Hellobee Boards

I would normally say more square footage over more yard but I hate being in an attached condo so I this case I'd say more privacy.

Depends on the layout--I'd rather live in a smaller space with a better layout than a larger place with wasted space. If the layout in the small place works, I would do that--with only 1 child, I think 1300 sq ft is plenty!

More backyard!

Definitely depends on the layout! I think it's great that you get a private yard no matter, what, but the layout would be the deciding factor for me.

@daniellemybelle: less square footage is less to clean IMO!

House!

I actually think it would be beneficial to downsize your things and then store whatever doesn't fit.

Years ago we moved from a 2400 sq ft house to a 1000 sq ft condo and it was great!!!

Then we moved into a 3400 sq ft house and 6 yrs later - its packed! I actually want out next house to be smaller to prevent use from accumulating so much stuff!

It depends on how you use your outside space. For some a back yard is a second family room. Other people spend more time indoors and so bigger interior would be most useful.

I agree with having a good layout. Some single family homes waste a lot of sq. ft. in entry ways, dining rooms, hall ways etc. Where a townhouse/condo maximizes more I think. So in reality you may not notice that much space missing if its done correctly. Point being, you just have to get in the place and see. I would be more concerned about thinking about your storage requirements.

- Is there a kitchen pantry
- Do you need/want a hall closet for stroller storage?
- Is there a linen closet?
- Do you want an eat in kitchen AND a formal/larger dining room?
- Do you want open concept or more rooms?
- Do you want an actual laundry room or just units tucked in a closet?

I voted for the house, but I can see how you may want more square footage. What is the storage like in both of them? It might be a good way to get rid of stuff you don't need/use anymore.

Is either in a neighborhood where you might want to buy? It might be nice to rent close to where you think you might want to live to see if it's really worth buying in that neighborhood.

I voted house mostly because it's not attached and the yard. It will feel bigger with a bigger yard. I wouldn't want to be attached with a toddler if I could help it. Also...it's only a year.

100% larger yard/privacy!

ETA: I'd gladly give up some sq footage for bigger yard/privacy at my house!!

With a dog - a backyard for sure. We are backyard people and are always in it.

It is hard to say, depends on the condo. If the walls are paper thin then that would be annoying. I live in a condo building in NYC and everyone on my floor and those above us has kids. I have never once heard anything through the walls!

I would care about the layout and the size of the three bedrooms. Example, it is no use having tons of square footage if most of it is in the foyer and the rooms are tiny dark and boxy! I also care quite a bit about finishes, but I also don't find the privacy thing to be important so I depends on your personality and what really matters to you.

With a dog that large I'd go for the bigger backyard.

I'm normally a house person over condos but you spend way more of your time inside than outside so I'd go for the extra square feet and nicer finishes. Since the yard in either place is enough for your needs, I'd prioritize the indoor space where you'll actually be spending large amounts of time.

@Kemma: yes! That would be huge for me as well. Our current place has a small living area but is super bright with huge windows. Makes a big difference.

Bigger yard/more privacy for sure! We recently bought a 1300 sq ft house with a large yard and I am so, so happy with it. We're in England, home of minuscule houses and crappy weather half the time, but having that lovely green space to look out on, even on the rainiest and chilliest of days, is wonderful! And when the sun comes out, it is an oasis that we practically live in!

Also, FWIW, our house has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, plus a conservatory, so 1300 sq ft doesn't have to mean small/cramped by any stretch. We are also in a semi-detached house and generally don't have any issues with noise from our neighbours, but again, attached houses are the norm here so I think houses are constructed appropriately with that in mind.

Have you walked through either of them yet? Light and layout are deal makers/breakers for me so going through them may push you towards preferring one over the other.