Those of us who live in townhouses in New York City belong to a small circle. We choose townhouse living because we want the autonomy and privacy it affords, we have a love for a townhouse’s architecture and craftsmanship, and we share a profound sense of participating in our city’s rich history. For some, townhouse living represents having achieved the pinnacle of success; our homes become testaments to luxury living. For others, the income from our building’s multiple units offsets the mortgage, affording a gracious home in our owner’s unit. A townhouse can even be an investment vehicle, with an astounding return rate. For most people, the townhouse lifestyle is a source of enormous curiosity. We are here to satisfy that curiosity and welcome you into our small circle. In our ‘expert’ opinion, these are the top five reasons we choose to live in townhouses.
1) Autonomy
As many of us have learned living in condo buildings, there is very little you can do without a housing association board’s approval. Want to paint your kitchen? Want to redo your bathroom? You have to ask permission. A townhouse is an independent home over which you have full ownership. You are free to decorate, renovate, paint, and remodel as you see fit.
2) Location, Location, and You Guessed it, Location!
Townhouses are concentrated in some of the most desirable neighborhoods New York City has to offer. For those who live outside of the city, you have surely heard of the Upper East Side or Upper West Side, even if you’ve never visited. With Central Park located in such close proximity to these neighborhoods, it doesn’t get much better. The same is true for Brooklyn; many townhouse-filled neighborhoods border either the waterfront, or Prospect Park.
3) Community
Living in New York City, most of us have neighbor horror stories: they’re too loud, too nosy, or their teacup poodle barks without end. Living in a townhouse affords a privacy and community otherwise unattainable in a high-rise apartment. Your neighbors will no longer be your foes, but a community that supports you, brings in your mail and feeds your cat when you’re out of town, and acts as resource for recommendations for a plumber or electrician.
4) Long Term Investment
Townhouses are cheaper per square foot than other housing properties in New York City. Their long-term investment values have only increased–never dropped.
5) Flexibility and Space
A townhouse offers endless opportunities for expansion and conversion. Your family has room to grow into a townhouse, be it with another kid, a third dog, or if your in-laws decide to move in.
