Townhouse vs. Single Family Home: Which is Better for Young Families?

Should I Buy a Townhouse or a Single Family Home?

A single-family home is a detached residence, unlike a duplex, for example, where two residences are attached. A townhouse is an attached, multi-story home that shares at least one wall with a neighbor. The unit has its own entrance and is at least 2 stories and often 3. You frequently have a garage with a townhome, too.

Choosing a townhouse vs. single-family home will depend on what you want for your family at this stage in your life.

How much room do you want? 

Buying a townhome can give you as much space as a single-family home. The primary difference is the layout for each level. A single-family home is spread out across a footprint that is often broader than a townhome, which is designed for vertical space.

If you want single-level living—without stairs—then a detached home is the right choice for you. But if you’re considering a home with the main living area on one level and the bedrooms on the upper level, either a townhome or single-family home will work for you.

Do you need a big yard?

With both a detached single-family home and a townhouse, you own the land. That means a front and back yard to create the outdoor uses you want.

A townhome’s yard is probably smaller. The space will be equal to the width of your home but the depth of your lot depends on the community. 

Are you envisioning a yard with a playset and more? If that’s a priority for your family, a single-family home with the right-sized yard is the better decision.

What do you want for playspaces and amenities?

Playtime is important for young families. When choosing your new home, you’ll want to know where you children can play—and with whom.

Some communities—whether townhome or single-family homes—include amenities, like a playground and swimming pool. Family-friendly neighborhoods are located near such amenities, including parks, playgrounds, good schools, and recreation. 

A townhome community has the urban experience of people living closer together. Your children could have other kids nearby, easily within walking distance, which makes it convenient to plan play dates. 

How much maintenance do you want to handle right now?

Owning a home requires taking on some maintenance chores. That responsibility can range from mowing the lawn to all sorts of repairs if you buy a fixer-upper. A brand new construction home shouldn’t demand much of your time, since everything is new and under warranty. 

Buying a townhome includes the added benefit of low-maintenance living. The exterior care is usually covered by your homeowners association (HOA) fee. Mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, exterior painting, repairing the roof, and shoveling snow are no longer your responsibility. For many homeowners—from first-time buyers to empty nesters—the lock-and-leave lifestyle is a strong motivator for choosing a townhome. It’s also a factor for young families who have more important things to do with their time than keeping up with homeownership.

Browse Our Homes for Sale in Waldorf, MD 

Still not sure whether to choose a townhouse vs. single-family home? The next step is to visit some homes and communities. Tour the area and model homes. Get a sense for how people live in each place.

If you’re looking in the DC Metro area, how about a suburb just 21 miles south of the nation’s capital? Dream Finders Homes has a community of both new single-family homes and townhomes for sale in Waldorf, MD. 

At Scotland Heights, you can tour models of our new single-family homes for sale. Walk the spacious homesites to get a feel for where you might want to live. Then choose a floor plan, with options from 2,779 to 3,173 square feet of beautifully appointed indoor living space. Each 2-story floor plan offers ways to personalize the design to suit your family’s needs and style. From selecting the exterior details to adding and expanding the interior layout, you can create your dream home!

Dream Finders Homes also has townhouses for sale at Scotland Heights. These 3-bedroom, townhomes present distinctive curb appeal with each home having its own unique exterior details. We offer a variety of ways to adapt the 2,384-square-foot floor plan to your liking. You can add a half- or full bath to the lower level and create a junior suite there. Include a fireplace in your great room and either add or expand the deck. 

Whether you choose one of the townhomes or single-family homes for sale, Scotland Heights is a family-friendly community that’s ready to welcome you home.

Connect with Dream Finders Today for More Info on Our Gorgeous Homes!

Dream Finders Homes builds more than homes for sale in Waldorf, MD. We give our customers a lifestyle experience in communities that are inspired by their exciting locations and desirable features. Then we create home designs that offer flexibility. We give you what you need most when planning a new home: choices.