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Jbo · 07-24-2012, 02:05 PM

Hey Jiri,

Okotoks has some very good pros and some very big negatives. So just some thoughts from my experience.

Houses that are outside of the city tend to be a much longer investment. You will get more bang for your buck, but if there is changes in the market, you could end up holding property much longer to see the value increase. I know many people that moved to outlying communities during the boom, and are now nearly underwater as value has plunged. This may be a great time to buy, but just be aware it will take much longer to see the value increase.
To your comment of "an extra ten minutes". As a guy who lived in Bridlewood, we tend to underestimate our commutes. I would bet dollars to donuts that you will actually be looking at extending the commute by 15-20 minutes...each way. I know that after living in the deep south and commuting 30-45 mins each way per day, that my soul slowly drained out. Calgary South has the worst roads in the city and you are forced to deal with them. Add on an extra 10-15 mins in the winter too. To some people this does not bother them, but it can be the difference between getting home at 5:30 and getting home at 6:15 or 6:30...a big difference... and one most people don't account for.
You will see your social activites drop. I know I did. Most people I know are put off by a drive out of the city. We have family in Airdrie and I dread going out there. You will be expected to be doing the driving in, trust me.
Now for the positives: Okotoks has great golf, close to the mountains, close to camping, all the amenities you need, The Dawgs for baseball in the summer, small town feel, etc.

End of the day, you will love living there on the weekends, but don't make the mistake of thinking its "just on the border" of Calgary.

Just my two cents.

07-24-2012, 02:05 PM	#72
Jbo NOT a cool kid Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Calgary Exp:	Hey Jiri, Okotoks has some very good pros and some very big negatives. So just some thoughts from my experience. Houses that are outside of the city tend to be a much longer investment. You will get more bang for your buck, but if there is changes in the market, you could end up holding property much longer to see the value increase. I know many people that moved to outlying communities during the boom, and are now nearly underwater as value has plunged. This may be a great time to buy, but just be aware it will take much longer to see the value increase. To your comment of "an extra ten minutes". As a guy who lived in Bridlewood, we tend to underestimate our commutes. I would bet dollars to donuts that you will actually be looking at extending the commute by 15-20 minutes...each way. I know that after living in the deep south and commuting 30-45 mins each way per day, that my soul slowly drained out. Calgary South has the worst roads in the city and you are forced to deal with them. Add on an extra 10-15 mins in the winter too. To some people this does not bother them, but it can be the difference between getting home at 5:30 and getting home at 6:15 or 6:30...a big difference... and one most people don't account for. You will see your social activites drop. I know I did. Most people I know are put off by a drive out of the city. We have family in Airdrie and I dread going out there. You will be expected to be doing the driving in, trust me. Now for the positives: Okotoks has great golf, close to the mountains, close to camping, all the amenities you need, The Dawgs for baseball in the summer, small town feel, etc. End of the day, you will love living there on the weekends, but don't make the mistake of thinking its "just on the border" of Calgary. Just my two cents. Last edited by Jbo; 07-24-2012 at 02:40 PM.