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        <title>Edmonton Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/2017-03/</link>
        <description>Welcome to the Edmonton Real Estate Blog - We will keep you up to date on the Edmonton Real Estate market with the most current news and market trends.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/community-profile-laurier-heights.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/community-profile-laurier-heights.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
        <title>Community Profile:  Laurier Heights</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
One of Edmonton’s loveliest mid-century neighbourhoods is Laurier Heights on the western bank of the North Saskatchewan River Valley.  The location of this mature neighbourhood with its tidy bungalows, split-levels and rejuvenated 1950s homes just can’t be beat.  Many residences offer wonderful views of the valley in the Buena Vista area of the neighbourhood.  Close to nature and Edmonton’s Valley Zoo but equally close to Edmonton’s downtown core and just across the valley from the University of Alberta.


The average home price in Laurier Heights is $850,000 with some lovely properties available for just under $500,000 and other exceptional properties with views and wide lots in the $1.6 million range.   Selection in this neighbourhood is often very good.  People touring through the area often notice that the homes are set back far from the road and for the most part offer great curb appeal.


Laurier Heights is south of 87 Avenue and Buena Vista Road and north of the Whitemud.  It was one of Edmonton’s first suburbs to be developed with curvilinear streets as opposed to the traditional grid.  Crescents, cul-de-sacs and winding avenues add to the character of the neighbourhood.  It has a quaint neighbourhood strip mall and provides multi-family living in several low-rise apartment buildings.  Laurier Heights Elementary and Junior High School, a public facility, is located in the middle of the community. Laurier Heights boasts several beautiful parks.  One of those parks is named after Wilfred Gilroy Webb, an early pioneer in the Edmonton district.   The others are appropriately named Laurier Park where the community centre is located and Buena Vista Park. The latter two are part of the extensive river valley park system that runs throughout the city.  On the north side of Laurier Heights in the valley is a footbridge that provides access to Edmonton’s popular Hawrelak Park on the south side of the river.


Access to the city is from 149 Street to the east/west artery of Whitemud Drive which is the easiest and quickest route to the U of A and the Old Strathcona/Whyte Avenue districts.  Nearby 87 Avenue is the road one would take to West Edmonton Mall.


Development in Laurier Heights south west of downtown started after World War II with the vast majority of construction completed by 1960.  There was further development up until 1980.  Residents have an active community league which operates an outdoor rink, tennis courts and membership includes admission to Jasper Place Pool.


The Royal Mayfair Golf Club is located across the river from Laurier Heights. Other nearby amenities include the Meadowlark Shopping Mall and West Edmonton Mall.


At the height of construction of the new community, the community came together to build one of the first churches in Laurier Heights – St. Timothy’s Anglican Church.  While a committee was organizing the funding of the church, services were held in Laurier Heights School and Sunday School was held in Lynwood School.  This was 1960.  The church was finally completed in 1965.  The home next door to the church, the former rectory, was sold as a private residence in 1973.  


Another Laurier Heights landmark is the Walking Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that connects Laurier and the neighbouring community of Quesnell spanning the Whitemud freeway. It was constructed in 1959 and cost $41,000 to erect. At the time its purpose was to span the Quesnell Ravine and in addition to carrying pedestrians, it was to carry sewer and gas lines across the ravine, too. It was covered  with the safety “bird cage” after several unfortunate accidents. The ravine and it’s once trickling stream has been replaced by the freeway.  It was once painted pink and the locals affectionately refer to it as the Pink Bridge.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2017 20:28:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/edmonton-seniors-isolated-in-suburbs-a-growing-problem.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/edmonton-seniors-isolated-in-suburbs-a-growing-problem.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
        <title>Edmonton Seniors Isolated in Suburbs a Growing Problem</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Did you know that two thirds of the Canadian population live out in the suburbs? Ever since suburbs became a &quot;thing&quot; in post-World War II North America, these sprawling neighbourhoods have served a purpose — providing roomy yet affordable housing for Canadian families.


A new report issued by the Institute for Research on Public Policy published that statistic and went further to say that Canadian seniors represent at least 16 of our population and a large majority live in suburbs. By choice, most likely, as many moved to a suburban neighbourhood in Edmonton when they had growing families and are now attached to their home, no matter how isolated they are and no matter how mobile or immobile they have become. The thought of selling their Edmonton home and moving is more daunting that the loneliness they may be experiencing.


Glenn Miller prepared the public policy report and he says that municipalities in Canada should examine this problem and take action especially since our senior populations are continuing to rise.


Miller acknowledged that many seniors stay in their suburban homes until such that that a health crisis or economic circumstances force them out. Until that time, their home may no longer be meeting their needs. He said that the suburbs are &quot;no place to grow old.&quot;


Canadian suburbs are tailored for the car. Residents have to take a car everywhere — for groceries, to school or work and to the local transit hub. That methodology works for families but not for folks who are growing older and are no longer able to drive.


Neighbourhood amenities are typically not within reach and may be served by bus but walking to the local stop and waiting as long as 15 minutes for service isn't feasible for an older person either. Brand new communities are following a new urban philosophy with walkable streets and centrally-located shops and services but most suburban neighbourhoods will take years to transform to this newer model.


Mid-century neighbourhoods built in a grid pattern provide much better access to amenities but communities built after this period of time have cul-de-sacs and curvy crescents which mean longer walks to more primary roads when amenities are.


Homes in the 1950s and older are also smaller and easier to keep up that some newer suburban homes.


Miller noted that amenities in older neighbourhoods are centralizing because populations are growing smaller and there's no longer that critical mass to support amenities such as the corner store.


Loneliness as Dangerous as Smoking


This observation made the rounds lately on social media. Another study out of Brigham Young University suggests that loneliness can cut life just as short as obesity can.


A National health report said that six million people in Canada are living in isolation even in the middle of big cities. Andre Picard writes in the United Church Observer about an incident in Ontario where a senior with dementia wandered out of her home in winter, got lost, and froze to death.


Miller notes in his report that municipalities should be seriously looking at land-use as it pertains to our aging population. Zoning rules often make it too difficult to convert existing structures into a care facility or multi-family independent living facility.


Aside from the work and planning it takes to sell their home and pack up all their belongings, seniors are reluctant to move because in most cases they have to leave a neighbourhood they know and love. Many assisted living facilities are far from familiar surroundings and are often out in new subdivisions.


Age-friendly is a new buzzword in Canadian municipalities where eight aspects of a neighbourhood need to be identified to support aging-in-place. Those aspects include housing, transportation, community and health support, civic and social participation.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:40:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/5-reasons-to-love-livings-in-a-multi-family-community.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.edmontonhomes.ca/blog/5-reasons-to-love-livings-in-a-multi-family-community.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
        <title>5 Reasons to Love Living in a Multi-Family Community</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
What is a multi family home? Townhome developments, apartment-style condos, stacked townhouses — whatever type of multi family real estate you choose to buy, there are tremendous benefits to be found. You may have the funds to purchase a single-family home. You might be selling your detached home and are pondering your next move. Give a townhome some consideration because there are far more benefits than a good price and a good location.


Townhomes started to appear in Edmonton neighbourhoods in the late 1960's and today's new construction townhomes are available in many attractive price ranges.


Multi-Family Units are Affordable


Edmonton townhomes are affordable, as multi-family homes just don't cost as much to build as a single-family home. Each home in the community is under the same roof. Unless you're on an end unit or in a stacked condo where you have a neighbour above and below you, you share two walls with another unit. The cost of materials alone is enough to save some money let alone the smaller footprint you take up on the land upon which the community is built. A townhome may offer the exact same amount of square footage as a single-family home but because it physically takes up less space on the lot and makes excellent use of available land space over many levels it's very efficient. The bonus then is that you can take that down payment you had ear marked for a detached home and buy more townhome with it. Larger square feet, maybe an extra bedroom, some walk-in closet space — and how about some great amenities such as granite or quartz counter tops, stainless appliances, hardwood and upgraded carpet. You might have a more luxurious home in a better community for the same price you were thinking of paying for a detached home that's not in your preferred community.


Maintenance-Free Living


Multi family properties offer maintenance-free living. You work hard, play hard, travel often. Would you rather hire someone every single time you can't get to a job outside your home, such as shoveling snow or cutting the grass, maybe washing windows and cleaning out the eavestroughs? Or would you rather someone just does it? You can lock up your home and escape, and all those chores are done for you. No one will know you're in Mexico or Europe because your home will look lived-in. Free time, less hassle for you. You can enjoy a deck or some private outdoor space within your townhome without fretting about every single dandelion that disgraces your front lawn this spring.


Lower Monthly Bills


Depending on what sort of townhome you choose, you could lower your monthly heat or air conditioning bills. Some homes have a mechanical room with your own furnace and hot water tank, while some communities share these resources with an A/C unit on the roof. Whichever type of utility sharing is provided, bills are often lower because of the economy of construction. Having neighbours in a row of townhomes provides a certain amount of insulation. Your gas bill, if you have one, will be less. Sometimes gas is included in your condo fees, just like water and sewer. Your electricity might be all you have to worry about, with your land line, cable TV and internet up to you.


A Safer More Secure Home


Multi family homes offer improved security as well. Often there are 100 to 200 units in a multi-family community. That's a lot of neighbours watching out for one another. More people around means fewer people can have their way with your car or your home. Suspicious behaviour and odd noises in the complex are more likely to be noticed.


Build Equity and Move Up


Because purchasing a townhome can be an affordable proposition, it's an excellent choice for a first-time buyer. With the new mortgage rules requiring people with minimum down payments to qualify at a higher interest rate, many Edmontonians are being pushed down into a lower price range when looking for new multi family properties for sale. A first-time purchaser will not only be paying down their mortgage, they'll be building equity in their home which will allow them to move up, should they choose, to a larger home in a few years down the road.


Talk to a professional real estate agent who knows Edmonton communities to find a townhome that's just the right fit.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:36:00 -0600</pubDate>
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