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I'm really having a tough time making a decision on a house. My wife absolutely loves an attached unit in Roslyn Heights (Roslyn Schools). I'd prefer to opt for a single-family home in another town (Albertson, Mineola, NHP). I understand that schools are not as good, but that is not currently a major factor for us.
The thought of shared walls and a not-very-private backyard isn't very appealing. However, from an economic standpoint, we'll pay approx $100k less - making us economically, much more comfortable.
Any thoughts of other pros/cons?
Is an attached house an investment with a much lower ceiling?
Cons: If you and your neighbors do not get along, good luck
Cons: Although the walls are pretty well insulated for noise and whatnot, you still need to be mindful .. "Am I making too much noise.. "
We grew up in a semi detatched home (ireland) and while it was ok, I wouldnt do it again. We had no choice then but its funny, all my siblings and I live in detatched homes now.
No one above or below - just side by side. The attached home was built in 1928 - if that's any help. I haven't heard any noise the few times I've visited. Also, there's no type of board or ruling body - each home is individually owned - just like a single-family home.
The location is good: great schools, close to LIRR (but far enough), close to L.I.E. (but far enough), etc. And like I said, we'll pay around $100k less than a standalone home...
Personally, I'm not the attached type. I see some of those attached homes in Queens (along the LIE) and the ones that jump out are the ones where the neighbors did NOT share the same taste in color or styles. BLECH nothing worse than two different, opposing schemes on an attached house.
Your new potential neighbor might be at work (or sleeping) when you're present. Who knows what they do when they are home and awake? Polka parties? Mariacchi music? Group revivial meetings?
I have lots of room between my neighbors and I. Having grown up in Nassau, living lined up like headstones in Arlington, I couldn't take the uniformity and close proximity of the older developments. I fled
If you could afford a regular home, why would you choose attached housing... even if it is nice? It is almost like renting (ie: noise level, not having your own personal yard space, possible regulations to what you can do to the place).
Also, I do believe the resale value is not nearly that of regular homes. Attached homes and townhouses do not appreciate as quickly as well. It may be cheaper now, but that is for a reason...it's not as much as an investment. You could take what you like about the attached home and upgrade the regular home you find to look like it.
Although Roslyn is a great area, longterm, many of the other areas you are considering are nice too.
FYI: Out of all of my friends that were househunting in the past 2 years, the only couple that considered attached housing was the couple that couldn't afford a regular home.
I agree. We can "afford" both - but the attached option comes down to more breathing room for us (about $600 a month in a mortgage payment). Plus, another advantage to the attached home is that since it is smaller, with fewer windows, electric/fuel costs should be lower...
Have you lived in apartments before? Is there an HOA? Have you seen the neighbors? Would your mortgage payment be really tight on the house rather than the attached house?
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