Von Ormy TX Apartments vs. Single-Family Homes: Which is Right for You?

January 14, 2026

If you're considering a move to the Von Ormy area near San Antonio, you're probably weighing your housing options. Should you rent a single-family home or take the plunge and buy? It's a big decision, and honestly, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for your neighbor might not work for you, and that's perfectly okay.

The good news? Von Ormy offers both options, and understanding the real differences can help you make a choice you'll feel great about. Let's break down what renting versus buying a single-family home actually looks like in this growing Texas community.

Understanding the Cost Differences

Let's talk money first, because let's be real, budget matters. When comparing renting to buying a single-family home in Von Ormy, the financial picture goes way beyond just the monthly payment.

Upfront Costs: Getting Through the Door

When you rent a single-family home at Enclave at Medina, you're typically looking at a security deposit (often equal to one month's rent) and your first month's rent. That's it. You could be moving into a spacious 3 or 4-bedroom home within weeks with just a few thousand dollars.

Buying a home? That's a completely different story. According to Zillow's homebuying cost guide, you're looking at:

  • Down payment: Typically 3-20% of the purchase price (on a $250,000 home, that's $7,500-$50,000)
  • Closing costs: Another 2-5% of the purchase price ($5,000-$12,500)
  • Home inspection: $300-$500
  • Appraisal fees: $300-$600
  • Moving costs: Often higher when you own, as you're more likely to accumulate belongings

That's easily $15,000-$65,000 just to get the keys. For many families, that's a significant barrier, or money that could be better invested elsewhere.

Monthly Expenses: The Hidden Costs of Ownership

Your monthly rent at Enclave at Medina is straightforward and predictable. But when you own a home, your mortgage payment is just the beginning. According to the American National Bank of Texas, here's what homeowners face that renters don't:

  • Property taxes: In Texas, these average 1.6-1.8% of your home's value annually (that's $333-$375/month on a $250,000 home)
  • Homeowner's insurance: $100-$300/month in Texas, and rising
  • HOA fees: $50-$300/month in many Von Ormy neighborhoods
  • Maintenance reserve: Financial experts recommend setting aside 1-2% of your home's value annually for repairs ($200-$400/month)
  • PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance): If you put down less than 20%, add another $100-$200/month

Suddenly, that $1,500 mortgage payment becomes $2,300-$2,800 in total monthly housing costs. When you rent at Enclave at Medina, your rent covers your housing, period. No surprise bills, no hidden costs.

Maintenance and Responsibilities: Your Time Matters

Here's something people don't always consider until they're living it: your time has value. How you spend your weekends matters.

The Rental Home Advantage

Living at Enclave at Medina means you get all the space and privacy of a single-family home without the maintenance headaches. Our responsive maintenance team handles everything from plumbing issues to appliance repairs to HVAC servicing. Submit a request, and we take care of it, no need to research contractors, get multiple quotes, or supervise repairs.

Your Saturday morning? Spend it at our community splash pad with your kids, not mowing the lawn or fixing a leaky faucet. Your evenings? Relax in your spacious home instead of painting, caulking, or dealing with pest control.

Even better, our community handles:

  • Exterior maintenance and landscaping of common areas
  • Major system repairs (HVAC, water heater, appliances)
  • Pest control services
  • 24/7 emergency maintenance

Homeownership Reality Check

When you own your home, you're the property manager, maintenance crew, and landscaper all rolled into one. Even if you hire help, you're still coordinating schedules, managing budgets, and making decisions about every little thing that goes wrong.

According to Consumer Affairs, homeowners report completing multiple maintenance projects annually and incurring substantial costs. That's time you could spend with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing.

And then there are the big-ticket repairs that hit without warning:

  • AC replacement: $5,000-$8,000 (and in Texas, this is non-negotiable)
  • Roof replacement: $10,000-$15,000
  • Foundation repairs: $2,000-$10,000+ (common in Texas clay soil)
  • Plumbing emergencies: $500-$3,000
  • Water heater replacement: $1,200-$2,500

When you rent, these costs are covered. When you own, they come straight out of your savings.

Amenities and Lifestyle: Resort-Style Living

This is where single-family rental communities like Enclave at Medina really shine. You get the best of both worlds: the space and privacy of your own home, plus amenities that would cost tens of thousands to install yourself.

What's Included at Enclave at Medina

Our family-friendly community amenities include features that most homeowners can only dream of:

  • Splash pad: Perfect for those hot Texas days, professionally maintained and safe for kids
  • Playground with swings and picnic areas: Safe, maintained spaces where kids can play and families can gather
  • Dog-friendly community: Your furry friends have space to roam and socialize
  • Modern, updated interiors: Granite countertops, stainless appliances, and contemporary finishes in every home
  • Community events: Built-in opportunities to meet neighbors and build connections

Want a splash pad or pool in your owned home's backyard? That's $30,000-$70,000 to install, plus $1,200-$1,800 annually in maintenance. At Enclave at Medina, it's already there and maintained for you.

Community Connection

There's something special about living in a planned community. You have neighbors nearby, shared spaces that encourage interaction, and a sense of belonging. For families, young professionals, or anyone new to the area, this built-in community can be invaluable.

When you buy a home in a traditional neighborhood, you might get lucky with great neighbors, or you might not. At Enclave at Medina, community is built into the design.

Flexibility and Commitment: Planning for Your Future

Life changes. Jobs change. Families grow. Your housing should be able to adapt with you.

Rental Flexibility

Most rental leases run 12-15 months, giving you the flexibility to reassess your situation annually. Got a job opportunity in another city? Relocate without the stress of selling a property. Need more space as your family grows? Move to a larger floor plan at the end of your lease.

Want to test out Von Ormy before committing long-term? Renting lets you do that. You can experience the schools, commute times, and community vibe before making a permanent decision.

At Enclave at Medina, we offer multiple floor plans ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms (1,442 to 2,677 square feet), so you can find the right fit for your current needs without overcommitting.

Homeownership Commitment

When you buy a home, you're making a significant long-term commitment. According to Rocket Mortgage, Selling a home can take months, depending on the market and a few other factors, and costs 8-10% of the sale price in realtor commissions, closing costs, and repairs.

Financial experts generally recommend staying in a home for at least 5-7 years to recoup your buying costs. If your job, family situation, or preferences change before then, you could lose money on the sale.

Plus, there's the emotional and logistical stress of selling: staging your home, keeping it show-ready, hosting open houses, negotiating with buyers, and coordinating the closing process. When you rent, you simply give notice and move on.

Location and Convenience: Von Ormy's Sweet Spot

Von Ormy offers the best of both worlds, peaceful suburban living with easy access to San Antonio's attractions. Enclave at Medina is strategically positioned to maximize your convenience.

Strategic Location Benefits

We're close to everything you need:

  • Shopping: HEB Plus, Costco, and major retail centers within minutes
  • Entertainment: SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and downtown's River Walk all easily accessible
  • Employment hubs: Quick access to San Antonio's major employers and military bases
  • Schools: Served by Somerset ISD with multiple school options nearby
  • Healthcare: Close to quality medical facilities and urgent care centers

You get the tranquility of Von Ormy's suburban atmosphere without sacrificing convenience. No need to drive 20 minutes for groceries or 30 minutes for entertainment, it's all nearby.

The Homebuying Location Gamble

When you buy a home, you're locked into that location. If a new highway goes in nearby, property values might drop. If the neighborhood changes character, you're stuck. If your commute changes, you can't easily relocate.

When you rent, you have the flexibility to move to a location that better suits your evolving needs. Your job relocates? Your kids change schools? You want to be closer to aging parents? Renting gives you options.

Space and Privacy: Single-Family Home Living

One of the biggest advantages of Enclave at Medina is that you get true single-family home living, not apartment living. Let's talk about what that means.

Spacious Floor Plans

Our homes range from 1,442 to 2,677 square feet with 3-5 bedrooms. That's plenty of room for:

  • Growing families with multiple children
  • Home offices for remote workers
  • Guest rooms for visiting family
  • Hobby spaces, craft rooms, or home gyms
  • Ample storage with walk-in closets

Privacy and Comfort

Unlike apartments, our single-family homes offer:

  • No shared walls: Your home is your own, no hearing neighbors through walls
  • Private yards: Outdoor space for kids to play, pets to roam, or adults to relax
  • Dedicated parking: Your own driveway and garage, not shared parking lots
  • Individual entrances: Come and go as you please without navigating hallways or elevators

You get all the benefits of single-family home living without the financial burden and maintenance responsibilities of ownership.

Quality Over Quantity

It's not just about how much space you have, it's about how you use it. Our homes feature:

  • Open-concept layouts that feel spacious and airy
  • Modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless appliances
  • Contemporary finishes throughout
  • Energy-efficient design to keep utility costs manageable

Plus, you're not paying to heat, cool, or maintain space you don't actually use. Many homeowners find themselves with rooms that sit empty while they're still paying property taxes and insurance on them.

Financial Flexibility: Building Wealth Your Way

There's a common myth that renting is "throwing money away" while buying builds equity. Let's examine that more closely.

The Equity Myth

Yes, when you own a home, you build equity over time. But in the first 5-10 years of a mortgage, most of your payment goes to interest, not principal. According to Bankrate's mortgage calculator, on a $250,000 mortgage at 7% interest, you'll pay over $100,000 in interest in the first 10 years while only building about $35,000 in equity.

Meanwhile, you're also paying:

  • Property taxes that increase annually
  • Insurance premiums that keep rising
  • Maintenance and repairs that don't build equity
  • HOA fees that provide no return

The Renter's Advantage

When you rent at Enclave at Medina, you free up capital that can be invested elsewhere:

  • Stock market investments: Historically averaging 10% annual returns
  • Retirement accounts: Maximizing 401(k) and IRA contributions
  • Business ventures: Starting a side business or investing in your career
  • Emergency fund: Building financial security for unexpected expenses
  • Education: Investing in yourself or your children's future

The money you save on down payments, closing costs, maintenance, and repairs can be invested in assets that may provide better returns than home equity, and with much more liquidity.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle

So, which is right for you? Here's how to think about it:

Renting a Single-Family Home Might Be Your Best Fit If:

  • You value your free time and don't want to spend weekends on home maintenance
  • You prefer predictable monthly expenses without surprise repair costs
  • You want access to resort-style amenities without the cost of installing and maintaining them
  • You appreciate community living and built-in social opportunities
  • You need flexibility to relocate for work or personal reasons
  • You're new to the Von Ormy area and want to explore before committing long-term
  • You want to invest your capital in other wealth-building opportunities
  • You want single-family home space and privacy without ownership responsibilities
  • You're not ready for a 5-7 year minimum commitment to one location

Buying a Home Might Be Better If:

  • You're absolutely certain you'll stay in Von Ormy for 7+ years
  • You have significant savings for down payment, closing costs, and emergency repairs
  • You enjoy home improvement projects and yard work
  • You want complete control over renovations and modifications
  • You have the time and skills to manage property maintenance
  • You're comfortable with the financial risk of property value fluctuations
  • You want to leave real estate to heirs as part of your estate plan

Why Enclave at Medina Stands Out

If you're leaning toward renting a single-family home, not all rental communities are created equal. Here's what makes Enclave at Medina special:

  • True single-family homes: Not apartments, actual houses with private yards and no shared walls
  • Spacious floor plans: 3 and 5-bedroom options from 1,442 to 2,677 square feet
  • Modern finishes: Granite countertops, stainless appliances, and contemporary design throughout
  • Family-friendly amenities: Splash pad, playground, picnic areas, features that would cost tens of thousands to install privately
  • Pet-friendly community: Your four-legged family members are welcome here
  • Responsive management: We're not just landlords, we're your neighbors and partners in creating a great living experience
  • Prime location: Close to San Antonio's best while maintaining Von Ormy's peaceful atmosphere
  • Community connection: Built-in opportunities to meet neighbors and build lasting friendships

The Bottom Line: It's About Your Priorities

There's no universally "right" answer to the renting versus buying debate. It all comes down to what matters most to you right now in your life.

If you're looking for the space and privacy of a single-family home without the financial burden, maintenance responsibilities, and long-term commitment of ownership, renting at Enclave at Medina offers compelling advantages. You get modern, spacious homes with resort-style amenities, all while keeping your weekends free, your budget predictable, and your options open.

The Von Ormy area is growing, and now is a great time to explore your options. Whether you're relocating to the San Antonio area, not ready to commit to buying, or simply prefer the flexibility and convenience of renting, we'd love to show you what makes our community special.

Ready to Experience the Enclave at Medina Difference?

Why spend your weekends maintaining a house when you could be enjoying life? Discover spacious, modern single-family rental homes with resort-style amenities in the heart of Von Ormy. Our friendly team is ready to show you around and help you find the perfect floor plan for your lifestyle.

Schedule your tour today and see why so many Von Ormy residents choose Enclave at Medina.

Contact us now to learn more about our available homes and current specials!

Recent Resources