Sounds like we were/are in pretty similar boats Cecil.
Pre-COVID I wasn’t loving the burbs, but working downtown meant I got to enjoy some of the dining/shopping/transit amenities during the week so it was tolerable. But after a year of WFH, and looking like that would be the norm 2-3 days a week we were also looking for a change with similar criteria to yours, shorter commute, more neighbourhood options… heck just some interactions with humans beyond a wave hopping in/out of the car.
We ended up finding a townhome in Renfew that we’re moving into next month, looks to be a 35 minute walk in nicer days, or less than 10 minute drive to my office. May be a bit further out than you’re looking, but I personally can’t wait to watch Canada Day/Stampede Fireworks and just stroll home afterwards without fighting traffic
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When he walks down the street
He smiles at everyone
Everyone that he meets
Calls him "King of Kensington"
I have to be honest, this makes me want to live in Kensington.
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The Delhi police have announced the formation of a crack team dedicated to nabbing the elusive 'Monkey Man' and offered a reward for his -- or its -- capture.
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One thing I forgot to mention about the Xenex building:
In the flood (2013, was it?), the Xenex didn’t lose power or have to evacuate, although it seemed like everything East of the building did (or at least lost power). Stuff West and South of Xenex kept power. I think there is some grid interconnect at that point, but not sure of the specifics.
Anyway, stuff in downtown obviously got hit by the flood as did stuff East and by the River. But the Xenex was fine, with a dry parking garage, and stuff West seemed fine too. Just something to consider, even as a renter, because having to evacuate with minimal notice can’t be a fun experience.
Years ago, I rented a condo in the Xenex building (788 12th Ave SW). Fantastic location, a block from Safeway and walking distance to the Co-Op and Sunterra (if that still exists), with very easy access to downtown by foot. If there is an available unit in that building, I’d definitely consider being there.
Again, it has been years since I was there so I can’t speak to recent matters, but the building did have a few water leaks (my unit was affected due to poor construction on an upper floor, but the roof leaked as well from what I heard) and the fire alarms went off a bit too often in the winter because of some issue with the underground garage. But I did love living there and the utilities seemed cheap (under $100 a month, all in, as I recall).
I moved into this same building just last month. Like the OP, I was moving from the suburbs into my first ever rental unit. There are definitely pros and cons of DT living and a lot will depend on budget. However, there are some amazing values right now across the entire downtown area for rental condo rental units.
My criteria was:
Must Have:
- Covered off-street parking
- Minimum 2 large bedrooms & den
- Close to public transportation
- Clean & modern (or refurbished)
- Outdoor space for BBQ and seating
Would really like to have:
- Heated parkade/garage
- Concrete building
- Private outdoor space
- Air conditioning
- Walking distance to C-Train
- Plenty of storage space
- Stainless steel appliances
- Granite counter tops
- Front loading washer & dryer
I haven't had any real problems in this building and it feels safe and secure. It doesn't have the added amenities some buildings have though i.e. concierge, gym, social rooms. The only issue is that one of the two elevators is currently 'out of service' and apparently it happens often. I am literally right next door to Safeway and a short walk to either downtown core or 17 Ave.
One piece of advice though, if you're moving from the suburbs don't underestimate the impact that the less fortunate/homeless members of society can have on the downtown living experience. Certainly East Village(Drop-In Centre) and Mission (Alpha House) have the potential to be more problematic but the issues are everywhere.
I am renting from a private landlord but would have considered other arrangements. For me a modern and reasonably priced place was the most important factor. In hindsight I do miss looking out to 'nature or green space' so wonder if Eau Claire or other place close to the river would have suited me better.
Last edited by Blankcanvas; 04-28-2021 at 07:36 PM.
Reason: Spelling
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My tenant just informed me that they'll be vacating at the end of May. I have a 2 bedroom condo in Victoria Park that will be available June 1. Great walking distance to everything and only 15 minutes door-to-door to the dome!
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Originally Posted by J pold
I'm just a overall d-bag
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A lot of the older buildings have more square footage. I find so many of the newer buildings have nothing beyond 900 sq ft without paying a ton
Also ask about air conditioning. Even some of the new buildings like drake don’t have it.
Many of the buildings desigined in the 2005-2015 era are likely to have little amenities (small or no gym, no common areas etc) as the argument was you live downtown and those amenities exist everywhere around you so why waste the fees. But the latest round of buildings are all adding those back. Something to consider if you want a home gym or common spaces.
I'll second all the Bridgeland suggestions. I've lived in Inglewood forever, and am moving to Bridgeland in the near future. I see it as up and coming, with great access to downtown (including walking distance to the Superstore). It is beginning to densify, and with that will come more restaurants, bars and services.
I'll second all the Bridgeland suggestions. I've lived in Inglewood forever, and am moving to Bridgeland in the near future. I see it as up and coming, with great access to downtown (including walking distance to the Superstore). It is beginning to densify, and with that will come more restaurants, bars and services.
Full amenities, and unlike a lot of stuff in Calgary. Cool design and great location...
Dominion could be a game changer for rentals in Calgary. A real emphasis on shared spaces that are actually functional, dedicated secure drop boxes for Amazon/online deliveries. And all wrapped up in probably the best looking design in the city right now.
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Also, am I the only one that loathes these new designs with the long kitchen where the fridge/dishwasher are right next to the TV/living room area?
I can't think of a worse design.
Nope. Open concept is probably the best design trend in years.
I know many young families who have been knocking out walls in 1970s-1990s homes to create that. It's a much more open feeling space and makes your home less claustrophobic and gives you more useful space and sightlines. Watching TV while doing the dishes or doing cooking is also a nice thing.
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nm. Answered myself. East village superstore. Always forget about that one.
We live here and we actually never go to Superstore. It's either:
Bridgeland Market, Luke's, Blush Lane for quick/speciality items.
The Co-op up on 16th Ave for weekly items.
Costco for monthly trips.
In general, Bridgeland is awesome. It's right in the inner city, so it has a nice vibe and you are close to the amenities (and can get there by walking, biking, LRT etc) but it still has enough parks and space to allow you to breathe a bit. You're really close to all the action, but with the mix of housing types, not necessarily forced to be IN the action like if you lived in the Beltline, which you'll probably prefer if you're no longer in your 20s.
Last edited by Table 5; 04-29-2021 at 12:06 PM.
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Nope. Open concept is probably the best design trend in years.
I know many young families who have been knocking out walls in 1970s-1990s homes to create that. It's a much more open feeling space and makes your home less claustrophobic and gives you more useful space and sightlines. Watching TV while doing the dishes or doing cooking is also a nice thing.
I like an open concept for the light and airiness, but like the open-concept office, there are definitely downsides. Walls help with adding some privacy and personal space (which is good if you have several people in the house) and to keep noise and food smells contained. Personally, I also hate when you walk into a house and bam, you're in the kitchen.
Nope. Open concept is probably the best design trend in years.
I know many young families who have been knocking out walls in 1970s-1990s homes to create that. It's a much more open feeling space and makes your home less claustrophobic and gives you more useful space and sightlines. Watching TV while doing the dishes or doing cooking is also a nice thing.
I'm not talking about open concept. Every floorplan I've looked at is open concept. But open concept can be done without putting your fridge and TV next to each other.
I'm talking about places where the kitchen is all along one wall lengthwise and the dishwasher/fridge is literally right next to the TV in the living room. That seems super annoying.
I'm not talking about open concept. Every floorplan I've looked at is open concept. But open concept can be done without putting your fridge and TV next to each other.
I'm talking about places where the kitchen is all along one wall lengthwise and the dishwasher/fridge is literally right next to the TV in the living room. That seems super annoying.
Doesn't the fridge provide a nice barrier between the 2, though?
Nope. Open concept is probably the best design trend in years.
I know many young families who have been knocking out walls in 1970s-1990s homes to create that. It's a much more open feeling space and makes your home less claustrophobic and gives you more useful space and sightlines. Watching TV while doing the dishes or doing cooking is also a nice thing.
It depends: open concept condo or small home? sure. 4000 sq ft kitchen/living/dining rooms - blah. Some developers have gone crazy with open concept designs feeding off of the publics need for palatial beasts to best the Joneses.
I think there is something special about a smartly designed "closed" concept home.
Without calling open-concept a fad, i see it as something that will see pushback in the next design trend
