[hb3b]

I'm your age living in the NYC metro area and had the same feelings. I opted for a renovated co-op which only cost a few hundred K and has a maintenance charge under $1000/mo. that includes all utilities. By getting a co-op or condo you limit your responsibility to what's within the walls. Sure you'll have the occasional plumbing/electrical issue but for that you can hire a maintenance guy or neighbor. No need to worry about the big issues.

[GoatOfAplomb]

I've experienced the downside of this. If there's a major issue related to your unit, but it's the association's responsibility, you're at their mercy, hoping they'll act quickly. I had a rental unit sit empty for 5 months because of a slow-moving assocation that was reluctant to admit that certain work needed to be done. (Admittedly, I think I could've gotten it resolved _somewhat_ faster if I had been living in the unit myself, or at least lived nearby.)