After more than 15 years helping clients buy and sell homes, I’ve learned one universal truth: the “perfect home” looks different for everyone — and it often changes as life evolves.
Whether you’re entering homeownership for the first time, looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, or ready for more space and privacy, understanding the distinctions between condos, townhomes, and single-family homes can help you make a confident, future-focused decision.
Condo Living: Simplicity, Location, and Lifestyle
If homeownership were a personality type, condos would be “the social minimalist.” They offer a simplified way of living — think: minimal to low lawn maintenance, often no snow removal, and likely, a convenient blend of in-community amenities and a lifestyle surrounded by restaurants, theaters, and the pulse of the city or suburb.
Condos are ideal for:
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First-time buyers who value convenience over square footage.
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Busy professionals or frequent travelers who prefer a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle. Looking for multi-level living that also offers "lock-and-leave"? see: Townhomes.
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Those who value in-building amenities like fitness centers, rooftop decks, and concierge services.
Pros:
✅ Low-maintenance living
✅ Often located in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods
✅ Typically lower purchase price compared to single-family homes, depending on the location
Cons:
🚫 Monthly HOA fees
🚫 Possibly more 'neighbor noise'
🚫 Restrictions on renovations or rentals
Realtor Insight: Many of my downtown Minneapolis clients fall in love with the skyline views, community energy, and ease of living — especially at luxury properties like The Eleven or Bridgewater Lofts, where design and lifestyle intersect with ease.
Townhome Living: The Hybrid Option
Townhomes are the “middle ground” between a condo and a single-family home — and they attract buyers in every life stage. You’ll usually share at least one wall with your neighbor, but you’ll also enjoy the perks of multiple levels, a private entrance, and often an attached garage.
Townhomes are perfect for:
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Those who need more space but want lower maintenance.
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Downsizers who aren’t quite ready to give up the feeling of a home but don’t want the upkeep.
Pros:
✅ More space and privacy than a condo, often at a lower price depending on the community due to likely fewer amenities
✅ Often include attached garages and small outdoor areas
✅ HOAs usually cover exterior maintenance
Cons:
🚫 Shared walls
🚫 Monthly HOA dues (though typically lower than condos due to condos typically winning out in the amenity category)
🚫 Limited customization
Realtor Insight: I often describe townhomes as “condo convenience with a residential feel.” They tend to hold value well because they appeal to people across many life stages.
Single-Family Homes: Space, Freedom, and Legacy
For many, the single-family home represents a classic dream — space to grow, privacy, and creative freedom. These properties offer the greatest control over your environment but also the highest level of responsibility.
Single-family homes are ideal for:
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Growing families who need multiple bedrooms, outdoor space, or schools nearby.
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Those who enjoy gardening, a private yard for pets, or entertaining outdoors.
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Buyers ready to invest time and effort into maintaining a property.
Pros:
✅ Maximum privacy and customization
✅ Strong resale potential
✅ No shared walls or association rules
Cons:
🚫 Maintenance costs and responsibilities
🚫 Higher utility expenses
🚫 Time commitment for upkeep
Realtor Insight: Many of my clients transition to single-family homes when they’re craving permanence or space for family life — often in western suburbs like Wayzata, Minnetonka, or Orono, where nature and community balance beautifully.
So, What Fits Your Life Stage?
Your home should complement your current life and needs to be practical, along with room for growth of those needs.
Ask yourself:
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How much time do I realistically want to spend on maintenance?
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Do I crave community and convenience, or privacy and space?
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Am I more energized by the city, the suburbs, or the quiet edges between them?
The answer will guide you toward the right fit for this chapter of your life — and possibly the next.
And if you’re still unsure, that’s perfectly normal. After helping hundreds of clients transition through different life stages, I can say with confidence: clarity often comes from seeing homes in person, not just reading about them.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you’re drawn to downtown condo living, a cozy townhome near the lakes, or a family home on a spacious lot, I’d love to help you find the property that truly fits your lifestyle — and your next chapter.
📩 Contact me to start the conversation about which home type suits your goals best.
