Trying to decide between a townhome and a single-family home in Arlington? You are not alone. You want the right mix of space, privacy, commute, and costs that fit your budget and lifestyle today and a few years down the road. In this guide, you will compare real costs, HOA rules, maintenance, lifestyle trade-offs, and resale factors specific to Arlington so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Arlington housing snapshot
Arlington offers a diverse mix of single-family neighborhoods and attached housing. You will see more townhomes near infill corridors, close to UT Arlington, and around the entertainment and highway nodes along I‑20 and I‑30. Single-family homes dominate overall, with options ranging from older inner-ring areas to newer suburban subdivisions.
Across Arlington, the common pattern holds: townhomes often list for less than comparable single-family homes in the same area, with smaller interiors and limited private yards. Many first-time buyers, young professionals, and downsizers prefer the lower-maintenance lifestyle of townhomes. Single-family homes tend to attract buyers who want more space, a yard, and greater control over the property.
For live pricing and inventory, ask your agent to pull the latest Arlington ZIP-level data from the local MLS and to verify tax details through the Tarrant County Appraisal District.
Costs: upfront and monthly
Purchase price and financing
Townhomes often require a lower upfront purchase price than single-family homes in the same submarket. Your down payment dollars may go further on an attached unit, but you must factor HOA dues into your monthly budget. Most townhomes qualify for conventional, FHA, and VA loans, but if the townhome is legally a condominium, your lender may need project approval. Ask your lender to confirm eligibility early.
Property taxes in Tarrant County
Texas relies heavily on property taxes, so plan for them in your monthly cost. Tax amounts vary by district and by property. You can review parcel-level details and exemptions through the Tarrant County Appraisal District. Single-family homes with larger lots or higher land value can see higher appraised values over time compared with many townhomes, but the exact outcome depends on the property and location.
Homeowners insurance
Insuring a single-family home typically costs more because you cover the entire structure and lot. Townhome insurance can cost less when a master HOA policy covers exterior components. Coverage varies by community, so verify who insures what before you bind a policy.
HOA dues and what they cover
Most townhomes in Arlington have mandatory HOA dues. Dues commonly cover exterior maintenance, roof and siding in some regimes, common area landscaping, trash or recycling, and sometimes water or sewer. Fee levels and coverage vary widely, and many communities fall in the low-hundreds per month range. Single-family HOAs, when present, usually focus on amenities and common areas, and dues can be lower or comparable depending on amenities.
Key items to review:
- Monthly dues, special assessments, transfer fees, and reserve fund status
- What the HOA master insurance covers vs what your owner policy must cover
- Whether utilities like water or trash are included
Maintenance and utilities
Single-family owners should budget more for exterior upkeep and yard care. A common rule of thumb is to plan roughly 1 percent to 3 percent of the home’s value per year for maintenance and repairs. Townhomes may lower your out-of-pocket exterior costs because the HOA handles some items, but you still share the cost through dues. Shared walls in townhomes can also reduce heating and cooling loads, which may lower utility bills compared with many detached homes.
HOA rules and due diligence
Ownership types to know
- Fee simple single-family: You own the home and lot. An HOA may still apply.
- Townhome in a condo regime: You own the interior; the association owns exterior and common areas. Lender project approval may be required.
- Fee simple townhome with HOA: You own the structure and lot; the HOA manages common areas. Responsibilities vary by community documents.
What to request during your option period
Ask for a complete HOA packet and review it carefully. Request:
- CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, and architectural guidelines
- Current budget, recent financials, and any reserve study
- Insurance certificate and a summary of master policy coverage
- Minutes from recent board meetings and any litigation history
- Special assessment history and planned capital projects
Texas law provides buyer protections and resale disclosures for HOAs. Review the applicable provisions in the Texas Property Code Chapter 209 and confirm you receive required resale certificates and documents.
Common HOA red flags
- Low or no reserves for capital repairs
- Frequent or large special assessments
- Ongoing litigation
- Unclear or restrictive rules that conflict with your plans
Lifestyle trade-offs in Arlington
Yard and outdoor space
Single-family homes usually offer larger private yards for gardening, pets, play areas, and potential additions like sheds or pools. Townhomes often provide a small patio or limited yard and shared green space. If you want low yard upkeep, a townhome can save time and money.
Privacy and noise
Detached homes offer more separation from neighbors and typically more privacy. Townhomes share one or two walls, which can increase noise transfer. Construction quality matters, so include sound and party wall conditions in your inspection.
Parking and guests
Single-family homes often include a driveway and garage with more flexible guest parking, depending on the street and subdivision rules. Townhome communities typically provide one or two garage spaces per unit and designated guest parking. Some associations regulate street parking, so review the rules before you buy.
Location and commute
Townhomes cluster in denser, infill locations with access to retail, dining, and employment corridors near I‑20 and I‑30, UT Arlington, and the entertainment district. This can mean shorter drives and more convenience. Single-family homes are spread across both established neighborhoods and outer subdivisions, often with easy access to parks and community amenities.
Accessibility and aging in place
Single-family homes can be easier to modify with ramps, wider doors, and exterior changes, subject to codes and HOA guidelines. Many townhomes are multi-level, which can add stairs to daily routines. If accessibility is a priority, weigh floor plan and retrofit options early.
Resale and appreciation
Single-family homes generally draw a broader buyer pool, which can support steady demand. Townhomes appeal to buyers who want lower maintenance or an entry-level price point, and they can sell quickly in those tiers. Appreciation depends on location, lot size, supply and demand, and the surrounding neighborhood context.
Inventory matters for both property types. A surge of similar townhomes for sale in one community can increase competition. Unique or well-updated single-family homes in desirable micro-locations can command premiums.
Decision checklist for Arlington buyers
Use this quick checklist to clarify your fit:
- Budget: mortgage, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA dues, and a maintenance reserve
- Use: yard needs, pets, parking, plans to rent the property, desire to customize exterior
- Location: commute time, proximity to parks, retail, and institutions that matter to you
- HOA review: CC&Rs, budget, reserves, meeting minutes, insurance coverage, assessment history
- Inspection focus:
- Townhome: party walls, roof and attic areas if HOA covers the roof, drainage at shared walls
- Single-family: lot drainage, roof and exterior, fencing, trees, and any septic or well systems
- Financing: confirm condo or townhome project eligibility if applicable
- Resale: compare attached vs detached comps and watch neighborhood inventory trends
Local resources and next steps
- For parcel-level tax details and exemption information, use the Tarrant County Appraisal District.
- For zoning maps, permits, and neighborhood plans, visit City of Arlington Planning & Development Services.
- For HOA disclosure requirements and governance rules, review the Texas Property Code Chapter 209.
Ready to weigh specific communities, HOA documents, and current comps together? Our team will walk you through the numbers and the lifestyle fit en inglés o en español, then line up tours that match your goals. Move with purpose with the Make Your Move Group.
FAQs
What does an Arlington townhome HOA fee typically cover?
- Many include exterior maintenance, common area landscaping, trash or recycling, and sometimes water or sewer. Always confirm coverage and insurance details in the HOA documents.
How do HOA dues compare with single-family maintenance costs?
- Townhome dues shift some exterior costs into a monthly fee, while single-family owners pay directly for yard and exterior care. Budget a 1 percent to 3 percent annual maintenance reserve for any home type.
Can I rent out my Arlington townhome?
- It depends on the community. Check the CC&Rs for rental caps, minimum lease terms, and registration rules before you buy.
Who handles roof and exterior repairs in a townhome?
- In a condo regime, the HOA’s master policy may cover certain exterior elements. In fee simple townhomes, the owner may be responsible. Verify responsibilities in the documents and master insurance certificate.
Do attached homes usually cost less to insure than detached homes?
- Often yes, because less structure may be insured by the owner when a master HOA policy covers exteriors. Coverage varies, so compare quotes with clear policy boundaries.
How do Arlington property taxes differ between small-lot homes and townhomes?
- Taxes reflect appraised value and local rates. Smaller footprints can mean lower values than many detached homes, but it depends on the specific property. Check parcel details with the Tarrant County Appraisal District.
Is resale tougher for townhomes in Arlington?
- Townhomes attract a specific buyer segment and can sell quickly in entry-level price ranges. Single-family homes draw a wider audience. Marketability depends on location, condition, and inventory.
What parking rules should I expect in a townhome community?
- Expect assigned garage or driveway spaces with designated guest parking. Street parking may be limited or regulated by the HOA. Review rules before you buy.
What inspections are important for attached homes?
- Focus on party walls, roof and attic areas, drainage near shared walls, and signs of moisture or pest intrusion. Ask the inspector to note items covered by the HOA vs owner.
