Trying to decide between a townhome and a single-family house in Worman’s Mill? You are not alone. The neighborhood offers both options in a walkable, amenity-rich setting, which makes the choice more about maintenance, space, and long-term fit than picking one “best” type. In this guide, you will get clear price context, lifestyle tradeoffs, HOA insights, and a practical checklist tailored to Worman’s Mill so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Worman’s Mill at a glance
Worman’s Mill in Frederick is a neo-traditional, master-planned community with tree-lined streets, pocket parks, and a village center with dining and shops. You are roughly five miles from Downtown Frederick and near the Monocacy River, with walking trails and river access nearby. Residents use multiple community pools, clubhouse spaces, and courts, and seasonal events in the village gazebo add to the neighborhood feel.
Prices and what you can expect
Neighborhood medians vary by source and month, but recent snapshots put Worman’s Mill roughly in the mid $500Ks to low $600Ks for all home types. For example:
- Redfin (Jan 2026): median around $572,000 for all types.
- Realtor.com (Oct 2025): neighborhood median reported near $624,450.
- Rocket (June 2025): median list near $556,750.
Within that, product types show a split. Homes.com data has reported a median single-family sale near $600,000 and a median townhouse sale around $445,000 in recent periods. Always confirm current comps in the exact sub-community before you write an offer.
Observed ranges from recent listings across sources and MLS pulls:
- Townhomes: commonly from the low $300Ks into the high $600Ks, with rare luxury or larger models reaching higher in select phases.
- Single-family homes: often from about $450,000 up to $800K+, with some larger or highly upgraded homes reaching the high $800Ks to $1M+ range.
Market pace and competition shift month to month. Check the latest neighborhood snapshot the week you are ready to tour so you have the freshest picture of days on market and pricing mix.
Townhome vs single-family: key differences
Here is a side-by-side look at how the two options typically compare in Worman’s Mill:
| Factor | Townhome | Single-family |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | Often about 1,600 to 3,800 sq ft over 2–4 levels | Often 2,000 to 4,000+ sq ft |
| Outdoor space | Small patio, rear courtyard, or compact yard; lots often around 0.06–0.11 acres | Private yard and more separation; lots commonly around 0.10–0.15 acres |
| Maintenance & HOA | Many clusters include exterior items, lawn care, snow, plus pools/clubhouse; monthly dues apply | Owner handles most exterior items; some areas also pay HOA for common areas/amenities |
| Privacy & flexibility | Connected walls, modest yards; simpler lock-and-leave lifestyle | More privacy and flexibility for exterior changes, subject to HOA rules |
| Entry price range | Lower entry price on average than detached homes | Higher entry price on average in this neighborhood |
| Fee examples observed | Some townhome MLS examples showed about $89–$107 per month | One detached MLS example showed about $301 per month; varies by sub-community |
| Resale considerations | Lower maintenance appeal can draw first-time buyers and downsizers | Broader buyer pool often values yard space and size; historically higher median |
Notes: HOA fees and what they cover vary by sub-association. Always verify the exact inclusions and monthly amounts for the specific property.
How the lifestyle feels
- If you want less exterior work, predictable maintenance, and easy access to amenities, a townhome can be a smart fit.
- If you want more yard space, privacy, and flexibility for outdoor projects, a detached home may better match your long-term plans.
HOA fees and what to check
HOA structure is central in Worman’s Mill. Some sub-communities cover only common areas and amenities. Others include lawn care, exterior maintenance, snow removal, and more. Because dues and coverage vary, build time into your offer process to read the documents and ask questions.
- Budget for HOA separately. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that HOA dues are usually not part of your mortgage payment and should be planned as a separate monthly cost. Review the CFPB’s guidance on how dues fit into your budget in this short resource on whether HOA fees are included in your mortgage payment: CFPB on HOA dues and mortgages.
- Understand assessments. Associations can levy special assessments for capital projects. For an overview of how fees and assessments work, see this consumer explainer on HOA fees and special assessments.
Documents and questions to request
Ask for the following before you remove contingencies:
- Current HOA budget and most recent financials. Ask if the budget is balanced and what the reserve balance is. If a reserve study exists, request it. The CFPB encourages consumers to understand what dues cover and how they are billed. See CFPB guidance on HOA dues.
- HOA meeting minutes from the last 12–24 months. You want to see upcoming projects, fee changes, or disputes. The CFPB resource above also speaks to understanding fee structures and timing.
- Written list of current or pending special assessments and recent fee increases. For basic definitions, review this HOA fees and assessments overview.
- Association insurance certificates. Clarify what the master policy covers and what you must insure yourself.
- Management company info and contract terms. Confirm whether the HOA is professionally managed or volunteer run.
- Rules, bylaws, and architectural guidelines. Confirm policies on pets, rentals, parking, and exterior changes.
- Delinquency rate on dues. A high delinquency rate can strain cash flow and increase assessment risk. The CFPB guide is a good budgeting reference here as well.
How to interpret the dues
- Lower dues can look attractive but might reflect limited reserves for big projects. Higher dues may be appropriate if they fund amenities and strong reserves.
- Ask for the reserve study and any planned capital work. Fold dues, taxes, utilities, and insurance into one monthly housing budget so you see the real picture.
Location, resale, and long-term fit
Within Worman’s Mill, proximity to the Village, parks, and main routes can influence demand. Garage size, parking setup, number of bedrooms, and overall condition also shape buyer interest and sale price. When you price or evaluate a home, use the most recent sold comparables from the same sub-community or street pattern rather than pulling from the entire neighborhood.
HOA health matters for resale and financing. Lenders and buyers pay attention to reserve strength, assessments, litigation, and rental caps. The CFPB guide on HOA costs is a helpful primer as you assess long-term risk and budget.
Smart buyer checklist for Worman’s Mill
Use this step-by-step list as you compare townhome and single-family options.
Pre-offer and budgeting
- Pull recent sold comps from the last 90 days in the same sub-community.
- Get pre-approved and build HOA dues into your monthly budget. The CFPB explains where HOA dues fit.
Due diligence while under contract
- Request the HOA packet: current budget, reserve study, meeting minutes for 12–24 months, CC&Rs, master insurance, vendor contracts, and delinquency rate. Use the CFPB guide to frame your questions.
- Inspection focus areas common in this neighborhood: roof age and repairs, exterior envelope and siding, HVAC age, basement moisture and drainage given proximity to the Monocacy River, and garage/driveway condition.
- Run a flood-risk check. Enter the property address into FEMA’s Map Service Center to confirm the flood zone and whether flood insurance may be required. Start here: FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
- Confirm school assignment and property taxes with Frederick County records. Assignment can vary by address.
Post-inspection negotiation
- If reserves are low or a large project is planned, consider negotiating for seller credits or other protections. If you learn about pending litigation or high delinquency, talk with your lender early and proceed with care. The CFPB resource on HOA dues can help you frame the financial impacts.
Which choice is right for you
Choose a Worman’s Mill townhome if you value a simpler maintenance routine, close access to amenities, and a lower entry price compared to a detached home. The layout often favors a lock-and-leave lifestyle with enough private outdoor space for relaxing, but not a large yard to manage.
Choose a Worman’s Mill single-family home if you want more privacy, yard space for projects or play, and flexibility for exterior changes subject to HOA approval. Detached homes in this neighborhood have historically carried higher median prices and can appeal to a broad buyer pool at resale.
Whichever path you choose, anchor your decision in current comps from your exact sub-community, a full review of HOA documents, and a flood map check. If you keep the numbers and the maintenance picture front and center, you will feel confident in your choice.
Ready to compare real listings, run precise comps, and review HOA documents with a local pro? Connect with The Trish Mills Team for neighborhood-specific guidance and a smooth, confident purchase.
FAQs
What is the typical price difference between townhomes and single-family homes in Worman’s Mill?
- Recent data shows townhomes often trade at a lower median than detached homes, with neighborhood medians in the mid $500Ks to low $600Ks depending on the month and source.
How much are HOA dues in Worman’s Mill, and what do they cover?
- Dues vary by sub-association and can range from modest amounts for common areas to more comprehensive coverage that includes exterior items, lawn care, snow removal, and amenities.
Are HOA fees included in my mortgage payment when I buy in Worman’s Mill?
- No. The CFPB explains HOA dues are usually billed separately and should be added to your monthly housing budget alongside mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities.
Do I need flood insurance for a home in Worman’s Mill near the Monocacy River?
- It depends on your flood zone. Check your property at FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to see if flood insurance is required or recommended.
What should I review in the HOA documents before removing contingencies?
- Request the budget, reserve study, last 12–24 months of meeting minutes, CC&Rs, master insurance, vendor contracts, and the delinquency rate to assess financial health and rule impacts.
Which home type has better resale prospects in Worman’s Mill?
- Both sell well when priced with recent local comps, but detached homes often carry higher medians and broad appeal. Condition, location within the neighborhood, parking, and HOA health all influence resale.
What inspection items should I prioritize for homes in Worman’s Mill?
- Focus on roof age, exterior envelope, HVAC lifespan, moisture and drainage in basements due to river proximity, and driveway or garage condition.
