While living in a detached house may be the dream for some families, for many residents in urban and suburban areas, condo complexes provide the perfect mix of security and amenities to make moving in a no-brainer. Most modern complexes give residents plenty to love, but there can still be a few drawbacks. Check out this list of pros and cons before moving into a large condo complex.
Pro: A Built-In Social Life
While the internet has greatly expanded the average introvert’s potential for social interaction outside the workplace, it’s no secret that making friends as an adult is no easy task. However, in larger buildings with shared space, socialization is built right in. Seeing the same faces each day in your building’s lounge or gym is often enough to spark a friendly conversation and lead the way to a lasting — and convenient — friendship.
Get pre-approved and secure your dream home
Work with a lender to find the right loan for the home you love.
Con: Sharing Space, Whether You Like It Or Not
Get pre-approved and secure your dream home
Sometimes you just want to get away from it all, but when you’ve got neighbors all around you, it may seem impossible. Of course, you can always retreat to the serenity of your apartment, but you’ll be hard-pressed to get much alone time in facilities shared by hundreds of other residents, whether you’re consistently running into your neighbor in the fitness center or just can’t catch the elevator without seeing a familiar face.
Pro: Amenities
You may think your basement’s foosball table is the cat’s pajamas, but the amenities available to residents of large condo complexes are the stuff of dreams for most homeowners. While some complexes boast pools and fitness centers, many newer developments, like New York City’s The Beekman, have the scope and size to create public spaces you’ve only seen in movies. An atrium? Check. Library? You betcha. Lounge areas? Of course! Now, tell us about your game room again?
Con: Someone Else is Making the Rules
At some point in life, whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the first day working for a new boss, everyone has to learn to abide by someone else’s rules. When living in a large condo complex, this is especially true, as other individuals likely share each wall of your home. While keeping your noise level to a minimum and considering the happiness of those around you — some of whom may be strangers — may take some getting used to, maintaining an amicable relationship with your neighbors is worth it in the long run.
Pro: Somebody Else is Taking Care of You
Some determined homeowners may love the challenge of a handyman special, but those who choose to be part of a condo community will find obvious advantages in having much of the hard work of homeownership taken on by someone else.
Choosing the right home is one of the most difficult decisions most of us will ever have to make, but that doesn’t mean it’s an insurmountable task. Consider your social style — and how much time you’re willing to spend fixing up a place yourself — when you’re trying to decide whether condominium living is the right fit for you.
About Candice Schaffer
Candice Schaffer is vice president of Knightsbridge Park Real Estate Marketing, which manages the digital footprint for luxury brands and real estate development projects worldwide, including Thirty Park Place and The Boerum.
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
United States
Canada