What Type Of Home Should You Consider? Townhomes Vs. Single Family Homes
If home shopping has started to feel like a full-time hobby, this question usually shows up right on schedule: Should the next place be a townhome or a single-family home?
Both can be a great move. The difference is how each one supports real life, like commuting, weekends, privacy, and the kind of upkeep that fits the calendar. This guide breaks it down in a way that helps you choose confidently, not just compare pros and cons.
Table Of Contents
Townhomes Vs. Single Family Homes At A Glance
What You Actually Own And Why It Matters
How The Monthly Budget Really Breaks Down
Maintenance And Time: Who Handles What
Space, Privacy, And Everyday Comfort
Lifestyle Fit In Greater Nashville
Resale, Flexibility, And Long Term Plans
Questions To Ask On A Tour
How To Shop Townhomes And Single Family Homes With Legacy South
FAQs
Conclusion
Key Takeaway
Townhomes Vs. Single Family Homes At A Glance
A townhome is typically a multi-level home that shares one or more walls with a neighboring home. Many townhomes are part of a planned community with an HOA (Home Owners Association) that helps manage common areas and, in some cases, exterior maintenance.
A single-family home is a detached home on its own lot, with no shared walls. That usually means more privacy, more outdoor space, and greater maintenance responsibility.
Here is a quick comparison to ground the decision.
A lot of national guides frame it similarly: townhomes often trade some privacy and outdoor space for location and lower maintenance, while single-family homes lean into space and independence.
What You Actually Own And Why It Matters
This part is often skipped in comparison articles, but it is one of the most important differences.
Ownership Structure And Boundaries
With a single-family home, ownership is usually straightforward. The home and the lot are owned, and decisions about exterior changes, landscaping, fencing, and upgrades are more flexible, as long as local rules and any HOA guidelines are followed.
With a townhome, ownership can still be simple: the buyer owns the home and the lot it sits on, but there are often shared components and rules. That can include:
Shared walls and roof lines
Shared driveways or private streets
Community landscaping and amenities
Architectural guidelines for exterior changes
The takeaway is simple. The home can still feel very personal, but decisions are often coordinated through HOA rules and design standards. That can be a relief for some buyers and a frustration for others.
HOA Documents Are Not Just Fine Print
If townhome living is on the shortlist (as well as many single-family homes), the HOA documents matter because they impact:
What the HOA covers versus what the homeowner covers
Whether rentals are allowed and under what rules
Pet rules
Parking rules, including guest parking
Approval requirements for exterior changes
It is worth reading the basics before falling in love with a floor plan. What costs or responsibilities do buyers usually miss when they move in?
How The Monthly Budget Really Breaks Down
Most buyers start with the list price, but comfort comes from the monthly total. The goal is a payment that fits even when life gets busy, like travel, childcare, or a surprise car repair.
A realistic monthly budget usually includes:
Principal and interest
Property taxes
Homeowners insurance
HOA dues, if applicable
Utilities
Maintenance savings
HOA Dues And How They Get Paid
HOA dues are usually not included in the mortgage payment. In some cases, a servicer may be willing to include them in escrow, but that is not the norm, and it typically requires asking.
So if a townhome feels affordable, confirm the monthly HOA dues early and treat them like a must-pay bill, not an optional add-on.
Also, ask what the dues cover. Sometimes they cover landscaping and exterior care, and sometimes they cover much more or much less, depending on the community.
Property Taxes Depend On Where You Buy
In Davidson County, property taxes are calculated using assessed value and the tax rate, and residential assessed value is based on a state-set assessment ratio.
The practical tip is to build taxes into the monthly number early. A lender can estimate taxes, but it is still smart to understand how the county calculates them.
Insurance Can Vary By Home Type
Insurance is another reason the same purchase price can feel different month to month. Single-family homes often carry a standard homeowners policy. Townhomes can differ based on what the HOA covers versus what the homeowner must insure.
This is not a reason to worry; it is just a reason to ask:
What does the HOA master policy cover, if there is one
What does the homeowner need to insure separately
What deductibles and limits are typical
An insurance agent can translate that fast.
A Simple Budget Gut Check
If the household feels stressed by a higher but manageable payment, townhomes can keep the monthly budget comfortable while still landing in a great location. If the household would pay more to avoid shared walls and gain yard space, a single-family home can be worth the stretch, as long as it stays within a safe payment range.
Maintenance And Time: Who Handles What
This is where the lifestyle difference really shows up.
Townhomes Often Mean Less Exterior Upkeep
Many townhome communities are designed for low-maintenance living. Legacy South describes townhome living as lower-maintenance, partly because HOA management handles landscaping and exterior maintenance in certain communities.
That can change how weekends feel. Instead of yard work, time can go toward hobbies, kids, travel, or just doing nothing, which, honestly, is a valid plan.
Single Family Homes Mean More Control And More Responsibility
With a detached home, the homeowner typically controls the yard, exterior, and schedule, but also handles the planning and cost of upkeep. That includes:
Lawn care and landscaping
Gutters and exterior cleaning
Fence repairs
Pest prevention
Roof and exterior maintenance planning
Some buyers love the control. Others do not want their Saturday morning tied to a mower.
New Construction Can Reduce Early Surprises
One advantage of buying new construction is fewer immediate repair projects compared with older resale homes. Legacy South also highlights warranty and aftercare as ways to protect buyers from unexpected costs and to support homeowners after closing.
For many first-time buyers, that peace of mind matters as much as the layout.
Space, Privacy, And Everyday Comfort
This part is personal, but there are patterns.
Privacy And Noise
Single-family homes generally win on quiet and privacy. There are no shared walls, and neighbors feel farther away.
Townhomes can still feel private, especially with thoughtful construction and layout, but shared walls are part of the experience. If noise sensitivity is high, prioritize end units when available, and pay attention to where bedrooms sit relative to neighboring living rooms.
Outdoor Space And Storage
Single-family homes usually offer more private outdoor space, which is great for:
Dogs that need yard time
Gardening
Entertaining outdoors
Kids who want to play close to home
Townhomes often come with a patio, smaller yard, or shared greenspace. That can still be plenty if outdoor time is more about coffee on the patio than weekend projects.
Storage also matters more than buyers expect. A detached home often has attic space, a larger garage, or more flexible storage options. Townhomes can have great storage too, but it is more important to check it in person. Look for:
Pantry and linen storage
Closet depth
Garage storage for bikes and seasonal items
Entry drop zone space
Stairs And Daily Life
Many townhomes are multi-level, which can be a plus for separating living and sleeping areas. It can also be a downside if stairs feel inconvenient now or in the long run. If the household is thinking ahead, ask about main-level living options, primary suites, or layouts that reduce stair dependence.
Lifestyle Fit In Greater Nashville
In Greater Nashville, the townhome-versus-single-family choice often comes down to one big trade-off: in-town convenience versus more space and separation.
Townhomes Often Fit In-Town, Low-Maintenance Living
Townhomes can make it easier to buy closer to Nashville’s energy, restaurants, and job centers, without paying as much.
Legacy South’s site highlights Nashville area townhome communities like Taylor & Walton STation, positioned in Nashville, with a resort-style pool and ammenities.
Townhomes can be a great fit for:
Busy professionals
First-time buyers who want an easier path to ownership
Buyers who travel often
Anyone who wants a lock-and-leave lifestyle
Single Family Homes Often Fit Space And Long-Term Flexibility
If the vision includes a private yard, fewer shared boundaries, and space for hobbies, a single-family home often makes the most sense.
Legacy South builds across Nashville, Madison, Murfreesboro, and beyond, which gives buyers multiple paths depending on what matters most, like commute, budget, and home type.
A helpful next step is to pair this home type decision with a location decision. Legacy South’s Nashville neighborhood guide frames it as lifestyle zones and connects home types to areas like East Nashville, Madison, and Murfreesboro.
Resale, Flexibility, And Long Term Plans
Most buyers care about resale, even if this is a five-year plan. The smarter approach is to focus on flexibility, as it supports resale.
Buyer Pool And Demand
Single-family homes often appeal to a broader group of future buyers, especially households that want yards and privacy. Townhomes can also have strong demand, especially in areas where location and low-maintenance living are top priorities.
How Future Plans Influence The Best Choice
Townhomes tend to fit well if the future looks like:
Career growth and a busy schedule
Travel
A preference for newer, lower-maintenance living
Single-family homes tend to fit well if the future looks like:
Pets that need space
More outdoor living
Woodworking, gardening, or other space-heavy hobbies
A desire for fewer community rules
New Construction Benefits For Long Term Confidence
If you’re planning to stay put for a while, “new” isn’t just about shiny finishes, it’s about predictability.
New construction is built to today’s standards, which usually means better energy efficiency, newer systems, and fewer surprise repairs in the first few years. You’re not inheriting someone else’s deferred maintenance list; you’re starting with a clean slate and clear expectations. For many buyers, that’s the real win: fewer unknowns, more confidence in what you’re paying for, and a home that’s easier to budget for over time.
Questions To Ask On A Tour
This section can save a buyer from the wrong choice, even if the home looks perfect online.
Questions For Townhomes
What does the HOA cover, specifically, and what is still the homeowner’s responsibility?
Are HOA dues paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, and are there rules for increases?
Are there restrictions on rentals, short-term rentals, or leasing?
What are the parking rules, including guest parking?
Are there pet limits, breed restrictions, or rules about fences?
What is the trash pickup process, and where are bins stored?
How is sound separation handled, and where do bedrooms sit relative to neighbors?
Questions For Single Family Homes
What maintenance items should be budgeted for annually, like landscaping, pest prevention, and exterior upkeep?
What is the plan for yard work, and does the schedule realistically allow it?
Are there HOA guidelines for fences, sheds, exterior paint, or parking, even in a detached neighborhood?
How is drainage handled in the yard after heavy rain?
What storage space exists for seasonal items and hobbies?
Questions For Both
What is the total monthly cost, including taxes, insurance, and HOA dues if applicable?
What does the commute feel like at the times that matter most?
Does the layout support real routines, including working from home and hosting?
What is the timeline from contract to closing, and what steps should be expected?
How To Shop Townhomes And Single Family Homes With Legacy South
Once the decision feels close, the fastest path is to compare options side by side.
Step 1: Filter By Home Type And Location
Start with Legacy South communities and narrow by city, home type, and price range. The homepage includes a home search tool and community list across Nashville, Madison, Murfreesboro, and Tims Ford Lake.
Step 2: Compare Floor Plans Like A Daily Life Map
Floor plans tell the truth. Compare:
Kitchen and living flow
Where bedrooms sit
Storage and pantry space
Garage and entry space
Outdoor connection, patio, porch, yard access
Legacy South’s floor plan page allows filtering by home type, including single-family and townhome.
Step 3: Understand The Buying Experience
Legacy South outlines a process that includes a sales agreement, a Selections Experience, plan review, and progress updates, helping buyers understand what to expect and how personalization works.
Step 4: Schedule A Tour And Bring The Questions
A tour is where the choice becomes obvious. Contact Legacy South to schedule a tour and get answers from the team.
Also helpful internal reads for shoppers:
FAQs
Are Townhomes Cheaper Than Single-Family Homes In Nashville?
Often, yes, especially when comparing similar locations. Many buyers use townhomes as a more attainable entry point into desirable areas. The better comparison is total monthly cost after HOA dues, taxes, and insurance are included.
Do Townhomes Always Have HOAs?
Many do, particularly in planned communities. Some detached neighborhoods also have HOAs, so it is still worth asking, even for a single-family home. The main difference is that townhome HOAs more often manage shared elements and exterior standards.
Are HOA Dues Included In The Mortgage Payment?
Usually not. In some cases, a servicer may be willing to include HOA dues in escrow upon request, but this is uncommon.
Is A Townhome A Good Fit For First Time Buyers?
It can be a great fit if the goal is to stay closer to Nashville, keep maintenance simpler, and build equity without taking on a big yard and exterior upkeep right away. Townhomes also fit buyers who travel, work long hours, or want a lock-and-leave lifestyle.
Which Option Is Better For Resale?
Both can resell well, especially when location and condition are strong. Single-family homes often attract a broad buyer pool. Townhomes often attract buyers who want convenience and lower maintenance in high-demand areas.
How Can Buyers Decide Faster Without Overthinking?
Pick the top three priorities and be honest:
Location and commute
Maintenance time
Privacy and outdoor space
Then tour one townhome and one single-family home in the same general budget range. The fit usually becomes obvious within 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Townhomes and single-family homes can both be the right answer. The best choice is the one that fits the household’s time, budget, comfort, and day-to-day rhythm.
Key takeaways:
Townhomes are often a smart fit for buyers who want a lower maintenance lifestyle, strong locations, and a more predictable exterior to-do list.
Single-family homes are often a smart fit for buyers who want maximum privacy, more yard space, and more control over the property.
The monthly budget should include HOA dues (if applicable), taxes, and insurance, not just the mortgage payment.
Touring both home types, with the right questions, makes the decision much easier.
