I've rented apartments a couple of times, owned a condo, and now the bank and I own a small house on a quarter acre. Hated apartments because the walls were thin and there was always some jerk who's stereo was too loud, etc.. I also hated using a communal laundry room.
Loved my condo for most of the 15 yrs I was there. The walls were a bit thicker so not much of a problem until a multi-generational family with upteen children moved in; just getting around the kids sitting on our common stoop to get in my front door was a daily problem. Sold shortly after.
My house is in a neighborhood built about sixty years ago. When I bought, I asked the previous owners who they used for a plumber, electrician, etc., which worked out really well! If I needed something else done, I either asked my neighbors who they used or, I'd look thru the yellow pages until I found someone (then watched over them like a hawk!).
I should add that I'm pretty handy when it comes to small repairs and woodworking. I also try to buy the best quality stuff (snowblower, lawn mower, ...) that I can afford, based on Consumer Reports ratings. That helps tremendously because things tend to last a long time.
Finally, to end this narrative :-) I met a wonderful man four years ago who now lives with me. He's a master electrician by trade and, I swear, he can fix anything! Having already lived alone for most of my adult life, I know I can handle things but its such a pleasure to have a back-up!