A client nearing retirement recently mentioned during a consultation that mowing the lawn used to be a weekend workout for him, but now he feels that time is too precious and his body isn't what it used to be. Having lived in a single-family home near Rosedale in Kansas City, Kansas for many years, he was seriously considering selling his house and moving to a place with less maintenance. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to go through them one by one.

First, let's talk about price. The median price for single-family homes in Rosedale is around $240,000, while condos range from $192,500 for a one-bedroom to $285,000 for a two-bedroom. Townhomes are priced between $179,950 and $285,000. Looking at the broader Kansas City, Kansas area, the median sales price is $224,500, and the overall median for Wyandotte County is about $238,000. It's important to note that condos or townhomes are not always cheaper; in fact, some listings can be more expensive than single-family homes.

A typical item that has both advantages and disadvantages is maintenance fees. Most condos and townhomes are subject to HOA fees, which can vary significantly from under $100 to over $300 per month. This fee covers exterior painting, roof repairs, and landscaping, which means you won't have to worry about yard maintenance, but it also means a fixed monthly expense.

You should also consider heating and cooling costs. According to Evergy data, the average monthly bill in winter is $92.66, while in summer it jumps to $149.02, a difference of over 60%. In terms of usage, winter consumption is about 674 kilowatt-hours per month, increasing to 975 kilowatt-hours in summer, with much of that increase due to air conditioning. This means that summer cooling costs can be more burdensome than winter heating costs.

Property taxes can vary widely by area. The effective tax rate in Wyandotte County is reported to be around 1.69%, which is higher than neighboring Johnson County. However, Kansas has a Safe Senior and SAFESR rebate program for low-income seniors, allowing those with an income below $25,380 and a home value not exceeding $350,000 to receive a refund of up to 75% of the property taxes they actually paid. For those with slightly higher income, they can apply for the Homestead rebate, which can refund up to $700, but you cannot receive both benefits at the same time.

It's also worth mentioning the concept of active senior communities. These are developments where only residents aged 55 and older can live, and the management staff takes care of outdoor tasks like lawn mowing and snow removal. There are several such communities in the Kansas City metro area, appealing to those who want to give up a large yard but prefer a bit more space than a condo.

One more point to consider regarding electricity rates: Evergy Kansas Metro, which serves the Kansas City metro area, recently lowered rates by 4.75%, resulting in an average household saving of about $6.07 per month. Nearby cities like Overland Park and Lenexa, which are part of the metro area, also use this rate structure, so if you move to a nearby area in Kansas City, Kansas, the electricity rate structure will not differ significantly.

Maintaining a single-family home means ongoing yard maintenance responsibilities, but there are no fixed monthly management fees. Moving to a condo or townhome reverses that situation. Ultimately, the key decision may come down to balancing the amount of labor you can handle with the fixed monthly costs you can afford. Tax and maintenance fee structures can vary by county, so this article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any actual agreements.