Are you weighing the ease of a townhome against the space of a single-family house in Edina? You are not alone. Your choice shapes your monthly budget, weekend routine, and long-term resale. In this guide, you will learn how to compare true costs, maintenance, privacy, location, and resale so you can pick the home that fits your life in Edina. Let’s dive in.
How to compare total cost in Edina
Getting clear on total cost is your best first step. Buyers often focus on price and rate, but your monthly number should include every recurring cost so you can compare apples to apples across property types and neighborhoods.
What goes in your monthly number
Build a simple worksheet for each option:
- Mortgage principal and interest.
- Property taxes.
- Homeowners insurance.
- HOA dues if attached housing.
- Utilities for typical usage.
- Routine maintenance and a reserve for bigger items.
For single-family homes, expect more variable maintenance and utility costs tied to lot size and home age. For townhomes and condos, HOA dues shift many exterior costs into a predictable line item. Treat those dues as maintenance and capital funding, not just amenities.
The 10-year total cost lens
Monthly snapshots are helpful, but a 10-year view can reveal the real tradeoff. Project your likely spend on roof, siding, windows, HVAC, and exterior surfaces for a house. For a townhome or condo, review the association’s reserve plan to see how future replacements are funded and whether special assessments are likely. Comparing 10-year totals helps you understand predictability vs. control.
Taxes and insurance basics in Hennepin County
Property taxes vary by parcel and are influenced by city and school levies. Review parcel-specific history on the county site and build taxes into your monthly number. Insurance differs by property type. Single-family policies typically cover the entire structure and lot. Condo and many townhome owners carry an HO-6 policy for interior finishes and personal property because the association’s master policy covers the exterior. Clarify “all-in” versus “bare walls” master coverage so you avoid gaps.
HOA dues and what they cover
HOA fees can include exterior maintenance, roof and siding, common area landscaping, snow removal, garbage, a master insurance policy, reserves, and sometimes amenities. Higher dues often track with more services or stronger reserves. The key is value and predictability. Review the budget, reserve study, and dues history rather than judging by the dollar amount alone.
Maintenance and winter reality
Edina living includes real winters. Your tolerance for seasonal chores often tips the scale between a house and an attached home.
Single-family maintenance rhythm
Expect seasonal work: snow removal, ice control, gutter and downspout care, exterior paint or siding upkeep, driveway maintenance, and lawn and tree care. A common planning guide is to reserve a percentage of home value annually, adjusted for age and condition. Older homes or mature lots may require more frequent tree, drainage, and exterior attention due to freeze-thaw cycles and road salt.
Townhome and condo maintenance rhythm
Many associations include snow removal, exterior maintenance, and common area care in your dues. Your out-of-pocket chores focus on interior systems and finishes. Owners still plan for HVAC replacement and appliance lifecycles, but exterior surprises are reduced when reserves are funded and projects are planned.
Snow removal expectations in Edina
If you prefer to avoid shoveling and managing ice, attached housing can be appealing because most HOAs include snow removal. With single-family homes, you are responsible for your driveway and walkways and may choose a seasonal service. Clarify response times and standards either way so winter mornings are predictable.
Space, privacy, and parking
How you use space will steer you toward one option or the other.
Single-family yards and privacy
Detached homes usually provide more separation from neighbors, private yards, and flexible outdoor areas for pets, play, and gardening. If you value hosting on a patio, adding a fence, or having a workshop or hobby space, a house often fits better.
Attached living and outdoor options
Townhomes and condos trade larger yards for patios, balconies, or shared green space. You gain on convenience and lose some privacy compared with a detached lot. Rooftop decks and small fenced patios exist in some Edina developments, so you can still enjoy outdoor time with less upkeep.
Parking and guest parking
Many Edina houses have private driveways and garages, though older neighborhoods can have narrower drives or detached garages. Attached communities vary: underground parking near 50th and France or Southdale, or attached two-car garages in townhome clusters. Always confirm guest parking rules. HOA policies shape day-to-day convenience when you entertain.
Location and lifestyle fit in Edina
Think about your daily routine. Where you grab coffee, where you exercise, and how you commute all factor into the right match.
Near 50th and France and Southdale
Condos and townhomes cluster around Edina’s walkable corridors, where you can be close to restaurants, shops, and services. If you value a quick stroll to dinner or a shorter commute via Highway 62 or 100, attached living here is a natural fit.
Country Club, Highlands, Braemar, and Morningside
These neighborhoods feature established single-family homes, mature trees, and access to parks and recreational facilities. If you want yard space and room to grow, a detached home in these areas can deliver the classic Edina experience.
Commute and transit considerations
Map your typical routes to downtown Minneapolis or suburban job centers along Highway 62, Highway 100, and Minnesota 169. Then consider parking needs and whether you prefer an attached garage or underground parking. Time saved on the road often outweighs small differences in square footage.
Resale and market dynamics
Your exit strategy matters as much as your entry. Think about who will buy your place when you are ready to sell.
Buyer pools and liquidity
Detached homes with desirable lots in sought-after neighborhoods often attract steady demand from owner-occupant buyers. Attached housing appeals to downsizers, busy professionals, and investors when rental rules allow. Market depth for condos and townhomes depends on HOA health, amenity mix, and walkability.
Renovation and value-add
With single-family homes, you can improve both the structure and the lot. Thoughtful renovations and additions tend to translate into value if they align with neighborhood comps. In attached housing, interior updates like kitchens and baths carry the most weight because exteriors are common elements with rules.
HOA health and resale
Well-run HOAs with clear rules and solid reserves can support resale by keeping the property in good condition with predictable costs. Associations with low reserves, recent or frequent special assessments, or restrictive policies can limit the buyer pool and slow a sale. The documents tell this story, so review them early.
Who tends to fit what
Match your lifestyle to the housing type rather than forcing a fit.
Rightsizing in Edina
If you want lower maintenance without leaving the city you love, look for condos or townhomes near 50th and France, Southdale, or quiet communities with elevators and one-level living. Focus on secure parking, snow removal, and accessible layouts. Confirm the master insurance coverage and reserve funding.
Busy professionals
If convenience and a short commute are top priorities, consider a townhome or condo close to major corridors or a smaller single-family home with easy-care landscaping. Look for turnkey interiors, snow removal included, and a comfortable workspace.
Snowbirds and seasonal residents
If you spend winters elsewhere, a lock-and-leave condo or townhome with reliable management and snow removal is often the best fit. If you plan to rent while away, confirm the HOA rental policy and any minimum lease terms before you buy.
Family wanting yard and schools
If your list includes a larger yard, multiple bedrooms, and access to parks, a single-family home in established neighborhoods like Country Club, Highlands, Braemar, or Morningside may align well. Check school boundary maps and commute routes to support your daily routines in every season.
What to review before you buy
Do your homework upfront. It saves time and surprises later.
For townhomes and condos: HOA document checklist
- Current budget and recent financial statements.
- Reserve study or capital plan.
- Meeting minutes for the past 1 to 2 years.
- Declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations.
- Insurance summary showing master policy coverage.
- Any pending or recent litigation disclosures.
- Resale certificate and any history of special assessments.
For single-family homes: due diligence checklist
- Recent inspection or pre-list report if available.
- Utility bills for the past 12 months.
- Age and service records for roof, furnace, AC, water heater, and appliances.
- Sewer line status and any drainage or basement moisture history.
- Insulation levels, attic ventilation, and signs of ice dams.
Questions to ask at showings
- Who is responsible for snow removal, roofing, and exterior maintenance?
- What are HOA dues, what do they cover, and how have they changed in the past few years?
- Are capital projects planned or special assessments expected?
- What does the master insurance policy cover versus the unit owner?
- What are typical utility and maintenance costs month to month?
- For single-family homes, how old are mechanicals and are warranties transferable?
Your next steps
The right answer in Edina depends on your budget, tolerance for chores, and daily routines. Build a clear monthly and 10-year cost comparison, then weigh lifestyle and resale. When you are ready, get a custom MLS search tuned to your priorities and a side-by-side cost breakdown for the neighborhoods you like.
If you want a local, education-first approach, reach out to Carrie Sink for a quick consult. She can set up your MLS portal, walk you through HOA documents or inspection planning, and connect you with trusted lenders and inspectors so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
How do I compare a townhome and a house in Edina on cost?
- Build a monthly total that includes mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA dues if any, utilities, and a maintenance reserve, then project a 10-year total to capture big-ticket items and HOA reserves.
Do HOA fees make a townhome cheaper overall than a house?
- Not necessarily. HOA dues reduce your direct exterior chores but they are an ongoing cost. Compare the full monthly total and long-term capital plans to see which option fits your budget.
Are townhomes better for winter living in Edina?
- If you prefer not to handle snow and exterior upkeep, a townhome or condo can be a better fit because many HOAs include snow removal. You still need to plan for heating costs and interior maintenance.
What HOA documents should I review before buying in Edina?
- Review the budget, financials, reserve study, meeting minutes, declaration and rules, master insurance summary, resale certificate, and any litigation or special assessment history.
How do schools influence buying a house in Edina?
- School boundaries and programs influence demand for single-family homes. Review official boundary maps and confirm the schools that serve a given address during your search.
