I'd go with a Roth over taxable, anytime. First, you can access the money you deposit in the Roth as long as it has been open for five years. Second, you don't pay taxes on gains.
This is wrong. You can withdraw contributions at anytime, whether it's been open 5 years or not.
But it can be taxable then. Sorry I was not clear: What Are Qualified Distributions?
A qualified distribution is any payment or distribution from your Roth IRA that meets the following requirements.
It is made after the 5-year period beginning with the first taxable year for which a contribution was made to a Roth IRA set up for your benefit, andThe payment or distribution is:
Made on or after the date you reach age 59½,
Made because you are disabled (defined earlier),
Made to a beneficiary or to your estate after your death, or
One that meets the requirements listed under First home under Exceptions in chapter 1 (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit).