[mykalberta]

So at Christmas I decided that I must stop the rental game and go and buy a place. To my dismay there are no places within walking distance to downtown under 200K (I know - Calgary big fating surprise) that I would live in (2 bedroom 700 sq ft+) etc.

Financial Picture is as follows (generic but the general idea)

Current rental payments 850/month + util(s) etc.
18K in RRSP
12K Cash
200K Pre-Approved Mortgage (10y 5.15% expires May 01) (parents co-sign given my 18K in student loan debt - 3.5 years left - monthly payments 280/month)

I have a pre-approved mortgage and have an agent that I think knows what she is doing (not looking to change). Does anyone have any suggestions on where a good place in Calgary might be to look - potential upside etc.

I have come to the realization that my 20 minute walk to work in the mornings are done unless I win the lottery. I would always prefer to live along the river - I could easily bike to work on the paths as far away as Westgate park. I have looked in the NE and from what I have seen and others have told me that is similar to Mill Woods in Edmonton and it doesnt look like a good fit for me (with the exception of the only N side Costco/Coco Brooks/Mem Express).

I have been searching NW and SW along the C Train route but the prices seem a little crazy unless you get to the Rocky View area or similar area in the SW.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

MYK