homeowners' associations that might even force you to color your dog to match your curtains.

It turns out, much of what we think we know about townhouses is simply incorrect. They're neither apartments, nor houses, nor condos. And the HOA isn't going to make you dye your dog. Probably. (Just to be safe, maybe double-check before moving in if you have strong feelings about dog dyeing.)

"Not every townhouse is a condo, and not every condo is a townhouse," said Joan Rogers, a real estate agent in Portland, Oregon. "A condominium is a very particular type of ownership where the owner only owns the space inside the walls, while all outside areas are shared. Condos can come in apartment forms, townhouse forms, or even in the shape of small houses. A townhouse, however, is not necessarily a condo."

Here's the key difference: Townhouse owners have ownership of the small piece of land their home sits on. Condo owners, as Ms. Rogers mentioned, only own the space inside the walls of their unit, not the land beneath it. If having your own slice of Earth is a goal, a townhouse can make that dream come true. Now, let's explore what other items you can check off your list by owning a townhouse.

5: Be a Relaxed Homebody, Enjoy a Beautiful Yard

Sure, the little patch of Earth that comes with your townhouse won’t be enormous. It will likely be a small lawn, maybe a shrub or a flowering tree, possibly a border of petunias.

This is where the homeowner’s association (HOA) steps in. You pay monthly dues to the HOA, and they handle the upkeep of that little lawn. They also repaint the outside of your home, replace the roof shingles, clear leaves from your parking space, and, if you live in a colder climate, remove snow from the parking lot.

You could probably plant a row of rose bushes along the front walkway if you feel like it, but don't worry, no one will judge you if you choose not to. You’ll never have to hurt your back again pulling that one annoying weed out of the ground.

Naturally, each HOA (as the homeowners’ association likes to refer to itself) has its own list of maintenance duties it handles, so it’s important to make sure everyone is clear on who’s responsible for what in the yard. However, the HOA might prefer you keep your bold red hot pokers (don't worry, it's just a flower) and bright pink shutters away from the carefully maintained front lawn.

4: Never Leave the Complex

When you buy a townhouse, you become part of a community, and that community often comes with perks. Most townhouse developments feature amenities like a gym, a pool, a laundry room, tennis courts, and even a recreation room that residents can reserve for parties.

Imagine your townhouse community doesn't have something like tennis courts, but you’re certain you're destined to be the next Roger Federer or Serena Williams. (You’re not, but let's go with the scenario.) In many townhouse communities, residents can pool their resources to add such amenities, as long as there's space on the property to accommodate them.

As a townhouse owner, you're officially a partial owner of the shared amenities. So, in a development with 50 units, you own 2 percent of the laundry room. Feel free to think of one of the cushions in the rec room as your 2 percent, but don’t expect the other residents to share that view.

3: Keep Your Money

Townhouses are typically less expensive than standalone houses, or single-family homes, as the real estate experts call them. Sure, after buying a townhouse, you'll have to pay both a mortgage and HOA fees, while your friends with single-family homes only have to worry about the mortgage. But what do they get? A yard full of weeds, a driveway covered in snow, and a leaky roof. Now, who’s ready for an HOA, huh?

Townhouses are usually, but not always, multi-story homes that share one or two walls with other townhouses. They can have as many bedrooms and bathrooms as the layout allows, just like a single-family house. Whether they’re close to the city or nestled in the suburbs among vineyards or forests, the main takeaway is that you can often find a similar living experience in a townhouse, but for much less money.

Sometimes, you might actually find even better features in a townhouse—if you're okay with sharing a wall or two. Townhouses are often newer than single-family homes on the market, so the floors and walls won’t be as uneven as those of an old house. They often come with high-end upgrades, like granite countertops, premium stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, or eco-friendly materials such as cork and bamboo that you might not be able to afford in a traditional house.

2: Keep an Eye on the Neighbors

Got a bit of a nosy streak? Well, have we got a townhouse perk for you! The units are packed closely together, and parking areas are often shared, so you can sit by the window, watch the comings and goings all day, and maybe even all night. Here's another way to save some cash: skip the TV and just watch the neighbors. You can cancel your cable subscription.

Believe it or not, a little bit of Nosy Nellie behavior can actually be helpful for the neighborhood. In a townhouse community, neighbors tend to know each other better, which means they’re more likely to notice if anyone shady is lurking around with a black mask and a canvas bag. If Nosy Nellie knows her neighbors are away, she’ll pay more attention to strange noises next door when she presses her empty glass to the wall.

Also, as Joan Rogers, a real estate agent, explains, "many developments have rental caps on how many units can be rented out at once," like ten out of fifty units. Homeowners have a stake in the development, while renters typically do not. With fewer rental turnovers, the community stays more stable, and Nosy Nellie can figure out who to wave at and who to give a disapproving stare. And if the stares outweigh the smiles, there’s always the HOA to file a complaint about the renters.

1: Let Your Neighbors Keep an Eye on You

For older adults or anyone who, as Ms. Rogers so gracefully described, is "medically fragile," having a curious neighbor eavesdropping through the wall might not be such a bad thing. "There are definite perks to living near neighbors, without having to reside in a 'retirement community,' and still being able to build equity," she remarked.

There's a lot to appreciate about reduced yard work, on-site fitness and laundry facilities, and the comfort of knowing your neighbors when you face a minor accident. Or a major one. Regardless of the size of your mishaps, living in a townhouse means there's usually someone nearby to lend a hand.

This setup is also perfect for frequent travelers. Let your closest neighbors and the ever-vigilant Nosy Nellie know when you're heading out for a month, and they'll keep watch over your home. When you return, your garden won't be overrun with weeds. But maybe bring Nellie a small gift. She works so hard for the community. Perhaps a more elegant crystal glass to place between her ear and the wall?