we own one now maddy and there is some great advice above. nothing to add really except to say that we like it although moving into a single family is and has been a goal of ours for sometime now.

here's my experience so far...

with the kids it's great 'cause there is a pool and a playground right here for us to visit. tennis courts and weight rooms as well. construction quality can really vary from community to community so don't assume that it will be less than stellar just because it's a condo. i know end units are popular because you won't have neighbors on one side but there is usually major sound insulation between units and being in-between two units will save you money on energy costs. ours has also appreciated right on par with single family homes (taking into consideration sq. footage and property size) could just be the local market though. and not having to take care of the snow removal, grass mowing, etc is nice but i’d deal with (and will soon hafta deal with) all that and more to have a single family.

drawbacks....they do have restrictions on what you can and can't do, although they are usually just concerned with the exterior renovations. it's noisier than a single family....i don't mean the shared walls either... the parking lots/streets are busier, kids are always hanging around and yuckin' it up, dogs galore, busy bodies and gossip mongers.

__________________
Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose