https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 05 May 2026 06:44:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2200064 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 09:00:29 +0000 daniellemybelle 2200064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much everyone for your input! One thing a few have mentioned is to go with what saves us money. Both options would cost roughly the same so budget isn't a consideration. We could go up on our budget and get a SF house with more square footage, but I am trying to not overdo it when we will be renting short-term. At the same time, I want us to be happy and comfortable!</p> <p>@Kemma: @hilsy85: That's a great point about light!</p> <p>@Ree723: We haven't been able to see them yet - they are in another city. And honestly, the places I'm looking at are probably already snapped up, but I think they are good examples for what we'll be looking for when we move later this summer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2200041 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 08:44:05 +0000 Ree723 2200041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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!</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2199969 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 07:55:17 +0000 Kimberlybee 2199969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live in a condo currently, in a great location and location is the only reason we're staying here. I can't wait to rent this out when we find a detached house because we're seeing lots of lousy and unclean renters move in lately. They have been throwing trash on the property and not picking up after their pets. The way the layout is, I can hear my neighbors clearly if I am in the guest bedroom but no where else in the home. They are really loud! It doesn't bother me though because we have the TV on a lot as background noise. I would definitely pick whatever option saves you more money since it's temporary. DD is 2 now and condo living hasn't been that bad at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2199935 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 07:27:15 +0000 hilsy85 2199935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2199847 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 06:04:23 +0000 Kemma 2199847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just another aspect to think about but which place gets more sun / has a lighter feel to it? I don't think I could live in a home that wasn't positioned to catch the sun, particularly if there wasn't a huge difference in the square footage etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2199826 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 04:25:38 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2199826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2199005 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:23:02 +0000 MaryM 2199005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think a lot would depend on layout too. DH and I looked at some townhouses that were twice the size of our old house SF wise, but when it's spread over 3 floors, it doesn't seem as accessible/big. </p> <p>We also looked at some SF homes the same square footage of our old house, but if it was all on one floor and fairly open floor plan, it seemed way bigger. </p> <p>being in a SF home ended up feeling most comfortable for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2199002 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:22:15 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2199002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With a dog that large I'd go for the bigger backyard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198997 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:20:24 +0000 daniellemybelle 2198997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: Less to clean... but more clutter in a small place! :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198963 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:53:17 +0000 plantains 2198963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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! </p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198824 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:31:01 +0000 birdofafeather 2198824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>for a dog, backyard for sure. we have a 1600 sq ft home and it's mostly empty. but we came from 600 sq ft, and we're renting so i'm not buying stuff just to fill the place up we would be so fine with 1300! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198798 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:17:29 +0000 mediagirl 2198798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With a dog - a backyard for sure. We are backyard people and are always in it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198786 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:09:08 +0000 regberadaisy 2198786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>House definitely!!! I don't think you'll miss the loss of that little SF difference. The bigger yard and no attached neighbors will be huge for me. I'm SO over apartment/condo living and won't ever go back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198782 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:06:56 +0000 Ajsmommy 2198782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>100% larger yard/privacy!</p> <p>ETA: I'd gladly give up some sq footage for bigger yard/privacy at my house!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198776 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:03:26 +0000 snowjewelz 2198776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>House with yard/privacy for sure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198775 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:03:07 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2198775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198649 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:52:02 +0000 Bao 2198649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yard/privacy for sure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198598 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:33:52 +0000 Maysprout 2198598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198589 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:25:07 +0000 photojane 2198589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't vote, because I'm an "other." I'd pick whichever is cheapest. I'm with @Mamaof2. You can do anything for a year... that's not long at all! I'd rather rent a cheaper place for the short term, and have more money saved to put towards a long term home.</p> <p>ETA: We've lived in attached and detached. I do prefer detached, but we currently live in a townhouse, and it's not bad at all. We never hear our neighbors, and we don't do anything in the yard that we need lots of privacy for. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198583 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:22:48 +0000 avivoca 2198583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198579 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:20:18 +0000 Mamaof2 2198579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: Since its just for a year I would go with whichever is cheaper then! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198578 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:20:06 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2198578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> <p>- Is there a kitchen pantry<br /> - Do you need/want a hall closet for stroller storage?<br /> - Is there a linen closet?<br /> - Do you want an eat in kitchen AND a formal/larger dining room?<br /> - Do you want open concept or more rooms?<br /> - Do you want an actual laundry room or just units tucked in a closet? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198577 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:19:28 +0000 daniellemybelle 2198577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does it make a difference if I say that the condo has nicer finishes - granite countertops, etc.? I am surprised so many of you are pro-house! </p> <p>@Keybee: We don't spend that much time in our yard now. We do have a playset but even still, we don't use that everyday. We are more likely to go on a walk or go to a park. The yard is more for letting the dog out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198572 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:17:10 +0000 Keybee 2198572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198571 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:17:09 +0000 daniellemybelle 2198571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: I'd rather put the $100 or whatever per month that a storage unit would cost toward more square footage, though! It's so true how you accumulate and so quickly, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198566 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:14:31 +0000 Mamaof2 2198566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>House!</p> <p>I actually think it would be beneficial to downsize your things and then store whatever doesn't fit.</p> <p>Years ago we moved from a 2400 sq ft house to a 1000 sq ft condo and it was great!!!</p> <p>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! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198555 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:11:02 +0000 daniellemybelle 2198555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: No basement - attic is a great question. We have a small attic now that we use for storage. Storage overall is a concern - the smaller the place, the more stuff we are not going to have a place for! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198549 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:10:12 +0000 hilsy85 2198549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: less square footage is less to clean IMO! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198547 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:09:10 +0000 daniellemybelle 2198547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: I think it really depends on your neighbors - and how thin the walls are! I have never lived in an attached condo with a LO though and my fear is having neighbors that think we are too loud!</p> <p>@youboots: DH takes him on a very long walk every day, so the yard is really just to go out during the day, not for exercise. The size of the yard isn't a big factor for the dog.</p> <p>@hilsy85: I'm sure it is plenty but I am used to a bigger house! That's a good point about layout. I think we'll just have to walk through them to see how it feels. </p> <p>@Foodnerd81: Both options are 3 bedrooms / 2.5 bathrooms - I need to edit to add that. We want to have a guest room so 3 bedrooms are a requirement. In the house, the kitchen and the bedrooms are smaller. (We're looking at multiple options so it will vary but that's been the case with what I've seen so far online.)</p> <p>The condo neighbors are just on the sides, not upstairs/downstairs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/more-square-footage-or-more-yardprivacy#post-2198543 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:08:17 +0000 lamariniere 2198543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p>