Anyone downsize to a townhome?

[Anonymous]

If I had an infinity amount of money, I would buy my parents a rambler within a half mile of my house. I would renovate the kitchen and 1st floor bathrooms for wheelchair access and grab bars and put a nice ai pair suite in the lower level for live-in help when the time comes.

[Anonymous]

I've considered buying a TH now that I'm divorced. I don't need a 4BR house, and I find the way the house is laid out—a specialized room for everything—to be less useful for a single person than a TH might be.

But every time I look at a TH, I realize why I don't like them. Having someone on the other side of each wall (or across a very small air gap, so the poster at 07/07/2024 02:39 doesn't feel the need to give us another tutorial on TH building codes) is an issue—not so much because of their noise, but because I'm paranoid about me being too loud. But what I really hate is that the outdoor space is so minimal and unattractive. I love having a porch that looks out on a yard, garden, or trees. Ideally, I'd have a screened porch where the cats and I can hang out on nice days. THs almost universally just have those rooftop decks that have views of the other TH rooftop decks.

A rowhome (like what you see in Capitol Hill) would be another matter, since they aren't build like modern suburban THs. The rowhomes may have yards, and I've even seen a few with screened porches. Alas, Capitol Hill rowhomes are way out of my price range these days.

[Anonymous]

My parents moved into a duplex in a community where all the outdoor yardwork and snow removal is done by the HOA.
When you are in their place, you wouldn't even know it is a duplex. They have first floor primary bedroom with guest rooms on the second floor.
I'm so happy to picked this set up because they are going to be able to age in place for a long time.

[Anonymous]

I did to a condo after a divorce. Still expensive and my Taxes and insurance are through the roof! 400+ raise in my payments now because of taxes and insurance.

This place is unreal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did to a condo after a divorce. Still expensive and my Taxes and insurance are through the roof! 400+ raise in my payments now because of taxes and insurance.

This place is unreal

Taxes and insurance also went up significantly on single family homes over the past few years.

Condos/townhomes aren’t much different on a % basis when it comes to tax+insurance, unless you are in a few problem states like Florida where condo insurance rates are skyrocketing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a townhouse, you’re sharing a wall - or 2 - with neighbors. That could bring you into close contact with their noise, their smoke, their conflicts, and so on. If you’re okay with that, great. If not, that’s something to consider.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about, as there are NO shared walls with neighbors, in townhouses.

Every single state in the U.S. has laws or building codes that addresses the requirement for firewalls between townhouse units.
These codes are based on national standards such as the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.

Those laws and codes are strictly enforced at the state and local levels.

Obviously, they were created to prevent fires from spreading from one unit to the next, but they also serve to muffle ALL sound from one unit to the next.

Not only is there a two foot space in between each firewall, but firewalls between townhouses are typically filled with materials designed to resist the spread of fire.

Materials used in firewalls often include concrete or masonry, which are non-combustible and provide excellent fire resistance.
Gypsum board, often referred to as Type X or Type C, is another common material; it contains non-combustible fibers and other additives to enhance fire resistance, mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, which do not burn and can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, are also used.
Additionally, intumescent coatings, which are special paints or coatings that expand when exposed to heat to create a barrier, help contain the fire.

So, to paint a picture...
There is your wall, then on the other side of your wall lies another wall, which is distanced approx 12 inches from your wall.
On the other side of THAT wall, lies a floor to ceiling firewall that's approx 2 feet in length and densely filled with fireproofing materials (which would 1000% muffle any & every sound your neighbor could possibly conjure) then another 12 inch space, and then your neighbors wall.

The more progressive states, have had these laws & codes on the books since the early 80's and 90's some are from even earlier.

So obviously, there is no noise, as there are NO shared walls in modern day townhomes.

While agree with most of what you said, I live in a brand new townhome and can definitely hear my neighbors. I hear their kids running up and down the stairs. Them opening the pantry door, etc. my home was built in 2021.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a townhouse, you’re sharing a wall - or 2 - with neighbors. That could bring you into close contact with their noise, their smoke, their conflicts, and so on. If you’re okay with that, great. If not, that’s something to consider.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about, as there are NO shared walls with neighbors, in townhouses.

Every single state in the U.S. has laws or building codes that addresses the requirement for firewalls between townhouse units.
These codes are based on national standards such as the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.

Those laws and codes are strictly enforced at the state and local levels.

Obviously, they were created to prevent fires from spreading from one unit to the next, but they also serve to muffle ALL sound from one unit to the next.

Not only is there a two foot space in between each firewall, but firewalls between townhouses are typically filled with materials designed to resist the spread of fire.

Materials used in firewalls often include concrete or masonry, which are non-combustible and provide excellent fire resistance.
Gypsum board, often referred to as Type X or Type C, is another common material; it contains non-combustible fibers and other additives to enhance fire resistance, mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, which do not burn and can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, are also used.
Additionally, intumescent coatings, which are special paints or coatings that expand when exposed to heat to create a barrier, help contain the fire.

So, to paint a picture...
There is your wall, then on the other side of your wall lies another wall, which is distanced approx 12 inches from your wall.
On the other side of THAT wall, lies a floor to ceiling firewall that's approx 2 feet in length and densely filled with fireproofing materials (which would 1000% muffle any & every sound your neighbor could possibly conjure) then another 12 inch space, and then your neighbors wall.

The more progressive states, have had these laws & codes on the books since the early 80's and 90's some are from even earlier.

So obviously, there is no noise, as there are NO shared walls in modern day townhomes.

The amount of noise is relative to the quality of construction.

No noise? Doubtful.

I guess it depends. Our second house is an end-unit townhouse. Our neighbor has high school teens that are in band. My kids are middle schoolers in band. Kids have practiced brass instruments in both houses and we don't hear it. They've had parties including music and we haven't heard it. My kids play loud Nintendo Switch games on the TV mounted on the shared wall and they havne't heard it.

And this is run of the mill 1970s/1980s construction mid-level construction townhomes (e.g. not budget pricing and not high-end either). Maybe noise is a problem in budget priced construction, but not at our level. I've been to parties/kids events at other friends similar style townhomes and we've never had a noise issue in their homes either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a townhouse, you’re sharing a wall - or 2 - with neighbors. That could bring you into close contact with their noise, their smoke, their conflicts, and so on. If you’re okay with that, great. If not, that’s something to consider.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about, as there are NO shared walls with neighbors, in townhouses.

Every single state in the U.S. has laws or building codes that addresses the requirement for firewalls between townhouse units.
These codes are based on national standards such as the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.

Those laws and codes are strictly enforced at the state and local levels.

Obviously, they were created to prevent fires from spreading from one unit to the next, but they also serve to muffle ALL sound from one unit to the next.

Not only is there a two foot space in between each firewall, but firewalls between townhouses are typically filled with materials designed to resist the spread of fire.

Materials used in firewalls often include concrete or masonry, which are non-combustible and provide excellent fire resistance.
Gypsum board, often referred to as Type X or Type C, is another common material; it contains non-combustible fibers and other additives to enhance fire resistance, mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, which do not burn and can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, are also used.
Additionally, intumescent coatings, which are special paints or coatings that expand when exposed to heat to create a barrier, help contain the fire.

So, to paint a picture...
There is your wall, then on the other side of your wall lies another wall, which is distanced approx 12 inches from your wall.
On the other side of THAT wall, lies a floor to ceiling firewall that's approx 2 feet in length and densely filled with fireproofing materials (which would 1000% muffle any & every sound your neighbor could possibly conjure) then another 12 inch space, and then your neighbors wall.

The more progressive states, have had these laws & codes on the books since the early 80's and 90's some are from even earlier.

So obviously, there is no noise, as there are NO shared walls in modern day townhomes.

sounds like you've never lived in a townhouse.

i lived in one townhouse where i could hear my neighbors kid practicing violin in their bedroom

i lived in another where i could smell the neighbors smoking weed INSIDE the house with windows closed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a townhouse, you’re sharing a wall - or 2 - with neighbors. That could bring you into close contact with their noise, their smoke, their conflicts, and so on. If you’re okay with that, great. If not, that’s something to consider.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about, as there are NO shared walls with neighbors, in townhouses.

Every single state in the U.S. has laws or building codes that addresses the requirement for firewalls between townhouse units.
These codes are based on national standards such as the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.

Those laws and codes are strictly enforced at the state and local levels.

Obviously, they were created to prevent fires from spreading from one unit to the next, but they also serve to muffle ALL sound from one unit to the next.

Not only is there a two foot space in between each firewall, but firewalls between townhouses are typically filled with materials designed to resist the spread of fire.

Materials used in firewalls often include concrete or masonry, which are non-combustible and provide excellent fire resistance.
Gypsum board, often referred to as Type X or Type C, is another common material; it contains non-combustible fibers and other additives to enhance fire resistance, mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, which do not burn and can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, are also used.
Additionally, intumescent coatings, which are special paints or coatings that expand when exposed to heat to create a barrier, help contain the fire.

So, to paint a picture...
There is your wall, then on the other side of your wall lies another wall, which is distanced approx 12 inches from your wall.
On the other side of THAT wall, lies a floor to ceiling firewall that's approx 2 feet in length and densely filled with fireproofing materials (which would 1000% muffle any & every sound your neighbor could possibly conjure) then another 12 inch space, and then your neighbors wall.

The more progressive states, have had these laws & codes on the books since the early 80's and 90's some are from even earlier.

So obviously, there is no noise, as there are NO shared walls in modern day townhomes.

You sound like someone who has done a lot of research, but has no actual experience. I lived in a townhouse and we had an older lady live next to us. Couldn't hear a thing. Then she sold to a single dad and his teenage son. We could hear lots of sounds through the walls. Screaming, video games, music, etc.

[Anonymous]

I am so tired of living in a townhouse. Hate how dark it is. I would only do an end unit. Oh, we have firewalls but I can still sometimes hear neighbors and their dogs. I would much rather be in a small ranch or bungalow but we are stuck due to prices.

We moved from a decrepit rambler SFH to a very nice townhouse. Motivations were financial and need for a better school pyramid, as well as just being sick of yard work. Candidly, we kind of hate it. We can hear the bass from our next door neighbor playing video games. Hate the laundry in the basement, hate so many stairs, hate constantly being so close to other people, hate the other neighbors who don't bring in their trash cans ever (and somehow have not been cited by the HOA), hate the issues with parking even though we have a driveway and garage. Weirdly, we lived in a condo before moving to our previous SFH and liked it much more than this townhouse. We would consider moving to a condo in a walkable area when our kids are in college. So I don't know if it's just the particular townhouse or if I'm just older and surly.

[Anonymous]

We downsized to a TH but once we had grandchildren we quickly realized it was a mistake. The floor plan was wrong and we didn’t have our own backyard. The TH was actually beautiful and perfect for empty nesters who head south for the winter. So, we bought a big home with a big yard with a very kid and family friendly layout. Yes, it’s a PITA at times but it was the right decision. We have a small army of grandchildren who all live within 45 minutes so they often visit and sleep over. I’m sure that in ten years we will downsize again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a townhouse, you’re sharing a wall - or 2 - with neighbors. That could bring you into close contact with their noise, their smoke, their conflicts, and so on. If you’re okay with that, great. If not, that’s something to consider.

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about, as there are NO shared walls with neighbors, in townhouses.

Every single state in the U.S. has laws or building codes that addresses the requirement for firewalls between townhouse units.
These codes are based on national standards such as the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.

Those laws and codes are strictly enforced at the state and local levels.

Obviously, they were created to prevent fires from spreading from one unit to the next, but they also serve to muffle ALL sound from one unit to the next.

Not only is there a two foot space in between each firewall, but firewalls between townhouses are typically filled with materials designed to resist the spread of fire.

Materials used in firewalls often include concrete or masonry, which are non-combustible and provide excellent fire resistance.
Gypsum board, often referred to as Type X or Type C, is another common material; it contains non-combustible fibers and other additives to enhance fire resistance, mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, which do not burn and can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, are also used.
Additionally, intumescent coatings, which are special paints or coatings that expand when exposed to heat to create a barrier, help contain the fire.

So, to paint a picture...
There is your wall, then on the other side of your wall lies another wall, which is distanced approx 12 inches from your wall.
On the other side of THAT wall, lies a floor to ceiling firewall that's approx 2 feet in length and densely filled with fireproofing materials (which would 1000% muffle any & every sound your neighbor could possibly conjure) then another 12 inch space, and then your neighbors wall.

The more progressive states, have had these laws & codes on the books since the early 80's and 90's some are from even earlier.

So obviously, there is no noise, as there are NO shared walls in modern day townhomes.

This!
I live in a townhome and I have never heard nor seen my neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pros, cons, any regrets?
We don’t need our giant home anymore. We like the idea of no more lawn and external maintenance. But wondering if trade offs are worth it?

What trade off? Not worrying about yard care/trees; not worrying about a basement

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Too many variations among townhouses and SFHs to make it apples versus oranges.

There are expensive high end townhouse communities that are quiet and pleasant places where everyone minds their own businesses, and people typically also have second homes elsewhere. In some of these places you practically never see anyone around. Some have ground floor MB suites too. Meanwhile plenty of SFHs have many stairs and are in loud neighborhoods that are fishbowls.

THIS - what does OP mean by townhome? There are lots of gorgeous new townhouses with elevators where I live, so thats what I think of when I read townhome; but there are lots of older, smaller townhomes, too, but I’m not familiar with those.

[Anonymous]

I’ve lived in a bunch of different town houses and apartments and SFHs. The worst neighbors by far were in a SFH on one side and across the back yard. One was a hoarder, my winter view without leaves was of their trash piles. The other had invasive weeds coming through to my yard constantly.