It could be when you hear the word “villa,” visions of Italian getaways sweep your mind. Long, leisurely afternoons spent in the vineyards and strolling narrow, cobblestoned streets, followed by moonlit nights on the terrace and all that. Ahhhhh….

Now, return to real, non-vacation life, and think about what that word means, and you’ll discover it can still hold a little of that magic.

Villa life can include advantages such as the freedom to design and decorate any way you like, to enjoy your private outdoor space (let the dog run? plant a garden?), to entertain as you wish, to park in your own garage, to belong to a neighborhood—and to build equity with those monthly payments. Plus, a reasonable monthly homeowners association fee means you never have to shovel snow from the driveway, mow the lawn or pay for trash service, and you may get your windows’ exteriors washed a couple of times a year (depending on the development).  

You can downsize—or not. Think “more compact” instead. Most standalone units aren’t McMansions with massive lots, but that’s more work anyway. You want the freedom to work, play, travel, and still have that piece of property that’s all yours.