Recently, one case I consulted involved a family that had called for air conditioning repair five times in three years. This family, which has lived in a single-family home in Buena Park for over 20 years, paid between $400 and $800 for repairs each time the air conditioning broke down, and they are now considering a complete replacement this summer. As they approach retirement, they have started to seriously consider downsizing due to these recurring expenses.

Looking at the current market, the median price for single-family homes in Buena Park is around $895,000 as of July 2025. In contrast, townhomes in the same area average around $814,500, indicating that the price gap between single-family homes and townhomes is relatively small compared to other cities in Orange County. However, this figure only compares sale prices, and the actual maintenance cost differences after moving in should be considered separately.

In terms of cooling costs, Southern California Edison (SCE) will increase rates by about 10% starting in October 2025, raising the average bill for a household using 500 kilowatt-hours from $171.17 to $193.23. Single-family homes that run their air conditioning for long periods during the summer will feel this increase more acutely. In winter, SoCalGas rates also rise, with heating bills that were $130 last winter potentially reaching $315 this winter, according to SoCalGas.

One of the biggest differences when moving to a townhome or condo is that repairs for large systems like air conditioning or roofing are often covered by HOA fees. In Orange County, the HOA fees for basic condos and townhomes range from $150 to $400 per month, while mid-range communities with pools or clubhouses charge between $300 and $600 per month. It is important to compare whether it is more suitable for your situation to pay a lump sum for air conditioning repairs of $400 to $800 every few years or to pay a fixed monthly amount that shares a significant portion of these expenses.

From a property tax perspective, if you are over 55, you can transfer the lower tax assessment of your existing home to a new home through Prop 19. California property tax is generally 1% of the assessed value, but with local bonds and special assessments, it often calculates to between 1.1% and 1.3%. Homes that have been lived in for a long time are often assessed at lower values than current market prices, so utilizing Prop 19 allows you to carry over this difference.

If you are moving to Buena Park from another state, you need to consider not only property taxes but also heating and cooling costs and insurance premiums to see the actual difference in living expenses. Those coming from states with no property tax often find California's rates burdensome, but when looking at the overall maintenance costs compared to sale prices, the gap may not be as significant as expected. If you are moving directly from Korea, it is also good to know that repairs like air conditioning are entirely your responsibility in a home you own, unlike in a rental.

The characteristics of different types of housing can be summarized as follows:

• Single-family homes - Ample space, but repair costs for aging systems like air conditioning and roofing can occur unexpectedly and repeatedly.
• Townhomes - The price gap compared to single-family homes may not be significant, but management burdens and cooling areas are reduced.
• Condos - The maintenance burden is the least, and much of the system management is included in the HOA fees.
• Active senior (55+) communities - Strong points include neighbors of the same age and amenities, but age restrictions for residency should be checked in advance.

If air conditioning repair costs are recurring, comparing the cumulative costs with HOA fees can serve as a practical basis for decision-making. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a real estate professional before any actual transactions or Prop 19 applications.