Neighbourhood Advice...?

[Daryei]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I started a thread on this topic about a week ago....i can't find it, and assume it was deleted.......

To the op it is a good thing your budget is high. It is my understanding the market is somewhat heated........perhaps you may wish to get in touch with cp's resident realtor.....realtor1.

Well, I'm fortunate that the market in London is high, and that the $CAD has weakened lately - although that is the top of the budget - have to think of cars, furniture, new appliances & electronics, etc etc -

not going to be cheap by any stretch....but our reasoning is that you can (eventually) change a house, but you can't change its location or the things around it - good schools, parks, rinks, etc.

one question for any parents -- how large of a back yard do you need for 2 kids (6&2) - would one of the yards for one of those infill duplexes be sufficient?

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Daryei

Well, I'm fortunate that the market in London is high, and that the $CAD has weakened lately - although that is the top of the budget - have to think of cars, furniture, new appliances & electronics, etc etc -

not going to be cheap by any stretch....but our reasoning is that you can (eventually) change a house, but you can't change its location or the things around it - good schools, parks, rinks, etc.

one question for any parents -- how large of a back yard do you need for 2 kids (6&2) - would one of the yards for one of those infill duplexes be sufficient?

You'll find two primary lot sizes in a 10 yr vintage in the inner city. $650-800 will get you a 25 footer, a 50 is about $1.4-$1.8 depending on how high end in terms of finishings it gets. There are some 30's at about $1.1-$1.3 depending on finishings.

We battled with the issue as to whether a 25 would be sufficient. From a parents point of view - they want a big yard so they can keep an eye on them. From a kid's point of view, a walkable distance park or playground with equipment is better as it's wayyyyy bigger plus there are other kids there. Ironically, we've been to several "suburban" houses built in the last 10 years and their yards are not much bigger than ours. Lot sizes in Calgary are much smaller now than they used to be.

[Daryei]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

You'll find two primary lot sizes in a 10 yr vintage in the inner city. $650-800 will get you a 25 footer, a 50 is about $1.4-$1.8 depending on how high end in terms of finishings it gets. There are some 30's at about $1.1-$1.3 depending on finishings.

We battled with the issue as to whether a 25 would be sufficient. From a parents point of view - they want a big yard so they can keep an eye on them. From a kid's point of view, a walkable distance park or playground with equipment is better as it's wayyyyy bigger plus there are other kids there. Ironically, we've been to several "suburban" houses built in the last 10 years and their yards are not much bigger than ours. Lot sizes in Calgary are much smaller now than they used to be.

This is leading me to a parenting/culture question -- do you(or do other parents) let your kids go down to the playground on their own? We always did as kids, but parents now seem more reluctant to do so -- and I'd never consider it in London (but wish that I could, if that makes sense....?).

[WinnipegFan]

I am no specialist in real estate but I am a public school teacher at the high school level. If you are looking to quality high school experiences, especially academics, then Queen Elizabeth is not your top choice. In fact it has a pretty bad reputation and teachers tend to avoid it. I'd recommend Churchhill or Western as the staple top academic schools. Crescent Heights is a great all around high school and talking to the teachers at those schools they can direct you to good feeder schools. Schools to avoid would be Central Memorial, Robert Thursk and unfortunately Bowness as it is being drained of students (used to be a great school but took some major blows lately). That is my two cents.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Daryei

Thanks for this. I'm about to put condo life behind us -- been there, done that - and the kids are dying for a yard!

Why are you making a distinction in Varsity for east of Shaganappi?

Do you have experience of either of those schools? (I'm not extremely trustful of the school ranking sites, as they don't seem to give a great picture of 'why' a school gets ranked where it does - and academics is quite important for us.)

The reason I make the distinction between east and west of Shaganappi is because it is a busy main road and it sucks to cross as a pedestrian. The community centre is in the east part which has a nice outdoor rink, tennis courts and soon a paddle ball court. The east side is easier for access to the University. The west is mostly Varsity Estate which will be above your budget.

In Varsity you will get a nice house with a nice, big yard for between $550,000 and $650,000 but it will be a 50 year old house.

I don't have much experience with the schools but my kid is starting at Varsity Acres, French immersion, in September. We weren't planning on doing French immersion but we don't wantto do the walk across Shaganappi to the English school. A lot of people seem to like Varsity Acres and the French program in general. There is also a full French school in Varsity which is supposed to be excellent but apparently it will be closed for renovations next year.

At $800,000 budget I would take a look at Banff Trail as well. University Heights will be out of budget as will Briar Hill. Brentwood will certainly be in budget and is a decent area. Check Charleswood as well. It is a really nice area especially around Canmore Park. There is a very wide spread of prices in that area starting around $650,000 and going up to 2 million.

[strombad]

Originally Posted by Daryei

Yeah Edgemont looks interesting - is the 'Estates' area near John Laurie at the bottom of the hill/ravine? The only thing that seems strange (on a map) is the long roads to get into/out of the community.

It is indeed. There are also tennis courts there, fantastic hills for sledding in the winter, big fields for whatever recreation you'd like.

The roads are a bit long all things considered, but the time it takes to get into the heart of Edgemont from a major road is still in the sub 5 minute range. Super quick by car, easy by bus.

As noted above, Churchill is a fantastic highschool and Edgemont is "zoned" for that school, so your kids would be eligible to go there.

[WinnipegFan]

Originally Posted by strombad

As noted above, Churchill is a fantastic highschool and Edgemont is "zoned" for that school, so your kids would be eligible to go there.

To be fair any school is fair game in Calgary. All you need to do is apply a little parental pressure or find one unique course that school offers that your designated school doesn't then bam you can transfer to any school you would like.

That being said being in the schools catchment guarantees you are in and Churchhill is a top notch school.

[Daryei]

Originally Posted by WinnipegFan

I am no specialist in real estate but I am a public school teacher at the high school level. If you are looking to quality high school experiences, especially academics, then Queen Elizabeth is not your top choice. In fact it has a pretty bad reputation and teachers tend to avoid it. I'd recommend Churchhill or Western as the staple top academic schools. Crescent Heights is a great all around high school and talking to the teachers at those schools they can direct you to good feeder schools. Schools to avoid would be Central Memorial, Robert Thursk and unfortunately Bowness as it is being drained of students (used to be a great school but took some major blows lately). That is my two cents.

What's William Aberhardt like?

[Daryei]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

The reason I make the distinction between east and west of Shaganappi is because it is a busy main road and it sucks to cross as a pedestrian. The community centre is in the east part which has a nice outdoor rink, tennis courts and soon a paddle ball court. The east side is easier for access to the University. The west is mostly Varsity Estate which will be above your budget.

In Varsity you will get a nice house with a nice, big yard for between $550,000 and $650,000 but it will be a 50 year old house.

I don't have much experience with the schools but my kid is starting at Varsity Acres, French immersion, in September. We weren't planning on doing French immersion but we don't wantto do the walk across Shaganappi to the English school. A lot of people seem to like Varsity Acres and the French program in general. There is also a full French school in Varsity which is supposed to be excellent but apparently it will be closed for renovations next year.

At $800,000 budget I would take a look at Banff Trail as well. University Heights will be out of budget as will Briar Hill. Brentwood will certainly be in budget and is a decent area. Check Charleswood as well. It is a really nice area especially around Canmore Park. There is a very wide spread of prices in that area starting around $650,000 and going up to 2 million.

Believe me, a 550-650 house sounds good - even if I have to spend a bundle to bring it up to scratch! The debate is how much I want to spend my weekends with a hammer or a paint brush in my hand....

we're going to check out Banff Trail, Capitol Hill, and Charleswood as well. And after a few posts in this thread, will check out Hillhurst - but am wary of the school now....

[YYC_Jason]

I have a couple of friends that live in Edgemont and they love the area especially the schools. However, Edgemont School K-6 is currently full so not all students in Edgemont can attend so that's one thing to consider.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Daryei

And after a few posts in this thread, will check out Hillhurst - but am wary of the school now....

This isn't like the US or UK where the "right school" give you a shot at the right College. Work your butt off, and for the most part you'll be fine. You may even be better off in a "lesser weight category" and post higher marks in a "lesser" school. I heard of people pulling their kids from elite Private schools in Calgary and putting them into Public Schools just for Grade 12 to increase their chances of scholarships.

Blech. I hate the Fraser Institute rankings as they're flawed - schools aren't like computers where you can compare specs. But here they are:

http://alberta.compareschoolrankings...chooltype=high


With that all said - If you want good options for schools. Hillhurst/West Hillhurst/Parkdale are still optimal due to their central location. Brings every major school into play, just like every other amenity in the city. Like someone said above, it doesn't take much to switch schools - you just need to take a course unavailable in your designate (ie gifted or LD or Mandarin)

- If they're exceptional - Westmount & Western HR (#1 public) are a quick direct bus ride away.

- If you're rich - lots of private school options as the area has bus service for a lot of them, goin up to Aspen. Rundle has an elementary up in Briar Hill too I think.

- If you're feeling Jesus - there's an Elementary with French Immersion towards Amato Gelato. #1 Jesus school is a short bus ride away at St Mary's.

- If they're just fine - QE is a decent school - I think it's strong for the Arts? (could be wrong)

- If you daughter gets knocked up - the City's school for pregnant teens is also in West Hillhurst.

[Ahuch]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Surprised nobody suggested Airdrie instead of Redwood.

Only a 15 minute commute vs 30.

Airdrie is gross. It might have been okay back when it was cheaper, but nowadays the price differential doesn't even come close to justifying it IMO.

I'd say Hillhurst probably meets your criteria. There are some pretty nice houses around there for 800-900k.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Daryei

Believe me, a 550-650 house sounds good - even if I have to spend a bundle to bring it up to scratch! The debate is how much I want to spend my weekends with a hammer or a paint brush in my hand....

we're going to check out Banff Trail, Capitol Hill, and Charleswood as well. And after a few posts in this thread, will check out Hillhurst - but am wary of the school now....

We have had a great experience at QE. My son has an IPP (individual program) and we have got to know his teachers, VP and resource teachers. Very impressed so far.

Most schools should allow you a visit to see if it is a good fit.

[prarieboy]

Originally Posted by Daryei

Yeah Edgemont looks interesting - is the 'Estates' area near John Laurie at the bottom of the hill/ravine? The only thing that seems strange (on a map) is the long roads to get into/out of the community.

I live there. I grew up in Dalhousie and I admit I'm biased towards the NW. Edgemont Estates is a great community. As Strombad has mentioned there is a rink and tobaggan hill. (we walk there). We can walk to the Tennis courts as well. Shopping is close. You could walk to the c-train in 20 minutes or take a feeder bus. 20 minutes downtown most days by car, probably 5 minutes to the University. Our kids don't go to area schools so I can't comment on that. There are lots of bike paths in the area. The roads aren't long to get there. Maybe looks like in on Google Maps. $800,000 should get you something there IF there is anything on the market. I don't see too many house for sale each year. The good ones are gone in a week.
PM me if you have any questions.

[rotten42]

Originally Posted by WinnipegFan

I am no specialist in real estate but I am a public school teacher at the high school level. If you are looking to quality high school experiences, especially academics, then Queen Elizabeth is not your top choice. In fact it has a pretty bad reputation and teachers tend to avoid it. I'd recommend Churchhill or Western as the staple top academic schools. Crescent Heights is a great all around high school and talking to the teachers at those schools they can direct you to good feeder schools. Schools to avoid would be Central Memorial, Robert Thursk and unfortunately Bowness as it is being drained of students (used to be a great school but took some major blows lately). That is my two cents.

Well my ex is a child social working in investigations. That said I would never, ever put my kid in Churchill now. A great school when I was growing up and bad school now. So much sh*t goes on in that school.

We moved our girl to Thursk and have nothing but good things to say. She has flourished in that environment both socially and academically.


Not sure if you can get into Foothills estates for $800 but it is a nice neighborhood.

[Zarley]

I'd recommend Banff Trail for somewhere close to the University. I lived there during school and it's a nice neighbourhood, close to the LRT, has a hockey rink, and is close to amenities. The main benefit of buying there versus the Tri-wood area is that Banff Traill is zoned R-C2 which allows for the subdivision of lots or duplex development. You should see greater appreciation of land value in this area as the city continues to intensify, and it gives you the option to redevelop your property down the road.

[darklord700]

If you can afford it, University Height is an excellent choice.