I faced a similar budget and scenario last year. Ended up going with the detached condo (Jasmine @ Cypress Village Plan 3). One thing that's usually not mentioned is that it's easier to buy a new home, just put your name on the list and wait until they call you. If you are going for an older home you will bidding with dozens of other people who are paying all cash and can probably outbid you. New homes they don't care if you're an all cash buyer and everyone pays the same price. Here's the pros of each in my opinion:
NEW DETACHED
Likely no major repairs or issues for a decade plus - I bought a new house in Corona/Eastvale in 2003 and to this date haven't dealt with anything
Better insulation for sound and AC/heater
Better, open floorplans (preference) - wife loves huge kitchen with tons of cabinets, counter and island space. I love the huge Great Room for my home theater (old places have smaller rooms with the fireplace right where the TV should be) and seating positions. I purposely got a plan with conservatory that I use for my office and which added almost 200 sq ft for a few grand more. Others enjoy a California Room. Master bedroom closet and bathrooms are usually bigger in newer homes too.
Maintenance of front yard taken care of by HOA
Usually closer to schools, parks, pools/BBQ areas - we are a block or two away from all of these
Ethernet in every room, more electrical plugs
OLDER SFR
May go up in price more
No Mella-Roos
Driveway
Larger backyard
Dining room if desired - I only used the dining room in my other house a couple times a year, I prefer a Great Room
Probably better location
May face the same decision down the road if we decide to upgrade to a bigger place. I do like the driveway, backyards and lack of Mella Roos of the older places. But then I look at the inside pictures and the living room and kitchen seem tiny.
