Homeowner FYI:
Choosing the right community
Photo courtesy of Seven Lakes Community
T
en years ago, no one thought twice of leaving their home and driving to the grocery store or the bank. But these days, many people want to live in communities that allow them to walk or bike wherever they need to go. Adam McLean with Armco Communities says there’s certainly been a shift in how many homeowners prioritize their proximity to key amenities. They want to live in vibrant, mixed-use communities that include a mix of housing types – from apartments to big homes – and commercial space. “People are looking for more than just a row of houses. They’re wanting to feel like they’re part of a community now. They want that variety,” says McLean. “This wasn’t something developers used to think about, but it’s here and it’s not going anywhere.” It’s not just urban families who crave closeness to their daily spots. Nicole Perchard, director of real estate with Seven 28
THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2018
Lakes Community, says living further out of the city no longer means you’re forced to drive 45 minutes to find civilization. Although Seven Lakes Community looks and feels like a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, she points out that Porters Lake itself is a complete community. There are grocery stores, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, healthcare professionals, and even home improvement stores. “Some people don’t mind living so far out in the wilderness that they only go to the grocery store every few weeks, but the majority want the convenience of being able to go daily if they need something,” says Perchard. She says homeowners love that Porters Lake is self-sustainable, but also very close to the hundreds of other amenities in Cole Harbour, Burnside, and Dartmouth Crossing. “That’s what people find so attractive about Seven Lakes Community,” says
Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Nova Scotia
Perchard. “You’re close to everything you need, but far enough from the city to feel as though you’re away from it.” For families with young children, Perchard says proximity to P-12 schools is a critical factor when choosing a new
“Some people don’t mind living so far out in the wilderness that they only go to the grocery store every few weeks, but the majority want the convenience of being able to go daily if they need something” – Nicole Perchard, Seven Lakes Community
