Deciding between a townhome and a single-family home isn’t always simple. It’s not just about square footage or price — it’s about how you want to live, how much flexibility you need, and how your home will support you over the long term. At Empire Homes, we’ve built both styles across Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, and Tea, so we’ve seen firsthand how each option fits different lifestyles. Picking a home doesn’t have to feel like a test — start by asking yourself a few key questions and see which way you lean. With the right perspective, you’ll not only choose a home that fits today — but one that makes sense for years to come.
1. How will your homeownership costs evolve over time?
Single-family homes give you independence — along with the freedom to manage your space exactly how you want. Tasks like landscaping or exterior upkeep are in your hands, which lets you make choices that match your lifestyle and keep your home looking its best over time.
Townhomes with HOA perks mean the lawn gets mowed, the snow gets cleared, and your weekends stay your own. From morning coffee on the patio to evening walks around the neighborhood, it’s all about enjoying your home. Smart layouts, extra storage, and community upkeep help everything run smoothly — so you can focus on, well, literally anything else!
👉 Builder’s insight
In our experience building in Sioux Falls, single-family homes give buyers flexibility to expand, finish basements, or customize outdoor spaces — options that aren’t available in townhomes because of shared walls and smaller lots. This flexibility allows homeowners to tailor their home to evolving lifestyle needs over time.
Shared walls in townhomes mean privacy is key in bedrooms and outdoor spaces, while living areas stay open and functional. Buyers appreciate patios that feel private and storage that adapts to hobbies, work-from-home setups, or entertaining. With HOA-managed shared spaces, residents can enjoy their home without needing to coordinate maintenance with neighbors — a convenience that often surprises first-time buyers.
Both styles offer strong appeal in the market, but for different reasons: single-family homes provide long-term adaptability and space for personal customization, while townhomes deliver efficiency, convenience, and a cohesive community environment.
2. Do you want flexibility or simplicity?
We often see buyers using single-family layouts in creative ways they hadn’t expected: converting a corner of the garage into a mini workshop, or turning a side yard into a play area or garden. Homes with larger lots let families spread out naturally, so bedrooms, offices, and living areas can serve multiple purposes as needs change over the years. Even simple design choices, like window placement or ceiling height, end up shaping how the home is lived in day-to-day.
The advantage here isn’t size — it’s how every square foot is intentional. Shared walls and coordinated community layouts influence how natural light flows, how noise travels, and how outdoor spaces feel. In our experience, buyers quickly notice which layouts make entertaining easy, which storage nooks get used most, and how small design tweaks — like a slightly larger entryway or a dual-purpose loft — dramatically change daily life.
👉 Builder’s insight
Single-family homes are a canvas for long-term adaptation — buyers can adjust the space as life evolves, from growing families to new hobbies. Townhomes reward thoughtful design: because every square foot is purposeful, residents live efficiently and comfortably, often discovering practical benefits they hadn’t considered during the tour.
3. How will Sioux Falls’ growth affect your home?
Single-family homes: In our experience, buyers often underestimate how neighborhood development influences long-term value. Homes near new schools, trails, or parks not only provide lifestyle benefits today but also tend to appreciate steadily over time. Families moving into single-family homes often choose areas with room to grow, knowing that proximity to expanding infrastructure — roads, shopping, and recreation — will enhance both convenience and future resale.
Townhomes: Location and layout matter just as much here, but the dynamic is different. Townhomes near commercial corridors or transit hubs often attract professionals, investors, and first-time buyers, which keeps resale demand strong. Buyers frequently tell us they love the combination of city access and low-maintenance living — a mix that appeals to a broad audience and helps maintain market stability over time.
👉 Builder’s insight
We’ve noticed a clear pattern in Sioux Falls: single-family neighborhoods near new infrastructure tend to see gradual, long-term appreciation, while townhome developments in high-demand areas experience steady turnover and consistent market interest. Choosing between the two isn’t just about your lifestyle today — it’s about understanding how the community and local amenities will shape your home’s value in the years ahead.
The Bottom Line
Deciding between a townhome and a single-family home isn’t just a checklist of features — it’s about imagining your life in each space. Will your mornings feel peaceful sipping coffee on a patio, or will your evenings be filled with backyard gatherings and space to spread out? Thinking about how you want to live, laugh, and grow in your home helps turn a big decision into something exciting instead of overwhelming.
No matter which home you choose, every Empire Home comes with our warranty, giving you confidence and peace of mind. Curious about both styles? Schedule a tour with one of our new home consultants and see how each option could feel like home — today and for years to come.