The Pros of Condo Living
Considering a Condo?
In a city where land is in short supply, condos are often a very viable option for many people looking to buy a home. Although they are not for everyone, many people love condo living.
One of the best reasons to consider a condo is the relative lack of upkeep you would be responsible for. There are no lawns to mow, no pools to clean, and no exterior maintenance to worry about. All of that is generally covered by your association fees.
Another reason to consider a condo is that there are many amenities included, many which you might not be able to afford on your own. Many condominiums offer pools, fitness rooms, play areas for children, and possibly even tennis courts, all right on the property. There is also a built in community. Family-friendly condos offer many opportunities for children to build friendships. Seeing the same people day after day in the fitness room or when grabbing your mail make the chances of you starting a new friendship much more likely than if you were to move into traditional housing in a new neighborhood.
When it comes to location, very few traditional homes can beat a condo. Because many condos are built right in the city, getting to grocery stores, schools, and to work doesn’t require a long commute. If you plan it well, you might have all three, and more, within easy walking distance. Instead of getting up before dawn to beat the morning commute, and then not getting home until after dark because of the evening traffic, you can sleep an extra hour or two in the morning, and make it home earlier than many of your coworkers.
Condos are also a lot safer than traditional housing. Not only do most condominiums have gated entryways and other security features, there are fewer chances for a robber to get into your home. Most condos are up several stories, so unless someone is really committed to getting into your home and plans on scaling the building, the only way in is through the front door or balcony. Which, again, might require some scaling equipment to get to. Your neighbors also provide a measure of security, as many will be happy to tell you if they have seen anything suspicious.
One of the biggest factors a home buyer needs to consider is price. Because you are not buying any land with the property, and because so many condos can fit into a lot that would normally only hold one or two homes, condos are often a less expensive alternative than a traditional home. This depends on location, of course. Some condos are priced at a much higher price than traditional homes might be, just because of where they are located. But, for most people, condos provide a cheaper entry into home ownership.
There are a lot of reasons to consider buying a condo. They really are a great deal, especially if you don’t want all of the hassle of needing to keep up a yard, or if you don’t mind having close neighbors.
There are some drawbacks, however, as there are with any living situation. Come back tomorrow for a post on the negative side of condo ownership.