A man who has lived in a single-family home in Columbus for over 20 years began looking into whether he could find a townhome within the same budget after injuring his back while mowing the lawn last summer.

The median home price in Franklin County is $320,000. As of November 2025, this figure has increased by 1.6% compared to the previous year. Townhomes are generally priced lower than this, allowing for a wider selection of properties compared to single-family homes in the same neighborhood. However, prices can vary significantly based on location and age, so it's advisable to compare both types side by side.

When comparing property taxes, the median effective tax rate in Columbus is 1.60%, with a median tax amount of $3,478 per year. Across Franklin County, the effective rate rises to 1.69%, with a median tax amount of $4,138. Both figures are significantly above the national median of $2,400. If you are over 65 and have an income of $40,000 or less in 2024, you can exclude the first $29,000 of your home's assessed value from taxation through Ohio's Homestead Exemption, which will increase the income limit to $41,000 starting in 2026.

When comparing cooling costs, the differences are even more pronounced. AEP Ohio raised its rates from 9.94 cents to 10.167 cents per kWh starting June 2026. For households that use a lot of cooling in the summer, monthly bills can rise from $155 to $198. Single-family homes experience this increase more acutely due to their larger cooling areas, while townhomes, being smaller and sharing walls with neighbors, tend to have lower heat loss and thus less burden.

On the other hand, townhomes incur a separate monthly HOA fee. While landscaping, snow removal, and exterior maintenance are covered by this fee, eliminating the need to mow the lawn or shovel snow, it does add a fixed expense. Maintaining a single-family home incurs no HOA fees, but you must handle tasks like lawn mowing or roof repairs yourself.

Like the man considering moving to a townhome, there has been an increase in inquiries about downsizing among retirees in Columbus. Franklin County has seen steady increases in home prices in recent years, so selling your current home now often leaves you with enough funds to cover the purchase of a townhome and moving costs.

However, it's important to note that HOA fee structures can vary by community. Some communities include roof and exterior wall maintenance in their fees, while others require owners to manage the appearance of their individual units. It's advisable to obtain the HOA fee documentation before signing a contract to see what is included.

There is also a growing trend of active senior communities for residents aged 55 and older in the Columbus suburbs. These communities often have higher HOA fees but typically take care of landscaping and exterior maintenance entirely.

Applications for property tax reductions are submitted through the Ohio County Auditor's office, and if you have previously registered, you may continue to receive benefits regardless of income criteria, so it's a good idea to check your registration history first.

If you are considering downsizing due to a back injury, it's important to make decisions that reduce physical burdens in your daily life, not just based on sale prices or taxes. Townhomes often have bedrooms clustered on the upper floor, so if you have knee or back issues, it's advisable to prioritize single-story options.

Columbus has been recognized as a region with significant population growth in recent years, leading to steady increases in home prices. The longer you delay organizing your home, the greater the potential profit from the sale, but this also means enduring a physically challenging period for a longer time.

By comparing sale prices, property taxes, cooling costs, and HOA fees side by side, it becomes easier to determine which option aligns better with your lifestyle. This article is not investment advice or legal counsel, and it is recommended to consult a tax advisor or real estate professional before finalizing any contracts.