Last month, while talking to a family who was looking at homes in Ann Arbor, I had a lengthy discussion about the HOA fees for townhome listings. The monthly management fees significantly affect the range of home prices that are actually affordable. In simpler terms, this means you can't just budget based on the home price; you need to consider the total expenses, including the monthly management fees.

If you're buying a property with an HOA, like a condo or townhome in Ann Arbor, the management fees typically range from $200 to $500 per month (according to Redfin listings, as of 2026). Compared to the average HOA fee of about $210 per month across Michigan (HOA Costs, 2026), Ann Arbor's fees are around the average or slightly higher. If the term is unfamiliar, think of it this way: HOA fees are what owners pay monthly to manage aspects like building exteriors, common areas, and landscaping.

The average home value in Ann Arbor is $489,157, which has increased by 3.6 percent over the past year (Zillow, 2026), and the median sale price over the last three months is $474,742, reflecting a 3.0 percent increase compared to the previous year (Redfin, as of June 2026). Due to the city's characteristics centered around the University of Michigan, the inventory of homes is relatively limited, leading to a consistent upward trend in prices.

By type, condos are around $280,000, while single-family homes are about $535,000, showing a nearly twofold difference (Zillow, 2026). This difference is straightforward. For first-time homebuyers or families just settling in with a limited budget, condos present a lower barrier to entry, while families wanting a yard and independent space need to budget significantly more for single-family homes.

However, there aren't many pure townhome listings in Ann Arbor. Recent market observations show that there are over 200 condo listings, while townhome listings often number only one or two (Redfin, 2026). As a result, condos effectively take on the role of townhomes, serving as a more affordable option with shared management responsibilities compared to single-family homes.

When discussing areas popular with Korean families, school districts cannot be overlooked. Ann Arbor, being home to the University of Michigan, consistently receives high ratings for its school districts, and many families narrow down neighborhoods based on GreatSchools ratings. However, school district boundaries can change over time, so if you have a specific address in mind, it's advisable to check the assigned school directly.

For families moving from out of state, it's wise not to judge HOA fees based on experiences from their previous locations. Unlike areas with active new developments, Ann Arbor has a high proportion of existing buildings, which may include significant expenses for old plumbing or roof replacements within the management fees. Reviewing the management's financial statements before signing a contract can also be a good strategy.

From an investor's perspective, condos have the advantage of lower initial investment costs, but some HOAs may restrict rentals or impose conditions on rental periods, so it's essential to verify this before purchasing. One cannot assume that prices will continue to rise, and factors like vacancies or increases in management fees should also be considered.

Nationally, condos and townhomes generally have lower purchase prices than single-family homes, making them more accessible for first-time buyers, but the additional HOA fees mean that total ownership costs need to be compared separately (refer to realtor.com's first-time homebuyer guide). In Ann Arbor, it may be helpful to look beyond just the lower purchase price of condos and consider accumulating management fees over 5 or 10 years to compare with single-family homes.

• Single-family homes: approximately $535,000, typically no or low HOA fees, maintenance is the owner's full responsibility
• Condos: approximately $280,000, HOA fees of $200–$500 per month, management of exteriors and common facilities is the responsibility of the HOA
• Townhomes: listings are rare, so condos effectively fulfill that role

Ultimately, in Ann Arbor, many people end up choosing between condos and single-family homes based on their budget and lifestyle, and if they specifically want a pure townhome, expanding the search to neighboring cities may be a realistic option. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a real estate professional before making any actual contracts.