People sometimes laugh when they hear of someone who moved two doors down, but it happens more frequently than you think. Why would anyone do this? Imagine living in a neighbourhood where you love all of the nearby amenities. You even get along with your neighbours and enjoy spending time together.
However, when walking through your home, you wish you had a little more elbow room. Perhaps that house two doors down or a block away has an extra bedroom or a bigger backyard. The opportunity to buy in your same neighbourhood doesn’t arise often, but there are a lot of benefits if you ever get the chance.
The Stress of Moving – Eliminated
The hardest part of moving away is saying goodbye to the people you cherish. Over the years, you’ve developed close relationships with friends, neighbours, relatives and classmates. Leaving them behind can be painful, especially for small children.
You can console yourself with the knowledge that you can visit often, but things will never be the same. Moving far away means no more impromptu coffee dates with your favourite neighbour. Last-minute BBQs, daily walks to the park, and spontaneous brunches will become a thing of the past. It’s easy to say you’ll stay in touch, but life often gets in the way, and you find yourselves drifting apart. However, if you’re lucky enough to find your dream house in the same neighbourhood, none of this needs to happen. You can keep those close relationships you’ve built over the years.
Thinking of making Toronto your home? Here are some neighbourhoods in Toronto that are great for families.
Stay Close to the Amenities You Love
Finding a new house in your neighbourhood means no disruption to your routine. You still have access to your favourite restaurants and shopping areas. Everything you love is still walkable. You don’t have to spend weeks getting familiar with the transit system of a new location or finding a new favourite hangout spot.
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No Need to Change Schools
Changing schools can be terrifying for children, especially in the middle of a term. The sadness of leaving their friends and attending a school where everyone is a stranger can feel overwhelming. Staying in the same school is one of the greatest benefits of moving within the neighbourhood.
There is no need for children to miss even a day or two of school. Instead of feeling sad about the move, they’ll feel excited to show off their new house to their friends.
Create New Experiences on Your Terms
Of course, change isn’t always a bad thing. It often brings the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy new experiences. If you choose to stay in the same neighbourhood, it might be fun to make a point of visiting a place you’ve never been to before. Life is busy, and we all tend to get into a routine. Your move is an opportunity to change things up, even if you stay close by. There are always new experiences to enjoy, especially in Toronto. Even if you’ve lived here for years, you haven’t experienced everything! Why not celebrate your moving day with a commitment to try something no one in your group has done before?
If you’re looking for a new experience, the Old Mill Walking Trail is a must-see in Toronto, and many residents have never seen it!
Ready to Find Your Dream Home Around the Corner?
Finding a larger home close to where you already live isn’t always easy, especially in the current market. However, if you set a goal to make it happen, you may be surprised at how well things will come together. The secret is in constant networking and vigilance.
Here are some tips to help you find your dream home right around the corner:
Talk to your neighbours
Arrangements like these often come about through casual conversation. You may be musing at how you wish you had more space, while your empty nester neighbour wants something smaller and easier to manage.
Expand your circle
If you’re holding out for a larger house on the same street, you might be waiting a long time. However, if you expand your search to a block or two in every direction, you might find the perfect solution quickly.
Look for “Sale” signs
You often don’t realize how many houses are for sale in your neighbourhood until you actively look for them. Even if you don’t plan on moving in the next few months, it doesn’t hurt to start keeping your eyes open.
Talk to a real estate agent
A local real estate agent will often have a network of sellers who aren’t quite ready to list their houses but plan on selling soon. If they know you’re interested in a place in the area, you might have first dibs.
Do you have questions about buying or selling a house in Toronto’s West End? We know and love this area and would be happy to point you in the right direction. Book a free, no-obligation call today!
