A couple who visited the office a few weeks ago came in with a list of properties for active senior communities, meaning only those aged 55 and over can reside there. Having lived in a single-family home in Centerville for nearly 30 years, their main question was simple: if they sell their current home and move to a place that requires less maintenance, will their monthly expenses actually decrease?

The answer is not straightforward. The property tax rate for Fairfax County for the 2026 tax year is $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. The overall effective tax rate for the county is about 1.01 percent, with the median home value at $760,400, leading to a median property tax of around $7,669 annually. Centerville generally does not deviate significantly from this county average. If they continue to own a single-family home, they will incur additional maintenance costs each year for things like the roof, boiler, and lawn care on top of this property tax.

If they move to an active senior community, condo, or townhome, many of these maintenance costs are absorbed into the HOA fees, or homeowners association management fees. The management office of the community handles roof replacements, exterior painting, and landscaping, and residents only need to pay a set monthly fee. However, HOA fees can vary significantly from community to community, and property taxes must still be paid separately. It is important to check the management regulations to see what is included in the HOA fees when viewing properties.

Heating costs also need to be factored in. The average residential electricity rate in Virginia is 10.62 cents per kilowatt-hour, and natural gas is about $16.79 per 1,000 cubic feet. Winters in this area can often drop below freezing, and summers are hot and humid, requiring both heating and cooling. A single-family home typically has more square footage and multiple levels, increasing heating costs, while condos and townhomes tend to be smaller and share walls, which can reduce heating and cooling burdens.

Additionally, Fairfax County has a property tax relief program for residents aged 65 and older or those with permanent disabilities. If their combined income from the previous year is $60,000 or less, they are fully exempt from property taxes; for incomes between $60,000 and $70,000, 75 percent is exempt; between $70,000 and $80,000, 50 percent; and between $80,000 and $90,000, 25 percent is exempt. The asset limit, excluding the primary residence, is $400,000. If their income falls within these ranges, they could significantly reduce their property tax burden even if they keep their single-family home, so it's worth checking their eligibility for relief before making a decision to move.

• Single-family home: Spacious with a yard, but all maintenance costs for the roof, boiler, landscaping, etc., are the owner's responsibility.
• Townhome: Less maintenance burden than a single-family home, with external management covered by HOA fees, but shares walls.
• Condo: The least maintenance burden, often with amenities like elevators, but HOA fees tend to be relatively high.
• Active senior community: Offers peer neighbors and amenities, but it's essential to carefully consider entry requirements and HOA fees.

Insurance costs should also be considered. For single-family homes, the larger the yard and roof area, the higher the homeowners insurance tends to be. In contrast, condos and townhomes have the HOA separately insuring the building's exterior and common areas, so personal insurance often covers only the interior and personal belongings, leading to lower premiums. However, this can vary by insurance company and community, so it's best to get actual quotes for comparison. The costs associated with moving itself should also be factored in. Organizing and relocating belongings accumulated over many years can be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, it's not uncommon for people to take a few years to sort through their things and time their move accordingly.

Ultimately, which option is more advantageous depends on factors like eligibility for property tax relief, the current condition of the home, and the maintenance burden based on health. Property taxes and utility rates can be adjusted annually, so it's advisable to check the latest bills. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a real estate professional and a tax advisor before making any decisions about moving or buying.