This as-told-to essay draws on a series of in-depth conversations with John Santa Orta, a 34-year-old assistant operations manager living in St. Cloud, Florida. Once a homeowner, Santa Orta has since transitioned to being a renter—a conscious choice that reflects a larger shift in how many people today think about housing stability and personal freedom. He currently resides at TW, one of the Quinn Residences’ build-to-rent townhouse communities situated in St. Cloud. The development, unlike a traditional suburban neighborhood of owned properties, is specifically designed and operated for renters. It mirrors the convenience and structure of an apartment complex, but in the form of townhouses that provide more privacy and residential comfort. For clarity and conciseness, Santa Orta’s conversation has been edited, though his insights and experiences remain fully preserved.
Earlier in the year, while searching for a suitable place to live within St. Cloud, Santa Orta found himself constrained by limited rental options. Most apartments available were modest one-bedroom units, each commanding a monthly rent in the $2,000 range—an amount that seemed disproportionate to the space and amenities offered. One afternoon, while driving through town, he happened to notice a sign advertising “Townhouses for Rent.” Out of curiosity, he decided to explore. What he discovered was an entire community purpose-built for renters, a concept that was entirely new to him. Until that moment, the idea of a neighborhood composed of single-family or townhouse units designed exclusively for rental occupancy had never crossed his mind.
Motivated by curiosity, Santa Orta began conducting additional research online. He carefully compared the relative costs, features, and long-term benefits of living in a conventional apartment versus renting a townhouse. Space and peace of mind became central deciding factors. Having previously dealt with the noise typical of shared-wall apartment living—such as late-night disturbances from upstairs neighbors—he felt drawn toward the greater separation and autonomy of a townhouse. The prospect of having access to a small private backyard and a personal garage, along with the psychological benefit of feeling more “at home,” further influenced his decision. Since his move in August, he reports no major issues and says the residence genuinely feels like his own, despite being a rental.
Reflecting on his prior experience as a homeowner, Santa Orta explains that the cost of ownership continually escalated over time, ultimately making it unsustainable. He and his then-girlfriend had bought a house together, but following their separation, the financial burden of maintaining the property alone became overwhelming. Selling seemed like the only viable option. Yet even after listing the home, it took nearly a year before it sold—a process that revealed to him just how many undisclosed or unexpected fees accompany traditional homeownership. These included charges from real estate agents and additional costs that had not been apparent at the outset. In hindsight, he says that if he had known the full extent of those hidden expenses, he might never have purchased in the first place. Instead, he would have preferred to continue renting, preserving his savings and enjoying a more flexible lifestyle.
Santa Orta notes that many aspiring homeowners pursue ownership seeking financial predictability—believing that fixed mortgage payments ensure long-term stability. His personal experience proved otherwise. His monthly escrow contribution began around $3,000 and rose steadily over the three years he owned his home. Rising property taxes, fluctuating insurance premiums, and community fees all contributed to the growing total. Eventually, his monthly obligation reached $3,300, a sharp increase from the amount he had initially budgeted for.
By contrast, his current rental expenses are far more transparent and manageable. His monthly rent for the townhouse stands at $2,225, with predictable add-ons: $55 for landscaping services, $10.95 for a concierge program that handles maintenance requests, and $35 for a smart-home technology package. Additional utility costs—covering water, sewage, electricity, and other municipal services—bring his total monthly expenditure to roughly $2,588. Though not insignificant, this figure still falls well below what he used to pay as a homeowner, and importantly, it excludes the continual, unpredictable costs associated with home maintenance and repair. Now, when rent adjustments are on the horizon, he receives advance notice, enabling him to plan accordingly. That foresight offers a sense of control and stability he lacked while owning a home. He can budget confidently, make travel plans, or purchase personal items without fearing sudden, unmanageable expenses.
When asked about future plans, Santa Orta expresses little interest in returning to ownership. As a renter, he enjoys the convenience of knowing that building maintenance is entirely handled by professionals. Every Friday, the Quinn Residences team arrives to mow the lawns, keeping the community pristine without his intervention. The concierge system allows him to file maintenance requests online—a particularly valued feature in Florida’s challenging climate. If his air conditioning system fails, he simply submits a request, and the management promptly dispatches a technician to repair it at no additional cost. He contrasts this with his experience as a homeowner, recalling vividly when his garbage disposal malfunctioned. At that time, he paid $125 merely for a service technician to assess the issue, who then suggested dismantling the unit to determine the source of the problem. Although he avoided the expense of a replacement—estimated at over $100—he found the entire experience both inconvenient and costly.
Today, Santa Orta views renting not as a temporary compromise but as a deliberate, financially sound lifestyle decision. He values the time and money saved on maintenance and the peace of mind that accompanies predictable expenses. Rather than pouring resources into a property whose costs continually escalate, he prefers to allocate his savings toward experiences and future goals that bring him personal fulfillment. For now, and likely for the foreseeable future, he is content to remain a renter—enjoying the freedom, flexibility, and stability that his build-to-rent townhouse community affords him.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/former-homeowner-choosing-to-rent-selling-home-2025-11
