Moving to a Townhouse? 6 Things to Consider Before the Relocation

Thinking of moving to a townhouse? For first-time home buyers and empty nesters, alike, townhouse living provides the perfect alternative to owning a single-family home.

Townhomes, known for their unique architectural style, consist of an attached home with shared walls and multiple floors – typically, two to three stories. Townhouse residents usually share common spaces, such as a pool or driveway, with other neighbors as well.

Compared to living in a condo or an apartment, these occupants have more private space and their own private outdoor entrance. In general, a townhome also requires less upkeep than a single-family house, making them perfect for those looking to live a low maintenance lifestyle. Despite the many desirable features of these attached homes, however, moving to a townhouse can have its drawbacks. Here’s a look at 6 things to consider before relocating to these convenient and charming dwellings.

Cost

Generally speaking, townhouses tend to be more affordable than single-family homes. According to Money Crashers , an attached townhome “could cost tens of thousands of dollars less than an equivalently sized single-family unit.” Since many townhouses are newer and receive a good amount of upkeep, they are also more likely to be updated, as opposed to an older single-family home that costs the same but requires an overhaul.

This lower price point makes them especially appealing to young couples and singles who are looking for a smart, first-time home purchase. However, those moving to a townhome should strongly consider any HOA (Homeowners’ Association) fees attached to their new community. Many communities require residents to pay hefty monthly dues to cover any structural insurance needed, as well as landscaping and maintenance needs. While neighborhood association fees can be expensive, they can also save homeowners from having to manage the upkeep of their house and community amenities, such as a pool, garden or gym. So make sure to take these HOA fees into account, along with your mortgage payment, when considering a townhouse move.

Moving

I won’t lie to you: moving to a townhouse isn’t going to be easy. As someone who has moved to several townhomes in their life, I can attest that lifting a couch up three flights of stairs was no walk in the park. You’re going to need help. That means either enlisting friends or hiring a professional moving company to do the heavy lifting.

Additionally, if the stairwells are narrow, you could run into trouble hoisting clunkier furniture and mattresses up the stairs without hitting the railings or scratching up your walls. Another thing to consider when moving to a townhome is your moving truck’s parking situation. Whether it’s street parking or a shared driveway, you’ll need to contact your HOA prior to the move to ask about the most appropriate place to park when moving.

On the bright side, with townhouses located so close together, you’re sure to meet and greet some of your curious neighbors on moving day!

Location

One advantage to living in a townhouse is that you’ll more than likely enjoy living in a vibrant area. In general, townhomes tend to be located in large cities and urban areas, where single-family homes are more expensive or non-existent. This means the location of a townhouse is ideal for those who love living near urban centers, great restaurants, a slew of entertainment options, parks and public transportation. Those seeking a home with big city amenities without the price tag of a detached home or the inconveniences of a high-rise, will find what they’re looking for in a townhouse community.

Privacy

For some, a townhouse’s lack of privacy can be a major deterrent. While some townhomes offer private balconies or patios, you won’t find many that offer a private outdoor yard. Townhouses that do have small backyards lack real privacy, as other townhomes and neighbors tower over the outdoor space as well. Close proximity to neighbors can also be a concern for townhouse occupants. Given that you’re sharing a wall with your neighbors, you’re sure to see (and possibly hear) them throughout the day.

Convenience

Looking for convenience? You’ll find it in a townhouse. These attached homes tend to be located within walking distance to everyday conveniences, such as restaurants, markets, coffee shops and parks. Living in a townhome also means not having to mow the lawn, clean the pool, resurface the driveway or landscape the yard. That’s because your HOA will take care of it for you. After all, you’re paying them for a reason! Many HOA fees will also cover your insurance and general maintenance needs, such as exterior painting, structural issues and possible storm damage. HOA’s may cost a pretty penny, but for many it’s a small price to pay for the added convenience.

Rules

Finally, the community’s rules and restrictions are one of the most important considerations to make before moving to a townhouse. For better or worse, many HOA’s come with a long list of what you can and cannot do while living in your townhouse. From the pool hours to any changes made to your home’s exterior, your HOA should provide you with a list of dos and don’ts before you move.

Common townhouse HOA rules, include:

• No alterations or additions to the exterior of the home.
• No hanging towels on the home’s patio.
• No loud or boisterous noises on the property.
• No parking in certain restricted areas. In many cases, an HOA will allow street parking with a decal on the car. They may also have a designated spot for movers to park their moving truck.
• No pets. Many times an HOA will either restrict pets altogether; limit the number of pets you can have; set restrictions on the type of pet allowed; or set a weight limit for the pet.

Every townhouse community’s rules and regulations are different, however. So make sure to read up on your neighborhood association’s handbook carefully before relocating to your townhome. To find the right professional moving company for your next townhouse move, check Moving.com’s network of licensed and insured movers . Good luck and happy moving!