When searching for a rental home, real estate jargon can get confusing. A quick search shows listings for apartments, condos, and townhouses. But what exactly makes them different? And more importantly, which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down so you can choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

Apartments

An apartment is a rental unit inside a multi-family building. Typically, a property management company owns and operates the building. Apartments may be part of a large community or stand-alone structures. In Fishersville, you’ll find everything from affordable units to luxury apartments with upgraded finishes.

One major advantage of apartments is professional management. Leasing offices usually employ on-site staff and a dedicated maintenance team to handle emergencies. In addition, apartments often provide more flexible lease terms than condos or townhomes. Some communities offer leases as short as three months, while others run up to a year.

This flexibility works well if you’re new to the area, between homes, or waiting to close on a purchase. Many communities also provide amenities such as pools, gyms, or playgrounds. However, keep in mind that some perks may come with an additional monthly fee.

Condos

Condos resemble apartments because they’re also units in multi-family buildings. The difference lies in ownership. Instead of one company owning the building, individual owners purchase condos and choose whether to rent them out.

As a renter, you’ll pay your monthly rent to the unit’s owner, not a management company. Sometimes, the owner bundles utilities and HOA fees into the rent. Other times, you’ll pay those separately.

In terms of layout and size, condos often feel the same as apartments. Shared amenities—such as pools, gyms, or elevators—are usually managed by a homeowner’s association (HOA). However, this can mean stricter rules and added fees.

Maintenance can also differ. In an apartment community, a staff team handles repairs quickly. In a condo, the individual owner manages maintenance. As a result, you may experience delays if they need to hire outside help.

Townhomes

Townhomes combine features of both houses and condos. These two- or three-story homes share walls with neighbors, but each has its own entrance. Often, several townhomes are grouped together in one community.

Unlike apartments or condos, renters in townhomes may be responsible for outdoor upkeep. That could include mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or keeping the driveway clean.

Ownership varies. Some townhomes are managed by property companies, while others belong to individual owners. Depending on the setup, you might also pay HOA fees similar to those in a condo.

Townhomes work well for families or renters who want more space without the full responsibilities of homeownership. They usually offer larger square footage than apartments or condos and may even include a garage. However, availability can be limited. In addition, leases often run 12 to 24 months, offering less flexibility than apartment rentals.

Which One is Right for Me?

When figuring out whether you should move into an apartment, a condo, or a townhome, there are several things to consider. Things you should think about include:

• How much space do you need?
• What can you comfortably spend on rent?
• How long do you plan on staying in the unit?
• Are you willing to do outside work on your unit (snow removal, cutting grass, etc.)?
• What amenities do you want access to?
• Are you okay with paying HOA fees?

Once you figure out which type of unit is right for you, be sure to check out open houses and schedule a visit to the communities where you are interested. Our team at Gateway Senior Apartments would be happy to show you around and help you find your new home. Call us at (540) 210-3888 or send us a message to schedule your visit today.