Choosing the Best Community for you
I am a country girl through and through. I was born and raised in the city of Brantford but loved the day I hit the country living. I loved the vibe there. The peace. I swore I would never come back.
But my family and I have come to a time in our oh-so busy life that a move back into the city is necessary. It came with a heavy heart and a lot of in depth discussions. With an upcoming move back to the city, selecting the best community for our family was a big part in determining where we purchased.
What changed?
Well, life’s current circumstances are the simplest answer.
With a busy and successful career, a couple of active boys to drive around all the time, and a husband I would like to have the occasional date night with, the city is drawing us in:
Close to help for child care and carpooling
Close to extra-curricular activities
Close to patios for date nights
Close to friends and family
Community engagement and involvement are at an all-time high right now at my family’s stage of life. We are building new connections that last, and nurturing ongoing ones and regardless of work or play, our family needs to be residing right now in a community that can rise to the challenge of our need for active and purpose-driven living. My stage of life, family and business are actively nudging me to experience enriched community engagement more than ever.
It is not difficult to define Community. We all live in one sort or another, and although the types of communities vary, the definition refers to a commonality a group of people have. You may have a sense of community in your fitness club, your workplace, your family, your church or your extra-curricular clubs and volunteerism.
Choosing the best Community for you is a mix of many factors that guide your decision. Homeowners have different priorities at different stages of their lives that may, like my family, nudge the moving madness at different times. For my family right now, location and amenities are paramount, so moving back to the City of Brantford will simplify and ease some of the busyness we currently have.
Finding the Community that is best for you depends on what you need and love from it. Engagement means to be actively involved, and that there is the intention to belong and be part of that group. We all have different needs and desires so it is important to not only look for a home that suits you but have it situated in a community that will nourish your quality of life. It can be accomplished in so many endless ways, that speak to your character, interests and strengths.
Here are the best 5 questions to ask yourself when thinking about what Community you want to choose:
Does this community match my lifestyle?
Think about the things you love to do. Pets and gardeners may find an urban environment less appealing than others. If you love nature and hiking, you will want those close by to you. If you love the charm of a downtown barista and smoothie bar, a town or city centre is more appealing.
How will this Community benefit my children?
If you have a family, you have unique considerations for a Community. Ideally, you want reputable schools and parks, and the extra-curricular activities they enjoy to access easily. Teenagers may need safe hang-out places with friends, public transit or access to part-time jobs.
What amenities matter in my life right now?
As mentioned, families require athletics, music, arts and science experiences. Older persons may look for health care, retirement housing options and extra-curricular hobbies. Young adults without children may be longing for condo living, nightlife, concerts and athletic events. They eat out more and love favourite spots for coffee, smoothies or wine. Popular amenities include shopping, grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment such as movie theatres and live music venues. Certain communities have a distinct culture that some people vibe with and can connect ot more easily than others.
Is it Safe?
Regardless of the stage of life or the amenities you aspire to access, we all have an intrinsic need to feel safe in our homes, and by extension in our community.
Just like making your list for your home of “must-haves” and “nice to haves”, do the same for your Community. Find out how safe you feel in a neighbourhood by driving through it at various times throughout the day, and access crime statistics. Look for examples of how residents do or don’t care for their homes and community. Identify the places where people hang out and other signs of loitering or littering. Be attentive to the types of things that are red flags to you.
Are there Community Costs?
As if the investment of a home wasn’t enough, there are financial considerations when choosing your Community. Property taxes, condominium fees, neighbourhood initiatives or parking can all be shocking if you haven’t checked into these things prior to buying a home. Internet and Satellite services are important to count on for many people, so don’t presume they are easy to connect and access.
In the end, you want to make the best decision about where to live, for both your home and your community. Nobody is perfect so there is no perfect community, but identifying what you need or love in a community, will help you ascertain the non negotiables. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable with the arduous task of finding a community and a house to live in, a knowledgeable realtor can help you find the perfect community for you, and a house you will love within it.
Choose a Community that Works best for you and Your Family