<prompt> Human: I live in a high COL area where townhouses go for 500k. I been mostly renting for the last 10 years. Recently, I been thinking about buying a house further out in the suburbs but I do like being close to the city where the action is. The thing is I can afford a 300k 1-2BR condo closer to the city but I dont understand how it is a smart or even good investment. The HOA fees are 500-800 alone. On top of that, you have real estate taxes and things constantly breaking down. Why would anyone buy a condo when you can just rent and have all the same amenitiesmaintenance plus you then can pick your liquid in investments that return more and less risks? Should I stay a renter forever? lol  <response>: Sometime the HOA fee is the taxes on the building, so it isnt as bad as it looks. Some people want the condo to maintain the amenities. Some people want a condos location. In some places, condos are the only choices. Just because its a condo, doesnt mean its more or less risk, depends on many factors. 