Renting in Aspen Woods

[malcolmk14]

My girlfriend and I are looking at renting a townhouse in the Aspen Woods area and have looked at a couple. We are thinking of taking the next step in the process so I thought I'd ask a couple of questions of CP.

The community - any thoughts on it would be appreciated - sometimes things come up that we may not think of. She works downtown and I work as a substitute teacher and am expecting to be in a full time contract in September, not sure where but it is likely it will be with the Rocky View School Division.

Making an offer on a rental - the asking price seems pretty fair but they also seem in a bit of a hurry to get it rented. They also have a pretty unique place and there aren't a lot of comparables.

Any thoughts on either topic would be appreciated.

[Calgary14]

I have family up there.....they like it but it's like 5 degrees colder up there and they get the worst of the winter storms when they come thru (I live in the south).

Great if you work downtown though as the commute is great (west LRT is never busy). Just don't try to park at the west side rec LRT, very difficult to find a spot and I hear the wait list for a paid spot is 1,000+

[red sky]

We moved to Aspen from Glenbrook last June. I work downtown and take the train daily to work. I don't have a reserved spot and arrive at the 69th station no later than 6:15 to get a spot. Sirocco station down the hill fills up a bit later and I've parked there a few times if I am running late. One thing I noticed is that people always seem to be in a rush in this area. People constantly speeding and tail gating. Something I noticed and was a bit unexpected in the suburbs. 17th Ave traffic light timing is annoying with the train in place.

It is a very convienent location. Easy access to downtown, the mountains , and enough amenenties for most things. We really like living up here. The people we've met are all great and welcoming. Overal we are very happy with our decision. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[RedCoffee]

can't you guys take the bus to the train station? 456 aspen woods runs regularly.
unless you have to drive kids around, i don't see the need to park and ride.

[red sky]

The way to the train isn't the problem, it is when I am done work that I dislike taking the bus. The few times I have done the bus option it takes me an extra 20 minutes to get home. Sometimes more. I actually haven't altered my work schedule as I have always gone to work before 7.

[Pizza]

It's a seller's market at the moment as I have friends struggling to find a place to rent.

by hesitating and asking CP, are you sure the place isnt gone by now?

[RedCoffee]

Originally Posted by red sky

The way to the train isn't the problem, it is when I am done work that I dislike taking the bus. The few times I have done the bus option it takes me an extra 20 minutes to get home. Sometimes more. I actually haven't altered my work schedule as I have always gone to work before 7.

yeah you gotta time it. Perhaps because I have two options 98 and 453 it's a bit better (although 98 gives me a longer walk so I just wait for 453)

But I still think it's better than paying $70 on top of my bus pass.

[1stLand]

Its already been rented. To me.

[red sky]

Originally Posted by RedCoffee

yeah you gotta time it. Perhaps because I have two options 98 and 453 it's a bit better (although 98 gives me a longer walk so I just wait for 453)

But I still think it's better than paying $70 on top of my bus pass.

I don't pay anything... except I have to be there by a certain time which is a bit earlier than I would arrive there taking the bus.

[Northendzone]

good luck with the grow-up....it is a budding business opportunity

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by red sky

We moved to Aspen from Glenbrook last June. I work downtown and take the train daily to work. I don't have a reserved spot and arrive at the 69th station no later than 6:15 to get a spot. Sirocco station down the hill fills up a bit later and I've parked there a few times if I am running late. One thing I noticed is that people always seem to be in a rush in this area. People constantly speeding and tail gating. Something I noticed and was a bit unexpected in the suburbs. 17th Ave traffic light timing is annoying with the train in place.

It is a very convienent location. Easy access to downtown, the mountains , and enough amenenties for most things. We really like living up here. The people we've met are all great and welcoming. Overal we are very happy with our decision. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

THIS.

I live in West Springs and it's true - everyone around here drives like a total a-hole. I put up with it because my townhome was affordable... I like the views, good access to the mountains, pending access to the ring road, and decent proximity to my work, too. But honestly the way people seem to "compete" with one another up here, especially on the roads, makes me want to get the hell out of here. Annoying as hell.

Another example is having to listen to the bored-assed stay at home moms try to out do one another over what stupid class their kid is taking and how far they have to drive to get them there (these sacrifices show how excellent of a parent you are to others) - baby sign language in Cranston took the cake. I am going to start bringing ear plugs to wear when I'm watching my daughter's dance lessons.

[socktape]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

THIS.

....But honestly the way people seem to "compete" with one another up here, especially on the roads, makes me want to get the hell out of here. Annoying as hell.

Another example is having to listen to the bored-assed stay at home moms try to out do one another over what stupid class their kid is taking and how far they have to drive to get them there (these sacrifices show how excellent of a parent you are to others) - baby sign language in Cranston took the cake. I am going to start bringing ear plugs to wear when I'm watching my daughter's dance lessons.

You haven't seen the half of it. Wait until your children get into the "right" elementary school, make the number one sports team, etc. It only gets worse once you are there. It is terrible how much this really seems to matter to some people.

[SeeGeeWhy]

I like to think its one of the reasons I have a hard time keeping friends IRL.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

THIS.

I live in West Springs and it's true - everyone around here drives like a total a-hole. I put up with it because my townhome was affordable... I like the views, good access to the mountains, pending access to the ring road, and decent proximity to my work, too. But honestly the way people seem to "compete" with one another up here, especially on the roads, makes me want to get the hell out of here. Annoying as hell.

Another example is having to listen to the bored-assed stay at home moms try to out do one another over what stupid class their kid is taking and how far they have to drive to get them there (these sacrifices show how excellent of a parent you are to others) - baby sign language in Cranston took the cake. I am going to start bringing ear plugs to wear when I'm watching my daughter's dance lessons.

I don't live in that area and I've only been out that way once and will never return. I've been around a lot of "rich," snobby, egotistical people but the aura exude in that area is the worst in Calgary. I couldn't imagine living in a worse place. My buddy owns a shop in Aspen Landing which is why I went out there. He says business is great financially but dealing with the clients is a nightmare.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by fotze

Pretty sure you have to have a car from Germany to live there.

Land Rover Range Rover is acceptable as well.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Land Rover Range Rover is acceptable as well.

$100,000 ford explorers are plentiful up here to be sure.

Curious about what shop it is. I'd be happy to bring any business to him that I can.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

C'mon now - a Japanese Lexus RX350 / MDX is like the bare minimum up there as the official Soccer Mom Car of Aspen. Especially if you're Asian.

[Calgary14]

Good to know I'm not the only one who thinks the driving up there is brutal. Not sure what it is - it's sort of like a higher end affluent area but with no class. People definitely seem more stressed than other areas so maybe that's why. If I had a $700k mortgage and a $800 car payment I'd be stressed too

[Ahuch]

Originally Posted by RedCoffee

can't you guys take the bus to the train station? 456 aspen woods runs regularly.
unless you have to drive kids around, i don't see the need to park and ride.

People actually prefer taking the bus to park and ride?

[RedCoffee]

Originally Posted by Ahuch

People actually prefer taking the bus to park and ride?

Sure I like taking the bus. Especially if it costs $70 to get me to the exact same place. I'm single. I don't need to pick anyone up.