Condos: Family-friendly by design

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By Bob De Wit
THINK YOU CAN’T RAISE a family in a condo? Think again. There are many benefits to condo living versus the traditional single-family home.
Compared to owning a home with a backyard, which may or may not have room for a play set, condo living has a lot of added family benefits.
» Family first: Smaller spaces limit the amount of “things” that are so easily accumulated in a home with a young family. Limited space helps clear the clutter and bring to the forefront real needs, how we use things, and what is really important.
» Savings: Condo living means less consumption. Say “goodbye” to all of the tools and resources required to maintain a house and yard. And your energy bills will be lower, too.
» Sharing generation: Condo living supports the “sharing generation.” Children who grow up in smaller spaces, sharing a room, have the opportunity to learn from an early age how to be respectful of others, to share, and to cohabit without the need for excess.
» Active lifestyles: Running errands is easy. Proximity to amenities and transit reduces dependency on cars. Time spent not driving promotes physical activity, reduces stress and can save time. In a world where we have become so accustomed to driving everywhere, walking the kids to school, running errands on foot, and taking time to
enjoy what your city has on o‡ffer is a bonus.
Living in a small space will foster the need to get outside. So what do you do when cabin fever sets in?
Amenities and neighbourhood resources play an important role in supporting healthy, happy families. It’s a good idea when shopping around for a condo to check into the building’s and surrounding community’s amenities. Gyms, pools, yoga rooms, access to community gardens, dog parks – make a list of what is important to you and your family’s lifestyle. Amenities foster community connections, healthy living and provide the extra space we all need once in a while.
Communities across the city are focused on creating liveable, usable outdoor space as Metro Vancouver densifies. With endless parks, art installations, outdoor meeting places, walkable paths and bike lanes connecting urban communities, Metro Vancouver o‡ffers very desirable urban areas for young families to live.
It is a great time to consider the condo as a form of a‡ffordable housing to raise a family.

Original article: New Home & Condo Guide March 3-17 2017.