Town Homes
By on Apr 02, 2008
By Ralph Del Duca
The convenience and excitement of living in the hub of established urban amenities has an increasing number of people choosing Toronto as their home. For those who want to live in the city, the condominium townhome presents an interesting alternative to both low-rise and high-rise living. Urban townhomes offer the best of both worlds - the benefits of a single family or semi-detached home, plus the freedom of a lifestyle that doesn't involve things like mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and exterior repairs.
The urban townhome is also an affordable alternative. A condominium townhome is usually less expensive than a single detached or semi-detached home in both
purchase price and maintenance. Townhomes generally do not include the level of building amenities found with high-rise condos, which translates to substantially lower maintenance fees.A sense of freedom also proves to be a powerful motivation in choosing an urban townhome. Many purchasers prefer to choose their own recreational venues. With a townhome, they do not feel obligated to use the pools, exercise equipment, and other facilities that would normally be paid for through maintenance fees in a high-rise.
Buyers choose urban townhomes for a number of other reasons. A townhome is more compact yet more spatially versatile than a high-rise. This style of home offers direct ground level street access, which is an attractive aspect of low-rise living. Parking, whether above ground or underground, adds yet another element of convenience, and townhomes have individual heating and cooling controls for comfort.
Townhome purchasers also appreciate having access to outdoor living. Many urban townhomes offer a back garden, patio, or rooftop terrace, so you don't have to
sacrifice personal outdoor space to live in the city. Rooftop terraces are rarely included in high-rise suites unless they are expensive penthouses. If you purchase a townhome with this feature, you can garden and entertain against a backdrop of charming views without skyrocketing costs. In a detached or semi-detached home, you have to mow the back lawn; in a condominium townhome, that service is provided. When you travel, knowing your lawn and exterior will be looked after makes for a more enjoyable trip.
For those who bring their green thumbs along with them to their new home, the urban townhome is ideal. The breadth of plant material and outdoor accessories available today has transformed container gardening on patios and rooftop gardens into an art form. Urban townhome owners can express their individuality through their décor choices both inside and out.
Living in the city is all about location. Rather than waiting years for parks and commercial components to be installed, urban dwellers have access to shops, services and recreational facilities immediately. Sometimes amenities lie within walking distance.
The main goal of urban townhome purchasers is to spend more time enjoying themselves instead of being tied down to home maintenance. They want attractive, well-maintained surroundings in a space that feels more like a home than an apartment. Each housing style has its advantages, but the urban condominium townhome presents a refreshing alternative in city living.
