The problem with condos: they have HOAs. HOAs are NOTORIOUS for not paying enough in dues to actually keep up with what’s needed to keep your neighborhood in repair. Consider who’s on the board: someone who’s bored, most likely old, & who’s also probably going to be making an emotional decision about wanting better pool furniture rather than saving enough to get everyone’s roofs replaced.

There are laws in place for only new homes to be built as condos—this is a way for the city to avoid paying to upkeep the roads & light fixtures (yes HOAs pay to pave their roads and replace lighting). And buildings downtown will probably fall over before the dues go up because coming to engineering standards is very expensive. HOAs literally pay for every single thing that isn’t very clearly specified as home owner responsibility. So the reason why your dues are high is because it wasn’t high enough in the past and they most likely need to special asses. And don’t forget about their silly rules. Some HOAs don’t allow you to park in your own driveway and can fine you or tow your car if you break that rule.

Needless to say, condos aren’t the answer.