I've looked at both but haven't bought either yet. I'm going for a condo only because I want to be all on the same level if I move. No more stairs. I also like the thought of a security building with maintenance and yardwork included and possibly underground parking.

Really look hard at what is included/not included in the HOA fees. Also see if you can find out about the home owners association for the condo/townhouse. See if they've been sued by any of the residents. They should have regular meetings and minutes from those meetings. Request copies and see what sort of issues have been brought before the HOA in the past.

I had a very dear friend, who passed away about 3 years ago, who lived in a split level house. Not the same as a townhouse, but the stair situation would be the same. She became very limited in her mobility in the last year of her life and basically was reduced to living in 1-2 rooms because she couldn't get up and down the stairs. If you're looking for a long term arrangement, I'd give serious thought to your ability to live there 20 years from now.

None of the above. Too many governing bodies to tell you what you can/can not do with what you are paying for. I know this girl that has a condo and she was told she couldn't put Christmas decorations outside on her porch. I prefer to be out and away from all the drama. I don't think I could deal with having to pay all those fees for stuff I wouldn't use.

I have lived in a condo before and it was nice to not worry about anything on the outside. The fees went up once while I was living there. You also have to consider assessment fees that they can hit you with if the majority owners vote for improvements that are beyond the budget and monies held by the association. I have actually looked into mobile homes which are now called manufactured housing because I want to live at the beach and I could afford one. The park I have looked at has a monthly of $995 space rental..this is forever..I am weighing the options as well. Lots of people live in condos.

being in the mortgage business, I would go with a townhouse.

Advantage: If you go on vacation for a week or longer, being in a condo or townhouse is safe reason being it is gate property. No worries with yard upkeep.
Disadvantage:
- Homeowners' /Association fee can be somewhat unreasonable
- Too many stairs
- Not enough tenant parking, usually provides two spaces and very inconvenient if you have visitors often
- Not enought storage space
- Individual trash disposal for some townhomes
- Disrespectful tenants who don't follow rules especially for self-regulated properties
- If you occupy the upper units, if the bathroom/toilets get clogged, the bottom units gets affected too
- Some inconveniencies when making repairs within your unit

I once lived in a manufactured house. Not bad at all, but it all depends on the unit you buy. The rental of property was reseasonable, but it did increase. You could plant a tiny garden there and other things. Can't say I'd buy one. We inherited it and sold it pretty quickly. The area was way to congested.

Neither...i am opting for a smaller home on a lot close to my son and family.....bought a lot and thought about modular but when I compared the cost, the modular was almost as much as the stick built ......so am going with the stick built.....just scaled down.
Lorita