What Is a Condominium?

If you’ve been exploring real estate in Midtown Atlanta, you’ve probably come across the term “condominium” — or “condo” for short. But what exactly is a condo, and how is it different from an apartment?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Condominium?

A condominium is a privately owned residence within a building or community of similar units. While you own the interior of your individual unit, you also share ownership of the building’s common areas — like the lobby, hallways, parking garage, rooftop deck, pool, or fitness center — with the other condo owners.

Condos are often found in mid- to high-rise buildings (a Midtown staple!), but they can also be in townhouse-style communities. Take a look at the photo above. Can you tell which of the highrise buildings are condominiums and which are apartment buildings?

Condo vs. Apartment: What’s the Difference?

In the Atlanta real estate market, the difference is clear:

• A condo is owned — either by the person who lives there or by an investor who rents it out.
• An apartment is rented — typically part of a larger complex owned and managed by one company.

So, while a condo and apartment might look similar on the outside, the key difference is ownership.

5 Pros of Condo Living

1. Low Maintenance Lifestyle
   No lawn to mow or roof to repair — your HOA (Homeowners Association) typically handles exterior maintenance, landscaping, and shared spaces.
2. Amenities Galore
   Think swimming pools, fitness centers, clubrooms, rooftop patios, and even concierge services — all without ever leaving the building.
3. Security
   Many Midtown condos offer controlled access, security staff, and secure parking — giving you peace of mind, especially in an urban setting.
4. Walkability and Location
   Condos in Midtown Atlanta put you steps away from restaurants, shops, Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, MARTA stations, and cultural spots like the Fox Theatre and High Museum.
5. Affordability (Compared to a House)
   In many cases, a condo in the heart of the city is more affordable than a single-family home in the same area — especially when you factor in location and amenities.

5 Cons of Condo Living

1. HOA Fees
   While they cover important services, homeowners association fees can add a few hundred dollars (or more) to your monthly expenses. This one, you have to think about all that is covered with your HOA fee vs. you paying for a new roof, etc.
2. HOA Rules and Restrictions
   From pet policies to balcony decor, your HOA likely has guidelines you’ll need to follow. Some find this limiting. (And you want to make sure your know the Rules and Restrictions as part of your buying process.)
3. Limited Outdoor Space
   Most condos don’t come with a yard, and while balconies are common, they’re not a full substitute for personal green space.
4. Shared Walls and Noise
   Like apartment living, you may share walls (or ceilings/floors) with neighbors — which can occasionally lead to noise concerns.
5. Resale or Financing Challenges (Sometimes)
   Depending on the building’s financials or owner-occupancy rate, it may be more complicated to get a mortgage — or to sell — compared to a single-family home.

At MyMidtownMojo, we help buyers navigate all aspects of condo living in Atlanta — from understanding HOA documents to choosing the right building for your lifestyle and budget. Just take a look at High Rise Condo Buildings and Mid Rise Condo buildings in Midtown Atlanta!

Thinking about condo life? Let’s chat — we’ll help you find the perfect space in the heart of Atlanta.