In the spring I will be moving to Calgary with my girlfriend. I have only ever spent 3 months at a time there before so I am looking for a little input on housing.
Scenario
-I will be working downtown, she will be working in the south end of town (Quarry Park).
-No plans on kids for at least 4 years (but want a dog)
-Two vehicles
-Enjoy spending time outdoors ie walks, camping etc.
Options
-House/townhouse in Quarry Park/ McKenzie Towne/ Auburn Bay/ Cranston
-Condo somewhere around the downtown core.
-$340k to $390k (obviously the lower the better)
I would prefer a house myself because I have my tool chest/toys I would need a garage for. I understand though that living in the 'burbs means driving to the train station then a 45 min commute each day via c-train or bus. The upside to this would be that the girlfriend will be really close and it will cut down her commute. Another thing I like is multiple bedrooms so we can have our family/friends down
On the flip side a condo downtown means that I am within walking distance to the office and she will be headed out of downtown when everyone is coming in and vice versa meaning her drive is ~20 mins. We would also have the "downtown lifestyle" which she really wants. That being said though, I would need to find a place to store my tool chest/trailer. Also, when things start settling down and kids come into play we'd need to move to a house. Within my price range I've only been able to find single bedroom condos so that rules out having family come down.
I live(ish) in a condo when I am at work up in GP and I hate it. You have a long ass walk to your suite so you're eff'ed if you leave anything in your truck. Also the temperature control is horrible and I find it quite noisy. However, if need be I can live with it.
Each scenario has its pro's and con's so I'm really on the fence. I'd prefer to take the hassle of having to commute as opposed to her but at the same time its a pretty easy drive for her.
What does Beyond have to say? For those of you who live downtown and the south end of town what do you like about it or wish you could change?
Coles Notes
Moving to CGY with the girlfriend, looking for advice on whether to live in downtown condo or house in the south end.