<prompt> Human: I would continue renting, but rents are increasing like crazy in my city, and Id really like to have some stability. Ive had to move twice in the past two years due to changing pricesroommate situations and may have to move again next year, and Im just sick of it. So, Im saving up for a downpayment and looking at homes online. The thing is, I hate maintenance. Ive lived in decent rented apartments and vastly prefer it to the house I rent with my sister now. I hate lawn care, I hate the idea of dealing with roofs and windows and fences and exterior paint. The single homes I can afford are small, old, and require at least some degree of work to look decent. By contrasts, available townhomes in the same price range are spacious, updated, and the HOAs take care of pretty much everything exterior, while Im still free to customize the inside.So, is there an overwhelming reason to purchase a single house over a townhome? I know townhomes dont appreciate at the same rate and can be difficult to sell, but I dont really consider my home an investment opportunity, and if I do need to move in the future I can always rent out the townhouse.If it matters, I live in a mid-sized midwestern city, make about 45k a year and have no debt, no spouse, no kids.  <response>: Townhomes are a good purchase if you hate maintenance and can live with the slightly closer quarters to your neighbors.Selling isnt even that much harder, its just a different market your trying to sell to; people like yourself who want the advantages a townhome has.Just make sure your HOA is rock solid and wont be a pain. 