The choice between single family homes and condos in Chicago is usually not a very easy one. While there would be a vast number of individuals on either side of the fence, i.e. either vehemently for or against opting for Chicago condos, the truth actually lies somewhere in between. Agreed, that there are a number of benefits that condos offer, but there are also various limiting factors that accompany them; we look at some of them in this article, starting with the benefits.

Numerous Shared Resources
A major advantage with condos is the instant access that you gain, to a vast number of shared resources that are already a part of the entire condominium. There is relatively little additional effort involved in gaining access to those resources, unlike in single family homes, where you won’t even have such existing resources, in the very first place. Examples include lounges, pools, exercise rooms, and more. Additionally, costs of electricity, Internet access, Television Cable, etc. are also shared and distributed, dramatically bringing down the cost per household.
Instant Access to a Social Network
Life in independent bungalows can be lonely at times; with condominiums, you have immediate access to people in the vicinity who eventually become a part of your social network. Security too is largely taken care of, in condominiums, as entry of external entities is restricted, and neighbors in the vicinity act as additional security and support in case anything untoward happens.
While the above are some of the advantages of staying in condos, there are a few disadvantages as well, including:
Lesser Privacy
With the additional security and safety that your neighbors give you, they also take away the privacy you experience in your own private bungalow. The experience is all the more stark, if you have always stayed in a family home, and are making the transition to a Chicago condo for the first time.
Limitations of Size and Layout
While an independent house can be structured, laid out and designed as per personal tastes and preferences, condos do not allow that luxury. Invariably, the overall size, shape, layout of the rooms, and the colors used are standard. Even the fittings and fixtures tend to be uniform – often, not to your taste. This can be a severely limiting factor for those with varied tastes and a dash of creativity in their personalities!
Summing up, the choice of opting for an independent family home, or going for a condominium is not an easy one; there are various factors that come into play, both in favor and against each. So, it is up to you which factor affects you the most, and accordingly, you should go about making your choice.

Christine Hancock