Single Family home vs Condominium
Most folks who are looking to purchase a home in SWFL already have a pretty good idea of what type of lifestyle they prefer. It really depends on what stage you are in your life and what amenities you are looking for. For a family maybe location nearest their school of choice is high priority. Being close to or on water is desirable by many people who like to boat or fish. But if you are on the fence concerning living in single family home or in a condo, it can be confusing and difficult. Let's try to clear up some concerns!
Condominium Living - Condo life isn't for everyone. Folks who love living in a condo do so because of many things. The advantages are that you live a maintenance free lifestyle, no yard work or outside maintenance required. You have a sense of community, most condo complexes are in a gated or semi secured development. You have access to many enjoyable amenities such as pool and community room in many communities. Many snowbirds like this type of living as they feel comfortable leaving their home for months at a time. But there are downsides to condominium living. One is that you are very close to your neighbor. Many complexes are multi story with no elevators. You are restricted by the community Homeowner's Association regulations (HOA) and limit what you can do inside your home and outside. You are restricted to the type and number of vehicles you are allowed. And many communities in SWFL are age restricted and require at least one owner be the age required (most are 55+). Pets can be an issue as well. Some communities with HOA rules many or may not allow pets. If allowed most are restricted by number, size and breed. HOA fees can be high and the Board can raise the HOA fees yearly.
Single Family Home living - Living in a single family home in a regular community has it's advantages. You can manage and improve your property as you see fit. You have the freedom to own multiple pets of any breed and size. You can own recreational vehicles, RVs and company vans. You an choose to live near certain amenities such as water, canals, lakes, and schools of your choice. You can choose to live in a neighborhood or away from any neighbors on acreage. Even maintain your own garden or own livestock. The downsides of owning your own home are the obvious ones, you have to maintain your home and your land and you have to pay property taxes. You many not have HOA rules and regulations but you still have to adhere to your zoning laws and city laws. Cape Coral for instance does not allow RVs, boats or commercial vehicles in driveways. You have to get permits to make improvements such as pools, sheds and decks. You may not have the "community feel and comradery" in a regular neighborhood especially if you are isolated on acreage or in an area with few homes. If this is what you prefer then maybe single family home living would not work for you, though some neighborhoods are very close, friendly and do many things together. It really depends on the area!
Somewhat of a compromise - You can live in a gated community, have the security and closeness of a neighborhood by purchasing in a development that offers both single family homes and condos/townhomes. You can have privacy and peace and quiet without hearing stomping feet overhead, but still have access to all the great amenities and activities. Some communities are age restricted but SWFL offers many with no age restrictions that are very desirable to both families and retirees!
Once you've decided what type of lifestyle meets your needs, just give us a call and we'll get looking. Even if you are still undecided, let us help! We'll show you examples of ALL the lifestyle types here in SWFL!!
