There are pros and cons to living in a condo/apartment. The negatives have almost all been mentioned already.
Pros are sometimes the cons. HOA. They're supposed to protect you and, as you mentioned, they take care of the problems outside. If you have a plumbing problem, it's not 100% your responsibility.
I don't know about your HOA, but some have the final say of who they will let buy the condo which helps eliminate "problem" owners. Of course, this can be good/bad and be extreme or not extreme enough. (Not blonde? Get out! No job for 5 years because you're holding out for $80K or management? Come on in!)
__________________  Heather Zeus  | Thalia  |