house in the country or townhome in favorite area

Leo works in the country. It makes PERFECT sense for us to get much more bang for our buck by moving out there. Close to his job, big house, very nice size yard.

I currently rent in my dream area though. Name it and I can walk there. So much to do. I live here with zero family, did not have any friends, but I have built a community here.

So....I think its time to buy. I am pulling for a townhome down the street from where I rent...he wants land and all that.

His area is basically crime free, where I am closer to the city, so there is crime.

any thoughts of wisdom? thanks!

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

If you have a car when Leo works, i say move to the country, buy a house with some land. You can always make new friends, and with the car, you have more possibilities. And josh will have a yard to run around in and burn off some energy.

ETA: If you dont' have a car during the week and need to walk to get out, i say do the townhouse then re-evaluate in a couple years.

GL with your decision it's a hard one.

Message edited 6/4/2008 9:58:34 AM.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I can totally understand why you are torn. I'm a major country girl so the idea of land & rural lifestyle is just my speed. I'm also a big fan of green living & being able to walk to everything you need is awesome.
Its nearly impossible to find both.
I know I'd pick the country.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I say go with the country house! You have an active little boy and he will LOVE it! If you have transportation during the day, you can always come back to see your friends at the park every day and then walk around, do your errands and jump back in the car and go home to your crime free oasis!

Message edited 6/4/2008 9:28:18 AM.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I'd stay where you are. You work as a baby sitter in your home, right? Would that change if you move?

Since you arne't going into an office everyday, I think if it is really rural, than It could be depressing if you are a more social person.

Would there be things to do with the baby all day?

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I'm all about owning land I would move to the country, as long as its a nice area...


eta: unless it was the sticks??? We saw some nice houses, but I seriously heard the banjo's playing when we went and looked at them.

Where are you looking? you can FM

Message edited 6/4/2008 11:17:15 AM.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

Do you have a car during the day? How far is the "country house" from where you are now? Could you go visit your friends a few times a week? Is the country house a family neighborhood...you seem like you make friends easily.

Depending on the answers to some of these questions, it might make a difference between staying and going...but I would be leaning towards the big country house. Good luck!

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

thanks! he has his truck, I have my car.

Its in Waxhaw...actually the mom I babysit for is moving there next week. But, they live close by me so I would still be able to watch their boy.

The yard is the big selling point....

but I currently live in the greatest town. we go on 7 am walks, and people are out there biking, running, walking with strollers at all hours.

we ride our bikes and get frozen yogurt while a band outside plays in the courtyard.

But, its much more money out here...car insurance is slightly more so are taxes.

I know Leo wants a yard, he is very into gardening. But he knows I am home all the time and I actually feel like I have a life here.

oh, some areas there are banjos...birthplace of andrew jackson...the cabin is still there. with a main street and a railroad that runs through the town.

I think my neighbors would be confused by my constant walking up and down the street!

its just funny that no one lives on the outskirts because they would have to commute. we don't have a commute, but I don't think I am ready to go all country.

basically this


vs this

where I am now

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

its about 30 minutes away from where we are now. but now, I have tons of parks within 5-10 minutes...there, it is one park...but a cool river with life guards and all that.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

i'd get the town home if you like walking everywhere - i live in a city and prefer to walk everywhere - i never want a house - remember the bigger the house the more time to take care of which includes cleaning and less time to have fun

do the town houses have a little yard where you could plant a garden

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I'd go for the house in the country with the yard. When my second DD was born we were in a townhouse. When she was nine days old we decided the girls needed a yard and we put a deposit on a house in the country. (Western NJ). Best decision we ever made. YOu can still go for walks in the country and Jsh will love the freedom of running around the yard. Everyone is different but this is what I would choose. Either way, good luck!

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I would def go for a house in the country!!

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

being that I just moved somewhere new I would say townhome. You do not want to be isolated. The property values are increasing here so I'm sure if you got a good deal on a townhome you could make a bit of money. Or how about trying to find a townhome with a yard? I have seen those here I'm sure they have them in NC. E-mail a RE agent to have them send you some listings.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

A 30 minute drive is nothing...you could get the benefits of the big house in the country, and in 1/2 hour, you could park near your old place and walk around

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

thanks. they have small yards...patio and bbq space basically.


here is an example

townhouse

Message edited 6/4/2008 4:04:33 PM.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

or this

waxhaw...green acres nightmare

he wants to buy, then make the house into what we want.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

Are you talking country as in the Foothills or Mountains? I could never live in the middle of nowhere, civilization helps me keep my sanity.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

nope, I would go to mountains in a HEARTBEAT. I love boone and asheville.

this is SC border.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

Posted by luvsun27

A 30 minute drive is nothing...you could get the benefits of the big house in the country, and in 1/2 hour, you could park near your old place and walk around

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

That is not too far out! Have you checked out the schools?

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

I would go for the townhouse. Land is nice, as is a detached home, but I don't think I could sacrifice the life you've established for that. Your area sounds perfect for your lifestyle.

Are there any compromises in between?

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

30 mins isn't too bad... but I think i'd choose the townhome in the area you're already in. Seems like you really like it.

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

Re: house in the country or townhome in favorite area

what kind of job does your DH have? It's nice to have a garden, land and big house but if he's not a regular 9 to 5'er and won't be spending much time doing that then I think until that can happen, stay where YOU are most comfortable - stick with the townhome, with a small yard.

You can always have the country house later