Originally Posted By LuLu I'm looking for input from single adults who aren't living with a significant other or minor children. Looking ahead to when my daughter goes to college and I need to find a new "home" - Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? Do you live alone or with roommates / family? Do you like your living situation, or what would you prefer? What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? Thanks in advance for your input!
Originally Posted By goodgirl Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? I own my home. I had it built on family land so on one side my brother and his wife live and on the other side an older sister lives. Do you live alone or with roommates / family? I live alone. But as mentioned above, family is nearby. My sis and I share a meal once a week. Do you like your living situation, or what would you prefer? I'm happy. I like my privacy and independence. I can do as I please. What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? In addition to a place to live, I consider my home an investment. I'm only 50 now and don't see myself selling for many years. However, there may come a point beyond retirement when the house is just too big for one person to care for. I may not want to be bothered with keeping up the yard and grounds (I have an acre). In that case, I can sell and purchase something modest, perhaps a condo. The drawbacks are that you have to invest time and/or money into keeping things up. For example, the fan in my guest bathroom went out. I could buy one at Lowes for $100 and spend all day in an attempt to install it myself. Or I could hire an electrician to do it in two hours but will have to pay $300. I set up a household fund to pay for major stuff like that. I think within five years I'll need a new roof. So, the repairs never end. You just have to remember to budget for them.
Originally Posted By ilvdland Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? I prefer duplexes. Both of them have been unbelieveably quiet, and you don't have to listen to people above or below you. I don't know if this is common in California, but both duplexes I've lived in had full basements with a washer and dryer. I know, I'm spoiled. No dishwasher though. Do you live alone or with roommates / family? ALONE - I love being able to do what I want when I want. Do you like your living situation, or what would you prefer? The only way mjy situation would be better is if I was in a house. What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? Again, no noise above or below, but you do have neighbors in very close proximity, which was a blessing when a scary man was looking in our basements trying to find somewhere to sleep the other day. I like the fact you have the illusion of living in a house (your own address, no apartment or unit numbers) but you pay apartment prices.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj I am living in a condo. I previously owned a condo in VA Beach, but sold it to move out to the west coast this summer. I'm renting right now, since the housing market is dropping in value and I don't plan to be in the area for more than a couple of years. I've lived alone for about 5 years now. I don't think I could do roommates again. I like the condo life. The unit I owned in Virgnia Beach was much nicer than what I was able to find in San Diego, but I still prefer not having to do major maintenance or yard work associated with a home. Although I am a renter, I also think that condos generally are kept up nicer since most of the units are owner-occupied. I travel a lot, and I feel comfortable locking up a condo for six months or more at a time and knowing that I will likely come back home to everything being the same as I left it.
Originally Posted By LuLu THANKS! These are great responses. I'm really getting an idea of WHY these situations work for you. This will help me in my decisions! I look forward to more responses!
Originally Posted By gaydsnywitch When I first got a place of my own, I went for a condo because I didn't want to have to deal with yard work and stuff like that. Now I have a house and I am much happier. I've discovered that I actually like working in the yard. (Although I don't really like the mowing of the grass part.) For what I was paying in monthly Homeowner's dues, I could pay a landscape service if I didn't want to do the work myself. I like not having to pay a monthly fee to a homeowner's association. I really like having extra space between me and my neighbors. And it's nice not having anyone tell me what I can and can't do with my house and yard. (OK so the city has some restrictions and stuff but it's not nearly as bad as the HOA.) The condo did have some nice big dumpsters so it was easier to get rid of big items. But the mail was centralized so I had to go a ways to pick it up. I went from a 760 sq. ft. 1 bdrm condo to a 1192 sq. ft. 3 bdrm house. It's not much more work to keep clean. It's really nice to have my bedroom, an office and a guest room. Property taxes are higher but that means a bigger deduction on my taxes. I could go back to a condo if I had to, but I wouldn't want to. If I ever did move back into a condo, I'd make sure it's a newer one that was built as a condo. My condo was a converted older apartment and the walls were paper thin. From what I've heard, newer condos have much better sound insulation. Oh, and I would get one where I don't have anyone above or below me.
Originally Posted By goodgirl <<and I would get one where I don't have anyone above or below me.>> One thing I really enjoy is a single level home. Years ago I lived in town I rented a house that was two stories. I would walk in the door and after a hard days work I would immediately have to make a decision: Do I stay on the ground level or do I go up? I hated running up and down the stairs, especially for laundry. After having cared for my mom and watching my much older brothers and sisters undergo knee or hip replacemnent surgery, I've come to realize that a two story home was probably not what I would be happy with in *my* later years. I am much happier in my ranch home; it also feels much more spacious than it would it it were two stories.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice I'm going to slip in here because I feel passionately about the choice I made when my first marriage ended. (Hope you don't mind! Condo! You get all the benefits of building equity, and the little/no-maintenance benefit of an apartment. During my divorce (which only took about 30 days, start-to-finish because it was amicable, etc.) I decided immediately that I would not pay even a month's rent to a landlord for an apartment. To me, that would feel like tossing $$ away - especially after being a homeowner for 18 years. Choose one with a good, strict HOA to keep the rowdies at bay... Or... choose one with a lot of retirees - that's how it turned out for me and I loved it. They're quiet, but they'll look out for your well-being. I also chose a location within walking distance to a good shopping center with a grocery store, Hallmark, bank, Hollywood Video, excellent Chinese take-out, etc. Honestly, even though I was only 42 at the time, I had no idea if I would remarry, so I consciously chose the location to accommodate my elder years. And choose one you love... I knew the minute I walked in the door to check it out, I was "home." I still get little pangs of homesick occasionally when driving by (I still shop at the same grocery store, etc.,) because it was the first place I purchased all on my own. Oh... And you get a pool you don't have to clean! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
Originally Posted By avromark Home - Why? Here owning a home makes more sense, not much more then rent, and no condo fees. Square Footage - well let's see a 3-bedroom apartment is what maybe 1400 sq ft? My home is a small 3-bedroom it's 1800 above grade, with the basement finished it's about 2600 sq. ft. (Minus utility room since it's only painted floors and the drywall is only taped but not sanded. You have more parking, I can park 6 cars, in a condo I'd have 1 or 2 spots. I have a yard, I can eat on a reasonable sized deck not some 12x12 mini deck. I have room for my stuff, and enough room for a significant other when the time is right. Hopefully we can buy a reasonable sized family home at that point, but that would be years away. Equity <- renting doesn't have this. Condo's have restrictions, if I want to turn my green door, red or black no one will stop me. My home is almost new (it's 3 yrs old) so roof,plumbing,windows, wood floors are still 2 decades away from being trouble areas. I have only 100 amp service, but at least it's all my own. When I wanted to install a satellite dish (I actually switched to cable though) there was no restrictions, I could put it where the reception is best. Home repair is therapeutic, I finished my basement, did my deck, did my fence. Although I found it easier to work on my parents house, small properties have more "cutting" when you paint, etc. I find cleaning a large area easier, with a small property you're always. Homes have no problems with noise. If you're sound insulation is good you can play that THX movie at 2am, then do it. No listening to people through the wall. When you own you can paint it any colour you want. You can have a small workshop in your basement, you can set up 2 model railroads in your basement, you can run ethernet into every room. A home has windows facing South, East, North and west. Condos usually only have windows on 2 or 3 sides. With a semi or four-plex you're limited when you want to do the roof, the people beside you have to agree, lest you end up with one half with a new brown asphalt roof and the other half with a red steel roof. You can lock up your home and go for vacation, not much different then a condo. I live alone I had roomies in a town home, 2 of us were clean, 2 were not... My family lives in a good area, mines semi-good. While no gang problems the schools are "B+", I want my children to live in the cities best school area when I have them.
Originally Posted By DAR Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? I own a house. I wanted to have a yard for myself, driveway, my own garage. My house has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room and kitchen. I have a finished basement with a finished bar. I wanted a space for myself and I really don't want pay dues to a condo association. But having a yard to myself was important. Do you live alone or with roommates / family? I currently live alone, but I have people over constantly. Do you like your living situation, or what would you prefer? I like my current bachelor status, though it would be nice if a girlfriend was in the picture. Though my ex almost did move in with me. What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? The drawback is that it does get kind on lonely at times. But the benefit of living alone means I can do what I want when I want.
Originally Posted By beamerdog I have a son who recently bought a house rather than a condo. He's now thinking of renting the house and buying a condo for himself, lol. Be very careful about condo fees. Investigate when the last raise in fees was. See if your condo association has a major repair coming up - roofing, paving, exteriour painting, replacing decks, sewer pipes, etc. This can make a huge difference in whether or not you can afford the place. If there have been no repairs on a not-new condo property recently, be prepared for a LARGE assessnent.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I went a completely different direction. After owning 5 different homes in my lifetime, when I got divorced I decided to by a mobile home in a nice park. That way I was able to take the equity from the sale of my home (split two ways) and pay off the mobile home. It is 14X70 two bedrooms large living room and kitchen, carport and sitting porch. Yes, I pay rent on the lot but water, sewage and trash collection is included and the savings in taxes is mind boggling. As a single person it is way adequate for my needs and quite comfortable. Just wanted to let you know you don't have to be trailer park trash to live in one.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj You might also compare the monthly condo fee with the expenses of owning a home. Condo fees typically cover water, sewer, garbage, exterior maintenance, lawn service, community insurance policy, and pool/fitness room (if the community has the amenity).
Originally Posted By alexbook Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? Apartment. I might like a small condo if I could afford one. I like feeling snug in my home. Given a choice, I like having a view, such as you can get from a top-floor apartment or condo. (Alas, no view in my current place.) Do you live alone or with roommates / family? With a cat. I've had some bad roommate experiences, and I'd be hesitant to go down that road again. OTOH, coming home to a totally dead space can be depressing. Pets are a compromise for me. Do you like your living situation, or what would you prefer? I'd like a slightly bigger apartment, in a better-maintained building, with a view. Other than that, I'm fine. ;-) What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? The benefit of living alone is solitude; the drawback is loneliness.
Originally Posted By LuLu You guys are FANTASTIC! I love all this input (I'm also learning a bit about each of you in the process!) I feel like I have some big decisions to make (eventually). I like living in a house, but it's a lot of work to keep up - this one's too big for me tho, with a large yard, AND it was a fixer when we bought it, so there's always something needing work. BUT, once my daughter moves out, and no more child support, plus ex and I will sell the house unless I buy him out... it doesn't seem reasonable to buy a house or condo in this area. SO overpriced! So I may be looking to relocate, as Alice said, to a place I'd be comfortable on into my old age! But I appreciate hearing the pros and cons of various types of housing, even mobile homes and duplexes. I like the idea of a smallish house. And goodgirl, with your siblings nearby, your situation sounds GREAT! More input welcome. This is fun!
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? An apartment. Do you live alone or with roommates / family? Alone---I need MY space and time away from everything. Do you like your living situation, or what would you prefer? I love living alone so I don't have to worry about bein' considerate to anyone else (I guess that's a harsher-sounding way of sayin' "I like independence" or "I like doing what I want when I want", lol)...but I would really love a house someday, especially out in the country. What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? Living on my own is great, and it's nice to be near things in civilization, but I'd rather live alone in a house in the country. I want to play my TV and music as loud as I want to, play piano whenever and as loud as I want, sing and record songs as loud as I want to---just do things at the volumes I need/want to do 'em and not have to worry about any noise complaints (none yet---knock on wood). I would also love a yard to work with, something I thought I would *NEVER* say when I was a teenager and that Oedipus-thing goin' on with that "dictator" Dad who made me mow and rake the lawn, lol.
Originally Posted By Altadisdude Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? I live in an apartment. Do you live alone or with roommates / family? I live with my fiance and hopefully soon a dog. What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? Since I work for the apartment complex I live at I pay $150 a month for a $1265 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment. I would, however, much rather be living in a house away from neighbors that constantly need to be be reminded that there are OTHER PEOPLE living behind those walls. Maybe the stuff I have to deal with here is clouding my judgment? Parties at all hours with no respect for other people, drunken idiots hopping into the (locked) pool at 3am, vandalism, public drug use, domestic abuse, stalkers, drunks in general, public defecation, and much much more. I think people would be surprised how much goes on when you're surrounded by a mass of people. Unless you have to deal with it I think people put up blinders. This complex is in a nice area too!
Originally Posted By iceknyght Do you live in a house, condo, apartment, or ?? I am also an apartment dweller... Do you live alone or with roommates / family? I live alone in a 2 bedroom apartment... What are the benefits or drawbacks to your situation? Benefits are that I don't have to worry if anything happens, like the stove goes out, Dishwasher stops working, etc... I just call the front office and they order a new one, that's pretty nice! And I have already had to replace the Dishwasher... I also like the fact that my Electric and Gas bills are pretty small! It's only me, I have no need to warm and/or cool a 1500 sq. ft. house! So, that's a nice bonus... Drawbacks would include not having a garage! I have a car port, but no garage... I miss having that! Also, being able to *upgrade* stuff, like appliances, counter tops, carpet, etc... It would be nice to do that... Obviously the feeling of throwing your money away every month... It's not horrible, but it does suck... Overall, I am pretty happy though with my situation... I would love to have a condo, that is what I want eventually... All the benefits of both a house and apartment IMO. I am not a *yard* person, so I could care less about that... Just give me about 1,000 sq. ft. and a garage and I'll be a happy guy!
