A retired couple living in Lansdale recently talked about their stair issues. Their single-family home has bedrooms on the second floor, and with their knees not being what they used to be, the stairs have become a burden as they go up and down several times a day. Like this couple, more retirees in Lansdale are reconsidering their housing type due to stairs or the maintenance of larger homes.

There are three main factors to consider in order. First is the difference in home prices, second is the monthly maintenance fees, and third is the burden of property taxes. By looking at these three together, one can determine whether moving to a stair-free condo or a single-story townhome is actually advantageous.

First, let's look at home prices. As of October 2025, the median listing price for homes in Lansdale was $529,000. For all of Montgomery County, the median sale price is around $430,000, while condos are about $285,000 (according to Movoto and Redfin). The fact that Lansdale's prices are higher than the county average is a positive aspect. This means that selling a current home and moving to a condo could yield a significant profit. However, the competition for finding stair-free listings in desired areas could also be intense.

Second is the maintenance fees. Condos and townhomes come with HOA fees. The median HOA fee in Montgomery County is around $275 per month. This cost has its advantages. The management company takes care of difficult tasks like exterior repairs, landscaping, and snow removal, which can be as challenging as dealing with stairs. On the downside, this fee is a fixed monthly expense. In a single-family home, you only call someone when needed, but HOA fees are charged regardless of usage.

Third is heating and cooling costs. PECO electric rates increased from $149.43 in January 2025 to $160.37 in January 2026 (according to WHYY). A single-family home has more floors and space to heat and cool due to the presence of stairs. You need to heat or cool both the first and second floors, which increases energy consumption. Condos or single-story homes have an advantage in this regard. However, depending on the structure of the condo building, the efficiency of heating and cooling can vary significantly, so it's important to check the specifics of each complex.

If you want a single-story home with no stairs, active senior communities can also be advantageous. These communities are often designed with the assumption that residents are 55 and older, featuring single-story layouts, wide hallways, and amenities like handrails. On the downside, the costs for these amenities are often included in the HOA fees, making them higher than standard condos. Ultimately, the choice between convenience and cost may depend on an individual's health status.

• Single-family home - has stair and space burdens but no maintenance fees
• Townhome - advantageous if it's a stair-free single story, but HOA fees will apply
• Condo - convenient for maintenance and heating/cooling, but HOA fees are the most consistent

Regarding property taxes, one can look at Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Seniors aged 65 and older with an income of $48,110 or less as of 2025 can receive rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000, with additional amounts of $190 to $500 available depending on conditions. This is a positive aspect, but it's important to note that exceeding the income threshold means losing the benefit. Additionally, under Act 1, some school districts may completely exempt qualified seniors from school taxes (according to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and Education).

School districts are also a factor that Korean families in Lansdale pay attention to. While priorities may shift after retirement, the value of the property can be affected when reselling, so school district boundaries can change frequently, and it's advisable to check the assigned school before purchasing.

What started as a concern about stairs ultimately leads to weighing home prices, HOA fees, and property taxes. It's difficult to say that one side is definitively better, as the answer may vary based on individual health and budget. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it's recommended to consult real estate and tax professionals before making any contracts.