Advantages of Condo Living

There is much to be said for condo living. Let me name a few positive aspects:

1/ Security

You’re not alone in a house, and vulnerable to burglars; you have neighbors close at hand. Many condo associations provide guards and locked gates for extra security. Of course, you still need to take normal precautions—lock your doors, prevent wide-open windows on the ground level and not leave your wallet by the pool. Condominiums often provide special cages for bicycles and boats, or storage areas that can be rented.

2/ Minimal Maintenance

You need no longer mow the lawn or rake the leaves. Nor do you have to fix the roof or paint the house. Of course, you’re still in charge of you interior condo space, which you can paint and decorate to your heart’s content. When it comes to structural changes, however, or replacing windows and porch lighting, or anything that affects the outside appearance, you’ll need the Board’s approval. Condos are required to have CC&Rs that specify what owners can and cannot do.

3/ More Amenities

Condo amenities are often a great plus. Many condos have pools, large gardens, exercise rooms, tennis courts, and a clubhouse that can also be rented for private events.  Our condo pool is heated year round to a comfortable 84º, the clubhouse has an excellent kitchen and Barbeque area, a room for Ping Pong and another one for games. In the living room you’ll find a fireplace, library and wide-screen TV. It also has a wood shop with superb machinery for expert craftsmen.

4/ Free to Travel

Condo living makes it easy to travel. You lock the door and leave. No worry about telltale signs that you’re gone, no throwaway papers, no unkempt lawn.

5/ Location

Condos are often built in desirable locations, near a beach, lake, golf course, or park. You find them downtown close to employment and shopping. It’s wise to rent a condo first to see if it’s to your liking.

6/ Neighbors

Having a good neighbor can be a blessing in a million ways.  After all, we are primarily a sociable species. Good relations with your neighbors are especially important when only a wall separates you. On the other hand, if your neighbor causes you frequent annoyance and nightmares, then the proximity of others can becomes a definite con.

We’ll get to the CONS on Tuesday.

Rosi McIntosh