Condos, Townhomes and Villas: What's The Difference

If you're looking for an ideal retirement community, it's important to become familiar with the different house styles available. From condominiums and townhomes to villas—what are they? We've got all the info here so your search can be as smooth sailing as possible. Get ready retirees—it’s time to unlock a whole world of options tailored for better retirement lifestyles.

What is a Villa?

Originally an ancient Roman upper-class country house, modern-day villas are still typically inspired by a get-away lifestyle that puts focus on features like gardens, ponds, lakes, and other amenities that make residents feel like they’re living the never ending vacation of their dreams.

Considered ideal for a low-maintenance lifestyle, villas are usually a single-story home style with at least one wall attached to a neighboring home. This style of living can help keep costs low and often removes things like lawn care from the homeowner's list of responsibilities.

Escape to Carter’s Mill in Northern Virginia with a virtual tour and experience the vacation-style living of villas.

What is a Townhome?

Townhomes and villas can feel like very similar house styles, but, for a townhome, there may be more of a focus on making each unit feel like a separate entity. That said, like villas, most units will still share at least one wall with a neighbor. Also like villas, townhomes are great low-maintenance options for people who are more focused on enjoying the leisurely activities of retirement since they usually do not come with large lawns to manage, and certain aspects of the exterior, like the roof, are usually maintained by the community’s HOA.

While many townhomes feature second or even third stories, creating a charming exterior, there are many ways that the space can be used from bonus spaces like lofts on the second floor or even finished basements. Although the prospect of stairs may seem like a poor choice for home styles geared towards adults 55+, many townhomes in active adult communities include options for mini elevators.

See why townhomes are perfect for today's active adult lifestyle by checking out our townhome collection at Del Webb North Penn’s townhomes in Pennsylvania - now available to tour.

What is a Condo?

Ready to experience a smooth, hassle-free life? If so, a condominium could be your perfect match. Typically laid out over a single floor, condos are multi-residential buildings in which each unit is owned by different individuals. Repairs and maintenance that takes place within the condo (or condominium) are the responsibilities of the homeowner. But all owners share in the expense of the exterior.

Condos don’t allow for the same privacy that single-family homes might, but they can cut back on your costs. And they typically don’t require homeowners to do any of their own exterior maintenance. This can come with an increased HOA (Homeowners Association) fee, but also much less responsibility on the part of the homeowner. 

Check out The Flats at Montebello condominium collection in Virginia today to see how modern condo living can come with amazing benefits.

Choose the Best Retirement Home for You

Start by assessing your budget and determining which type of area you'd like to live in if you’re looking for the perfect single-family house to call your own. If a yard is important, or proximity to a city center takes priority - there's something out there suited just right for you.

Before you start your retirement journey, make sure to pick the home that best fits the lifestyle of your dreams. If travel is a priority for you in retirement, choosing new construction and low maintenance could be just what gets you excited. And if having access to key amenities helps elevate life after work - no better way to live than like royalty on vacation every day. Explore all options so your house style choice can leave lasting memories during this golden time of life.

When it comes to retirement, downsizing your home can be a great way to simplify your life and upgrade the quality of your living experience. From community events and amenities that engage retirees like yourself, there are many benefits when it comes to choosing a retirement living option — so don't miss out. After all, as we age our homes should reflect how much joy we want in this next chapter - make sure yours does just that.

Explore a Del Webb retirement community today and discover the right active adult community for you.

For more retirement lifestyle articles and the scoop on local hotspots, browse the Del Webb blog to get inspired.