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December 1, 2023
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PERFECT NEIGHBOURHOOD? READ MORE
Finding a home that fits a list of needs and nice-to-haves is one thing, but finding a community where your interests and inspirations can flourish is quite another. That’s why neighbourhoods are a big part of my tours.
Here are a few questions I ask to narrow down the best neighbourhoods for my clients – and they’re ones you should ask yourself before making your own decision, too:
Do you have or want to have children?
If so, a neighbourhood with great schools should top your list. Some neighbourhoods offer lots of choice in terms of number and type of schools – from elementary to post-secondary, French immersion to Catholic.
Nearby libraries, parks, skating rinks and other family-oriented amenities also provide entertainment away from the television.
What activities do you enjoy?
Do you love hopping on your bike or strapping on those runners for a trek through nature? Zero in on neighbourhoods with green space and trail systems. More into gardening and landscaping? Look for areas with larger lawns and maybe a community garden or two.
You don’t want to live too far from the things you love to do regularly, or you’ll find getting there is a barrier.
Where are you most comfortable?
Think about where you feel most relaxed, or what gives you energy, inspiration and motivation. If you love being where the action is, you’ll want something closer to the city core. If serene is your scene, seek tree-lined boulevards and open green spaces.
It’s also important to feel safe in your neighbourhood, so scope out what emergency services are nearby and dig into crime stats if it’ll help you sleep better at night.
How do you want to get around?
Getting to and from work is an almost-daily task for many of us, so plan out how much time you want to spend on the road. That includes driving, bussing, biking or walking.
The same goes for schools, day care, grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants and anywhere else you go on a regular basis.
Don’t forget to check the walkability score of areas you’re interested in to see what’s within range and answer the question, “What’s in the neighbourhood?”
What kind of home do you want?
Condo or townhouse? Semi-detached or fully detached home? Think about the space you need, what you can afford and the variety available in each neighbourhood.
The closer to the city centre you get, the more likely you are to find condos and older homes, while areas farther out tend toward single family homes with newer features.
How engaged do you want to be?
Some neighbourhoods go all-out with community events like BBQs, street sales, fireworks and movies in nearby parks. Others are fairly quiet.
Check to see if the neighbourhood has a neighbourhood association, community centre or library branch that hosts events for residents. They’re all great ways to get to know your neighbours and build community spirit.
Finding your spot in Kitchener-Waterloo
So, what’s available in our region? Let me share two examples that demonstrate the diversity of our neighbourhoods:
Kitchener’s Chicopee neighbourhood
Waterloo’s Lakeshore area (this is my neighbourhood)
Both Kitchener and Waterloo make building great neighbourhoods a priority. Kitchener’s #LoveMyHood initiative puts the spotlight on residents, what they love about where they live and what we can improve. Waterloo’simplementinga neighbourhood strategy with the goal of being a city of caring, vibrant, engaged neighbourhoods where everyone belongs.
You can find lots of information online, which is a great place to start your search, but getting out to see a few neighbourhoods in person is the best strategy (and that’s exactly what we do at Your KW Host). There’s nothing better than getting a local’s insider perspective, so if you want to know more about moving to the area, let me know!
Here are a few questions I ask to narrow down the best neighbourhoods for my clients – and they’re ones you should ask yourself before making your own decision, too:
Do you have or want to have children?
If so, a neighbourhood with great schools should top your list. Some neighbourhoods offer lots of choice in terms of number and type of schools – from elementary to post-secondary, French immersion to Catholic.
Nearby libraries, parks, skating rinks and other family-oriented amenities also provide entertainment away from the television.
What activities do you enjoy?
Do you love hopping on your bike or strapping on those runners for a trek through nature? Zero in on neighbourhoods with green space and trail systems. More into gardening and landscaping? Look for areas with larger lawns and maybe a community garden or two.
You don’t want to live too far from the things you love to do regularly, or you’ll find getting there is a barrier.
Where are you most comfortable?
Think about where you feel most relaxed, or what gives you energy, inspiration and motivation. If you love being where the action is, you’ll want something closer to the city core. If serene is your scene, seek tree-lined boulevards and open green spaces.
It’s also important to feel safe in your neighbourhood, so scope out what emergency services are nearby and dig into crime stats if it’ll help you sleep better at night.
How do you want to get around?
Getting to and from work is an almost-daily task for many of us, so plan out how much time you want to spend on the road. That includes driving, bussing, biking or walking.
The same goes for schools, day care, grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants and anywhere else you go on a regular basis.
Don’t forget to check the walkability score of areas you’re interested in to see what’s within range and answer the question, “What’s in the neighbourhood?”
What kind of home do you want?
Condo or townhouse? Semi-detached or fully detached home? Think about the space you need, what you can afford and the variety available in each neighbourhood.
The closer to the city centre you get, the more likely you are to find condos and older homes, while areas farther out tend toward single family homes with newer features.
How engaged do you want to be?
Some neighbourhoods go all-out with community events like BBQs, street sales, fireworks and movies in nearby parks. Others are fairly quiet.
Check to see if the neighbourhood has a neighbourhood association, community centre or library branch that hosts events for residents. They’re all great ways to get to know your neighbours and build community spirit.
Finding your spot in Kitchener-Waterloo
So, what’s available in our region? Let me share two examples that demonstrate the diversity of our neighbourhoods:
Kitchener’s Chicopee neighbourhood
- It’s best known for being the home of the Chicopee Ski and Summer resort, a destination for winter and summer sport lovers alike.
- The Grand River winds through the area, and along with it, natural areas and trails to explore.
- You’ll find modest suburban housing close to two public schools (Lackner Woods and Chicopee hills) and nearby shopping at Fairview Mall.
- It’s near highway 401 and the Conestoga Parkway, making local and inter-city travel much easier.
Waterloo’s Lakeshore area (this is my neighbourhood)
- It’s close to the countryside and St. Jacobs, where you’ll find the local farmer’s market and St. Jacob’s Playhouse.
- It’s also close to Conestoga Mall, the largest shopping centre in Waterloo.
- Travel is easy with access to the Conestoga Parkway, well-connected bus routes and the ION light rail station.
- With many housing options in all prices ranges, many schools to choose from and interconnecting trails and neighbourhood parks, it’s especially appealing for families.
Both Kitchener and Waterloo make building great neighbourhoods a priority. Kitchener’s #LoveMyHood initiative puts the spotlight on residents, what they love about where they live and what we can improve. Waterloo’simplementinga neighbourhood strategy with the goal of being a city of caring, vibrant, engaged neighbourhoods where everyone belongs.
You can find lots of information online, which is a great place to start your search, but getting out to see a few neighbourhoods in person is the best strategy (and that’s exactly what we do at Your KW Host). There’s nothing better than getting a local’s insider perspective, so if you want to know more about moving to the area, let me know!
