A couple living in a single-family home with a large yard said that mowing the lawn is no longer enjoyable after retirement. However, they do not want to leave their beloved Kansas City, so they are weighing the option of moving to a condo within the same area. In such cases, it is more helpful to look at both the advantages and the burdens rather than definitively saying one option is better than the other.

Starting with the sales prices, moving to a condo seems advantageous. According to data from the real estate data company RealtyTrac, the median sales price in Kansas City over the past year is $261,622, and as of July 2026, the median listing price is $256,500, which is a 0.82 percent increase from the previous month. However, the median sales price for the same month is $258,500, which is a 4.50 percent decrease from the previous month, indicating a slight adjustment in the market. Condos are generally priced lower than this median, so there is potential to save money when downsizing.

However, when looking at monthly expenses, the story changes. Moving to a condo frees the couple from large expenses like yard maintenance and roof repairs, but they will incur a fixed HOA fee. The national median HOA fee for condos is around $135 per month, but in the Kansas City area, the actual amount varies by listing and needs to be checked directly. On the other hand, maintaining a single-family home does not incur HOA fees, but the physical tasks like lawn and exterior maintenance remain, which can be burdensome.

Electricity costs are also a point of comparison. According to the Energy Information Administration, the average retail electricity price in Missouri is 11.06 cents per kilowatt-hour, based on the average for all customers in 2024. Since single-family homes have larger heating and cooling areas, this cost is felt more significantly, while moving to a condo naturally reduces the area and thus lowers the costs.

Let's also consider property taxes. The average effective property tax rate in Missouri is 0.79 percent, with an annual median property tax of $2,021. Jackson County, where Kansas City is located, has a higher rate of 1.11 percent, with an annual median property tax of $2,797. Those aged 65 or older, or those aged 60 and older receiving survivor Social Security benefits, or those with total disabilities, can apply for the Missouri Property Tax Credit. For the 2025 tax year, the income limit is $27,200 for individuals and $29,200 for couples, with homeowners eligible for a refund of up to $1,100. Additionally, there is a local senior property tax freeze program that freezes property tax increases for those aged 62 and older, but the implementation and application vary by county, so it is best to check directly with the local county office for accurate information.

Insurance costs also have both advantages and burdens. Kansas City is prone to tornadoes and hail damage in the spring, so homeowners insurance premiums for single-family homes have been steadily increasing. Condos have a master insurance policy for the building's exterior and roof provided by the HOA, which reduces individual insurance costs, but it is important to remember that this cost is ultimately included in the HOA fee. If considering an active senior community, it is advisable to check with the management company before signing a contract to see how insurance, landscaping, and snow removal are divided within the management fees.

The couple, who struggled with lawn maintenance, ultimately decided to look at a few condos and one active senior community. In weighing the potential profits from selling their home against the HOA fees, they found comfort in the fact that they could find options that would allow them to stay in their beloved neighborhood while making life easier.

Ultimately, rather than rushing to move to a condo simply because lawn maintenance is difficult, it is safer to compare the actual numbers of HOA fees and single-family home maintenance costs before making a decision. Tax rates and exemption criteria can change annually, so it is advisable to check the latest information before applying. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any actual contracts.