Townhouse question: older or newer? (Raleigh, Cary: HOA fees, townhouses, landscaping)

[DiJay]

The reason I ask is that I have noticed North Raleigh especially has many older townhouses with beautiful mature trees and landscaping. These older TH communities seem to have larger bedrooms and living areas etc and when updated are beautiful...

Their HOA fees are higher than newer communities- is that due to the age of the buildings (more $$ in upkeep for the properties and amenities?) or is it something else? (perhaps the location??)

What about the sound factor? Can anyone tell me if an older townhouse would have better or worse soundproofing with regard to common walls, hearing the neighbors etc?

If anyone can help me sort out the pros and cons of older vs newer, I would be very grateful!

Thanks: confused:

[roadpony]

I don't think you can necessarily make a generalization about newer vs. older. It all depends on quality of construction. There are good and bad builders in all generations.

HOA fees tend to relect the amenities (or lack thereof) offered in a community.

[VickiR]

Older townhouses seem to have a more traditional floorplan, as do older homes. If you prefer a more open floorplan, the newer townhomes will be more for you. The HOA dues are going to be more if the amenities are better although some of the older townhouses will have high HOA dues because of the age (especially if it is time to start putting on new roofs).

Vicki

[jeffm]

Hi everyone - I know this is the place for info so here it goes....We are looking to check out some newer townhomes. Kind of what we are looking for include:
> Within 20 min commute of RTP
> New construction (or less than a few years old)
> 3 BR
> 1800 sq ft minimum
> Active social community
> Amenities (pool/gym) are a huge plus

Our budget is anywhere from 200-240K.

So far we've checked out Glenwood North and Church St. in Morrisville. Like the quality of both but each had their pluses and minuses.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by jeffm

Hi everyone - I know this is the place for info so here it goes....We are looking to check out some newer townhomes. Kind of what we are looking for include:
> Within 20 min commute of RTP
> New construction (or less than a few years old)
> 3 BR
> 1800 sq ft minimum
> Active social community
> Amenities (pool/gym) are a huge plus

Our budget is anywhere from 200-240K.

So far we've checked out Glenwood North and Church St. in Morrisville. Like the quality of both but each had their pluses and minuses.

Check out Weston Place off Cary Parkway. New construction.
Price is right, location great, and there is a neighborhood pool, and the Silverton Swim and Rec club is open to the public for a fee.

[ljd1010]

Also check out Stonewater and Amberly, both in West Cary, miuntes from RTP. Both have community pools. The clubhouse/pool at Amberly is amazing. The townhouse community within Amberly is called Washington Square.