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Townhouse vs. Apartment: Which Is Right For You?

In your search for a new home, you’re bound to come across samey-looking spaces, like a townhouse vs. apartment. This article will walk you through their key differences, compare their costs across a few neighborhoods, and share tips for choosing between the two. Let’s dive in and help you make an informed decision!

Content of This Article 

What Is a Townhouse vs Apartment?

When comparing a townhouse vs. apartment, the key difference lies in their structure and setup. Property managers in Philadelphia can help you break down the differences between a townhouse vs apartment. 

Set of 3 townhouse sections, side by side

Defining a Townhouse 

True to its name, townhouses are often found in residential parts of towns and cities, close to walkable areas. Although townhouses are physically connected to each other, each section of the house, from top to bottom floor, is a single-family home. In other words, each section is its own entity, its own insular island of sorts. Townhouses can be owner-occupied or rented out to tenants. 

These homes can come in various sizes. For example, smaller townhouses may have the kitchen and living room on the first floor and the bedrooms upstairs. Some of the more spacious ones may hold a small office or guest room on the bottom floor. On the other hand, depending on the complex, bigger townhouses might boast shared luxury amenities like pools, gardens, or gyms.

Multi-floor apartment building with each unit having a patio of its ownDefining an Apartment

An apartment is a part of a multi-family building that you can rent out. Unlike townhouses, apartments are shared spaces. The difference is simply that tenants keep their own section of that shared space to themselves. Furthermore, each tenant’s section of the building is confined to one floor, not multiple ones. Also, many of these apartment complexes have shared amenities like pools, gyms, dog parks, and more. 

Typically, the person who occupies the apartment doesn’t own it. Instead, the landlord or property management company handles many of the responsibilities that come with owning the property. As such, apartments are a great option for people who aren’t ready to buy a home yet, whether it’s because they’re still saving up or figuring out their next steps in life.

Key Differences: Townhouses Vs. Apartments

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, deciding between a townhouse vs. apartment can feel like a huge challenge. Both offer distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle and needs. So, let’s take a closer look at the key differences to help you figure out your perfect fit. 

Space and Layout

Townhouses usually give you more space. Oftentimes, they are spread out over multiple floors with several rooms. This can be perfect if you need more room for more people or belongings. Apartments, on the other hand, are typically smaller and have all the rooms on one floor. This might be better if you want less space to manage.

Maintenance Responsibilities

If you own a townhouse, you’d be responsible for keeping everything in good shape, like the building’s roof, plumbing, and other concerns. If you rent one, your landlord would handle the bigger problems. However, you could still be on the hook for smaller duties like paying for utilities, taking care of pest control, and other matters. Moreover, since townhouses tend to be fairly large, you would have to handle these issues on a bigger scale.

In contrast, when you rent an apartment, the landlord handles the big problems and the ones you must deal with are likely smaller since your unit is smaller. That’s one of the biggest benefits of having an apartment.

Community and Privacy

Townhouses tend to offer more privacy since you share fewer rooms with your neighbors. So, you won’t have as much foot traffic outside your door. To the contrary, apartments are usually more crowded. Oftentimes, you’ll have lots of neighbors living close together and shared hallways, which can mean less privacy.

Amenities and Features

Many apartments have luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and security services. Townhouses might lack these communal features, but they typically provide more private outdoor areas like a small garden or yard. These can be ideal for unwinding or entertaining guests.

Budgetary Concerns

Buying a townhouse involves paying property taxes, covering large-scale maintenance, and potentially huge upfront mortgage-related fees. On the other hand, renting an apartment (or a townhouse, if possible) requires none of those expenses. Because of that, renting may be cheaper than buying a home.

Close Up Of Five Pillows On A White Sofa With Brown Accents, Perfect Background For Home Decor.Explore the Best Townhouses and Apartments with Professional Assistance

Townhouses vs. apartments may sound similar on the surface, but they have big differences. Townhouses typically offer more privacy. In addition, they’re wider, more open spaces. If you rent one, you can have more room to roam, but you also have to expend more energy and money on keeping all that room. On the flip side, apartments tend to be more crowded and smaller, but also with far smaller costs. Both have their own unique pros and cons–it’s simply a matter of which qualities matter more to you.

Now that you have a clearer image of the differences between townhouses and apartments, it’s time to take the next step in finding your ideal place. We’re here to connect you with your home, sweet home, whether you’re leaning toward the spaciousness and privacy of a townhouse or the convenience and amenities of an apartment. 

Our team at Bay Property Management Group can help you find the perfect property for your lifestyle. Contact us today to explore available listings, schedule a viewing, and get expert advice on making your next move.