Is the Condo Life for You?

     Condo living isn’t for everyone, and figuring out whether it’s the right fit can be tricky. I want to share our experience to help you weigh the pros and cons, and see if condo life might suit your lifestyle. We’ve got a little bit of everything here: the good, the bad, and even the ugly truths about condo living.

The Dog Dilemma: A Condo Challenge

     We recently moved out of our condo, and looking back, one of our biggest stressors was our dog. Living in a high-rise, we were often confronted with the challenge of taking the elevator down multiple times a day just so she could use the bathroom. As convenient as condo life can be, this aspect made it challenging. It wasn't just the ride itself—our dog also had to navigate the constant presence of other dogs. The confined shared spaces, the sounds, and the frequent dog encounters made it an overwhelming environment for her, and consequently for us, too.

The Good Side of Condo Living: Community and Convenience

      That being said, it wasn’t all stress. In fact, we loved many aspects of our time in the condo. One of the biggest perks of condo life is the instant community. Living in a building full of neighbors provides a sense of connection that can be hard to find elsewhere. There are always events and activities to get involved in, and that social aspect can make a world of difference.

     Then there are the amenities. Let’s face it: having a pool, gym, spa, and sauna all within an elevator ride’s reach is fantastic. We loved being able to head to the pool on a hot day or to the sauna after a long day at work. These perks brought a lot of value to our day-to-day lives and made our lifestyle feel more convenient and, honestly, more fun. You just don’t get that kind of luxury in a typical single-family home.

The Ugly Side of Condo Living: Upcoming Changes

     But it’s not all sunshine and saunas in the world of condos. The "ugly" side of condo living is actually coming up quite soon: December 31, 2024, to be exact. New laws are set to come into effect that require many condos to be brought up to code, especially older buildings or those above a certain height. It’s not all condos, but the changes will affect a good number of buildings—so if you’re considering condo life, this is definitely something to look into.

     And the major issue? Insurance. With the new laws, insurance rates are expected to skyrocket. Condo insurance is already known for being unpredictable, but these new regulations are likely to make things even more volatile. This uncertainty around rising costs is leading to a lot of people reconsidering their commitment to condo living.

     In fact, a recent search I did showed there are 64 condos listed on the market right now between Garden Street and Highway 50 in Titusville. That's quite a lot, and it's possible this increased inventory is partly due to owners trying to leave the condo life before these new rules—and the potentially higher insurance costs—kick in.

A Changing Landscape: Weighing Your Options

     So, is condo life right for you? Like any living situation, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you love the convenience of community amenities, social activities, and the lifestyle that comes with high-rise living, a condo could be perfect for you. But if you have a dog who’s stressed by close quarters or you're nervous about upcoming changes in insurance and building regulations, it might be worth considering other options.

In this changing landscape, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons—and maybe even get ahead of potential cost increases if condo living has been on your mind. There are opportunities on the market now, but understanding the implications of future laws and insurance changes will be crucial in making the best decision for yourself.

     Ultimately, condo life has its perks and its pitfalls, and knowing your own priorities is key. If amenities, social interaction, and a lock-and-leave lifestyle are what you crave, then the good could far outweigh the bad. But with the upcoming regulations on the horizon, doing your homework could save you a lot of headaches later on. The best advice? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just considering, staying informed will keep you ahead of the game.