[Kitty]

Okay, I need ya'll's expertise.

Currently I lease a 3 bedroom/2 bath house. It's about 1,600 sq. ft. with everything on one level. I need the space because I haven't gotten rid of any of the furniture my DH and I accumulated throughout the years (trust me....I need the space).

I need to downsize and I know it's going to mean getting rid of some things and I plan on doing that through a garage sale within the next 6 months.

I have not lived in an apartment since 1980! We briefly lived in one right after we were married but bought a house that first year.

What I'm trying to do is make a list of the pros and cons of house leasing versus apartment leasing. There are some gorgeous apartments around this area and the monthly rent is typically about $200-300 a month less than what I pay for this house.

Some of the pros I can think of is no yard maintenance and lower utility costs. Some of the cons I can think of is noisy neighbors and high turn over of residents. My landlord has not raised my rent in the 2 years I've been here. I think he's just grateful I pay it and pay it on time. He has other properties and has a hard time collecting from some of them.

Can ya'll think of things I might not have thought of? It's going to take me at least a year to save up and get ready for a move but I've been seriously thinking about it since DS26 is moving out this next week and DS22 will be next to go. He hasn't said anything but I don't expect him to live at home forever.

I hate having to make these decisions. Where's my millionaire boyfriend??? That would solve so many problems.....and probably create even more I'm sure!

[legzzalot]

Apartment Pros: less cleaning area, usually have newer appliances, and no yard work and no maintenance issues. If you scream for help someone will most likely hear you.

Cons: no privacy, you have to worry about neighbors, more chances for car being hit or broken into, less space, and no yard, You will have to be more on guard at all times because of the amount of people int he area.

[SallyC]

If I moved now, I would go to an Apt/condo, for many of the reasons you mentioned. I don't use my yard anymore and the maintenance runs about 110.00 per month.

I don't like the idea of having neighbors that close, but the right neighbors could be nice. I'd want an open concept roomy place...not all cramped with small doorways. In other words, handycap accessible.

My house is small..2 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, w/basement, which I wouldn't miss at all, since I have to have a lift to get me down there.

Good luck on your search..

[tkrik]

I agree with both Legz and Sally.

I live in an apt. As you know several weeks ago my a/c broke. They can and fixed it. Cost to me $0. Those are the perks of apt living. The maintenance is taken care of and quickly at that. It can be less expensive than owning.

The cons can be noisy neighbors. While right now mine are pretty quiet, it could change if any of them move. Also, I had neighbors behind me that smoked MJ and who knows what else as there was often a chemical smell coming from over there. (They since moved and it's better). Those things as well as cooking odors permeate the walls.

Leasing a condo or townhome may be a great option for you. The neighbors are usually more stable in the sense that they aren't moving in and out and changing all the time. Some condo's/townhomes have garages! That's a plus. The maintenance costs are about the same as an apt but the reliability of the landlord to get someone over to do the work or pay for the repairs may take longer.

[Kitty]

I'm seriously considering a 2 bedroom/2 bath roommate floorplan. That would force me to get rid of some things or let my kids have them. They'd have to get a storage unit if they can't take the items when I need them gone.

I'm trying to make my decision before I plan my garage sale because if I truly plan to become an apartment dweller I can get rid of my yard care items (lawnmower, rakes, outdoor tools, etc.)

I have my eye on several properties around the area and have looked at their websites. They seem nice.....but of course all apartment communities are going to show their best. These even have garages but they do cost more each month. And it would just encourage me to hang onto stuff I don't need. If it can sit in a garage then I don't need it (well, except for my car).

Never did I ever anticipate having to make a decision like this. But the thought of having an extra $300-400 a month is appealing. Lots to think about.

Tricia, I thought about a townhouse (there's lots of them here) but the stairs scare me. Some days I wonder if I'd be able to navigate them. I'd be scared I'd fall. Otherwise, I'd love a townhouse.

[tkrik]

Condos around here always mean stairs. Of course, if you get a ground level one you are fine.

Townhomes here are all ground level but may have an upstairs. DDs and I had a townhome like that and we loved it. The girls got the upstairs to themselves (1 very large master bedroom & bath) and I had the downstairs. it worked out great.

[Dejibo]

Older homes require MORE maintenance. Older Apartments are noisier, and require more maintenance.

If you live in a house, you need to pay to heat/cool and maintain a bigger space.

If you live in a condo/apartment the common areas are already taken care of. They have services on call that come take care of things. Landlords sometimes expect you to take care of it, and take it off the rent. You are also left waiting at home for service folks.

If you chose to go to a condo type situation look for sound proofing and noise reduction technology. They have gotten good at it. Is there a maintenance man or a company? What is the average wait if a complaint is filed? Does it take 2 weeks to get a broken AC repaired in the dead of summer? or get heat restored in winter? Is parking covered? will you have a reserved space or a private space? Will you have to fight for the spaces with the masses that get out at 5pm? What is the recourse should your space be taken? Do they have a policy of "get arrested, get evicted?" those are great policies!

My mother lived in a beautiful space, but her neighbor allowed the son to move in with his g/f and 4 kids. They were not on the lease, constantly parked in my moms spot, had loud parties till all hours, and when he was arrested was allowed to go back with mom when released! Do they have requirements that ALL residents be on the lease?

Pets? do you want them? what is the policy? small pets not over 25 pounds are a common policy. most places want a security deposit for each animal, and assurance of vet care.

They have some wonderful places with many amenities now. I hope you find a good one!

[barb02]

I live in a two bedroom, two bathroom duplex. There are only a few duplexes in the neighborhood mixed in among the houses. I also have an attached double garage. It is one story. My landlords pay for the lawn care. I pay for snow removal. I have great landlords who are very picky about who they rent to so I have never had a problem with noise. This past summer they had the whole place painted and replaced the tub/shower with a walk in shower in the master bathroom. Are there any neighborhoods with newer (one story) duplexes near you?

[Kitty]

Barb, most of the duplexes around here are older. There are subdivisions with nothing but duplexes but unfortunately they aren't kept up very well. It's just a crap shoot who your neighbors might be.....but I know it is in any situation, really.....house or otherwise. If I could find the right one, though, it would be a great alternative to an apartment.

There are so many townhouse communities here but I'm so reluctant to get stairs. I just cannot see the sense in putting myself into that situation. The place I almost chose over this house was a townhouse and the stairs were my only concern. This place popped up and I took it as a sign that stairs were a no-no. Well, that and I have a hard time getting up and down them!

I'm going to research this thoroughly and, since I'm not in a rush to do anything, I know I won't make a hasty (wrong) decision.

Thanks for all the ideas and insight.

[doydie]

We have many condo areas that are all semi detached 'homes' with at least one care garage. Lovely subdivision type feel to the area, lake, park, etc. Most have gyms also and are gated communities. I don't know how old you are but my Mom has a friend that recently moved into an apartment complex specifically for seniors. They all have two bedrooms and two bath and a garage. They are all semi detached. One ting I don't like about them is that there is NO grass. All concrete!!!!! Well no lawn care for anyone! They are next to a neighborhood family restaurant that gives them 15% discount if you eat the and they do deliver at regular cost. Lots and lots of possibilities. Good luck. I wish my Moms apartment weren't so expensive, it would be an alternative for me some day. She pays $1600.00 but everything is paid for except your cable and phone. They have housekeeping once a week and all meals are prepared 365 days a year! Lots of free activities.