By Patricia Evans
Your marriage is a contract like no other and starting your life together has its challenges. If you’re searching the market for your first home, condo living is an option you should consider. It takes out many of the headaches and conflicts that a single home ownership might introduce into the relationship. Take it from Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood who remarked, “They say all marriages are made in heaven, but so are thunder and lightning.”
Living in a condominium is a growing trend among young professionals, newlyweds and small families. Let’s explore seven compelling reasons why living in condo is ideal for you and your brand-new spouse.
1. Condo living is cost-efficient
If you compare getting a two-bedroom house versus buying a condo unit, the latter is the more practical option. You can opt to rent a unit although the monthly rent is usually about the same as the monthly mortgage in a condo unit. Why rent when you can own?
Living in a condo also means that you’re free from outdoor work such as tending the garden, repainting the fences, etc. The condo personnel can take care of these chores for you. A small space requires minimal maintenance, a few pieces of furniture, and only the essential appliances. Since you’re starting your life together, every effort to stretch the dollar is needed.
2. Living in a condo gives you more bonding time
According to a study by researchers at the University of Rochester, an “inexpensive, fun and relatively simple movie-and-talk approach” can cut separation rate from 24% to 11% after the first three years of marriage.
Most condo projects are situated near business districts, establishments, and main roads. The convenience of getting to places is a feature that makes condo living a top housing choice. Spend less time commuting to work and more quality time with your partner. Many condos also offer tenants unlimited use of premier amenities including swimming pools, open lawns and entertainment rooms. You can celebrate togetherness in your own condo community.
3. Sleep peacefully at night, thanks to condo security
Your perception of safety and security when you were single may be different now that you’ve another person’s safety to consider. Do you know that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the US? Unfortunately, only 13% of these crimes are cleared by authorities.
Home safety is non-negotiable, so is the peace of mind that goes with it. Why live in condo? There’s usually 24/7 security everywhere from the gates to the common areas. No need to install outdoor surveillance cameras or security lights. Condos also have fire safety precautions and a system in place in times of natural calamities.
4. You can celebrate with family and friends in your condo complex
In The Odyssey, Homer wrote: “There is nothing more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.”
A marital union is also the joining of two families and circles of friends. Living in a condo makes get-together easier and cheaper. Instead of splurging on a dinner out, you can prepare some pasta and chicken, and serve it to your guests in your condo development’s function room. You can also invite your young nieces and nephews for an afternoon swimming party if your complex has a pool. Serve them with fruit juice and ice cream and you are their favorite aunt and uncle in no time. Plan a monthly bbq party in the open lawn with your in-laws.
5. You live surrounded by nature
Studies show that green spaces have long-term benefit to human health. Spanish researchers reported that exposing schoolchildren to green environments such as parks boost their cognitive development. Living in neighborhoods with open spaces and a lot of greenery is also proven to promote regular physical activities.
Living in a resort-type condo community is your reprieve from the stressors in the city. You don’t need to leave for the countryside to ensure that you are surrounded with the wonders of nature. Most condo developments feature packets of nature such as zen gardens and indoor green spaces.
6. It’s easy to stay fit
Living in a condo community will allow you and your spouse to easily maintain a fit lifestyle. Typically, tenants can freely use the indoor gym and open spaces. Before preparing for work, you can practice yoga on the rooftop garden or go for an early morning run in the safety of your own condo community. You don’t have to worry about mishaps as these condo amenities are 100% child-friendly and well-maintained.
7. Building friendships inside the condo community comes naturally
Building a new life with your spouse is exciting, even exhilarating. You’ll be discovering new things about each other. Your connections will cross, your families will be conjoined. Now, you’re part of a bigger world.
Creating connections, however, doesn’t end there. When you live in a condo community with many other young couples, it’s easy to build lasting friendships in your new neighborhood. You can invite your condo neighbors for an afternoon tea by the pool or a simple lunch at home. Exchange ideas on how to design your new condo home—you may be surprised by the great variety of ways people can decorate identical living spaces.
A decade ago, condo living was not among the choices many newlyweds considered. The concept of residing in a serviced building with smaller spaces didn’t sound appealing. Today, the trend is changing. More people, whether young couples or retirees, appreciate the advantages of condo living. It’s cost-efficient, accessible and convenient. There’s in-house security and maintenance service in common areas. (Who enjoys mowing the lawn anyway?) Tenants and guests may use amenities such as pools, gym, spa and sauna, and kids’ playground. Most importantly, condo living lifts one’s lifestyle—giving everyone the chance to relax in a resort-type environment easy commute to the business district and the city center.
Patricia Evans is an Interior Designer, Residential Designer, Art Crafter, DIYer and a full time mother. She writes about interior decorating, she loves working with shapes, shades and spaces. She is also into green and simple living, and loves cooking and having tea.
