Auburn Bay Pros’s & Con’s

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Auburn Bay, one of Calgary's most beloved lake communities. Whether you're considering moving to Auburn Bay or just curious about what it has to offer, this article will provide you with an in-depth look at the pros and cons of living in this vibrant area. Join us as we explore everything Auburn Bay has to offer, from its stunning lake to its bustling community amenities. Cons of Living in Auburn Bay Higher Cost of Living One of the primary drawbacks of living in Auburn Bay, as with many lake communities, is the higher cost of living compared to non-lake communities. Here's a breakdown of the latest housing prices as of the end of March 2024: Detached homes: $802,600 (a 10% increase year-over-year) Semi-detached homes: $528,000 (almost an 11% increase year-over-year) Row houses: $462,500 (up by 17 .8% year-over-year) Apartments: $372,900 (an 18.2% increase year-over-year) Despite these higher costs, the benefit of living in a lake community with its numerous amenities and picturesque settings often outweighs the financial aspect for many residents. Limited Access and Commute Issues Auburn Bay is situated in the deep southeast part of Calgary, which can pose accessibility issues, especially for those working in or frequently traveling to other parts of the city. The main routes to the airport, Deerfoot and Stoney Trail, can take about 25 to 30 minutes without traffic, but during rush hour, the commute can become significantly longer. As noted in our previous discussions about nearby Mahogany, traffic congestion can be problematic, particularly when accessing the community via 52nd Street off of Stoney or looping around on Deerfoot to enter through Seton Boulevard. The location of your home within the neighborhood can greatly affect your daily commute times. Pros of Living in Auburn Bay The Lake and Beach Activities The centerpiece of Auburn Bay is undoubtedly its 43-acre lake, slightly smaller than Mahogany Lake but still substantial. The lake offers a plethora of activities including: Beach sports and leisure activities A winter skating rink Fishing stocked with four types of trout and carp (excluding the invasive Prussian carp, which residents are encouraged to catch and remove) This vibrant lake environment fosters a strong community spirit and provides families with countless recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. Ample Amenities Auburn Bay boasts a wide range of amenities that enhance the quality of life for its residents. Key highlights include: Proximity to South Calgary Health Campus: Essential for healthcare needs, located just a short drive away. Entertainment and dining: The area features unique spots like Rendesvous, a nightclub-style restaurant with a lit-up dance floor and live bands. * Shopping and services: Residents have easy access to a variety of shops at Auburn Bay Station, with various local businesses like Co-op, liquor stores, and restaurants offering delicious cuisine, plus great amenities across Seton Blvd, with a Cineplex VIP Cinema and Superstore. Walkable Community Auburn Bay is designed to be a walkable community, allowing residents to access most necessities within a short distance. This feature is particularly beneficial for those working from home, as it reduces the need to travel far for everyday activities and errands. Educational Facilities Education is a significant advantage for families living in Auburn Bay. The community is well-equipped with educational institutions: Public schools: There is a K-5 school in Auburn Bay, a shared middle school with Mahogany, and a high school in the nearby community of Seton. Catholic schools: The elementary and middle schools are located in Mahogany, with high school options in Legacy. Having schools close to home minimizes commute times for families and contributes to a more relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle. Conclusion Living in Auburn Bay offers a blend of scenic beauty, community activities, and practical amenities that make it a desirable location for many. While the cost of living and accessibility may pose challenges, the benefits of lakefront living, combined with the convenience of nearby facilities and schools, provide a compelling case for considering Auburn Bay as your next home. If you're thinking about moving to a lake community in Calgary, Auburn Bay should definitely be on your list. With its robust community spirit and array of amenities, it's a place where you can truly enjoy a high quality of life. Whether you're fishing on the lake, enjoying a family day at the beach, or just taking a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood, Auburn Bay offers a little something for everyone. For those interested in making Auburn Bay their home, remember to reach out for professional guidance to navigate the housing market effectively. With the right planning and support, you can find your dream home!

DIY or Pro? How To Know When To Hire It Out And When To Do It Yourself

Introduction Deciding whether to tackle a home improvement project yourself or to hire a professional can be daunting. While DIY projects can be rewarding and cost-effective, some tasks are best left to the experts. In this article, we'll explore which home improvement projects are suitable for DIY and which ones you should definitely outsource to professionals. When to Consider DIY 1. Landscaping Experience Matters: If you have experience with landscaping, this can be a fulfilling DIY project. Tasks like planting, seeding, and general yard maintenance can be managed personally, especially if you enjoy outdoor work. Physical Considerations: Assess your physical ability to handle the grunt work involved in landscaping. Also take note of certain DIY projects like fencing or sidewalks that could affect future home value if done incorrectly. 2. Hardware Updates Simple Yet Effective: Updating hardware such as door handles, cabinet knobs, and fixtures can dramatically enhance the look of your home. These updates are generally straightforward and can be done without professional help. Visual Impact: Even small changes like switching from chrome to black fixtures can make a significant difference in your home's aesthetic. 3. Painting Skill Level: Painting can be a DIY project, but it requires a steady hand and attention to detail. It's crucial to use high-quality paint and ensure proper preparation to avoid visible mistakes. Project Scope: Smaller, straightforward painting jobs can be tackled by homeowners. However, areas like high stairwells might necessitate professional help. When to Hire a Professional 1. Plumbing Risk of Water Damage: Plumbing mistakes can lead to severe water damage. For significant plumbing work, hiring a professional is advisable to avoid costly errors. Complex Installations: Tasks like installing a new bathroom or kitchen sink should be handled by experts to ensure everything is sealed and functioning correctly. 2. Electrical Work Safety First: Electrical work can be dangerous. Simple tasks like replacing a light switch might be within your capabilities, but more complex wiring should be done by a licensed electrician. Compliance with Codes: Professional electricians ensure that all work complies with local building codes, which is crucial for your safety and resale value. 3. Roofing High Risk: Roof work is not only risky but also requires specific skills to ensure it's done right. Poor roofing can lead to leaks and significant damage over time. Longevity of Work: Professionals can guarantee that your roof will be watertight and durable. Bonus Tip: Roofing Tune-Up Before considering a full roof replacement, a roofing tune-up can address minor issues like nail pops or missing shingles at a fraction of the cost. This preventative maintenance can extend the life of your roof significantly. Conclusion Deciding between DIY and hiring a professional depends on various factors including your skills, the complexity of the project, and the potential risks involved. For simple updates like painting or hardware changes, rolling up your sleeves might be a great option. However, for more intricate and risk-prone tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, or roofing, it's wise to invest in professional services. Not only does this ensure safety and compliance with building codes, but it also guarantees that the work is done correctly, potentially saving you from costly future repairs. Remember, the goal of home improvement is to enhance your living space and increase the value of your property. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, make sure you approach each project with careful planning and consideration. For more tips on home improvement and DIY projects, feel free to reach out or leave your questions in the comments below. And if you're in the Calgary area and need recommendations for trusted professionals, don't hesitate to contact us. Happy renovating! Thank you for reading, and we'll see you in the next article!

Why Vancouver & Toronto Are Moving To Calgary

Lifestyle and Commuting: Toronto vs. Calgary When comparing the lifestyles of Toronto and Calgary, one of the most significant differences lies in the daily commute and overall living environment. Toronto, being a bustling metropolis, often requires families to live in the suburbs due to the high cost of downtown living. This results in lengthy commutes, often plagued by heavy traffic. For instance, a mere 12 km drive can astonishingly take up to two hours. On the other hand, Calgary offers a more relaxed atmosphere where even suburban living is relatively close to the city center. Here, families can enjoy proximity to schools and leisure activities without the dread of traffic jams. Calgary's Unique Advantages: Proximity to Nature: Living in Calgary means you are just a short drive away from stunning natural landscapes like the Canadian Rockies, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Sunshine and Climate: Calgary boasts the most sunshine of any major Canadian city, which can be a significant mood booster during the long, cold winters. Unlike the humid cold experienced in other cities, Calgary's dry cold is more bearable, especially for those with curly hair! Cultural Vibrancy and Diversity Calgary's reputation as a multicultural hub is well-deserved. With over 113 languages spoken and a constant influx of immigrants, the city celebrates a rich tapestry of cultures. Every weekend, residents can enjoy an array of cultural festivities, reflecting the city's inclusive spirit. This diversity has transformed Calgary from its stereotyped image as a "redneck city" to a vibrant, cosmopolitan center bustling with entrepreneurs and various industries beyond its traditional oil and gas sector. Economic Opportunities in Calgary Calgary is not just about beautiful landscapes and cultural diversity; it also offers robust job opportunities across various sectors: Tech Industry: Calgary has joined the tech corridor that includes Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland, attracting significant tech companies and startups. Manufacturing and Logistics: Companies like Deavin Aircraft and Amazon have set up operations in Calgary, indicating a growing industrial sector. Film Industry: The film industry in Calgary is booming, with major productions like HBO's "The Last of Us" being filmed in the city. These industries provide a wide range of employment opportunities, making Calgary an attractive place for professionals from various fields. Educational Excellence When it comes to education, Calgary stands out with its diverse offerings: Public and Separate Schools: Both systems offer a variety of programs, including AP classes and specialized schools for science, languages, and the arts. Charter and Private Schools: Families in Calgary also have the option of charter and private schools, catering to different educational needs and preferences. This educational diversity ensures that families can find suitable schooling options that align with their children's talents and aspirations. Housing Affordability: Calgary vs. Toronto and Vancouver One of the most compelling reasons to consider moving to Calgary is the significant difference in housing costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver . Here's a detailed breakdown of the pricing differences as of April 2024: Housing Price Comparison: Vancouver: Detached homes: $1,239,800 Townhouses: $1,127,200 Apartment condos: $776,000 Toronto (GTA and Golden Horseshoe): Detached homes: $1,567,000 Semi-detached: $1,139,929 Townhouses: $949,839 Condo apartments: $728,067 Calgary: Detached homes: $749,000 Semi-detached: $668,000 Townhouses: $481,000 Condo apartments: $346,000 These figures highlight the stark differences in housing costs, with Calgary offering much more affordable options compared to its larger counterparts. For instance, the price for a detached home in Calgary is nearly half that of Toronto and significantly less than Vancouver. The Financial Benefits of Moving to Calgary The cost differences provide potential savings of hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars, depending on the type of property. This financial advantage can significantly impact one's quality of life, allowing for greater disposable income and investment opportunities. For example: Moving from Vancouver to Calgary could save you approximately $1,290,800 on a detached home. From Toronto to Calgary, the savings on a detached home are around $767,000. These savings illustrate why many are choosing Calgary over more expensive cities, especially when considering the high quality of life and lower cost of living. Conclusion: Why Calgary is an Attractive Option Calgary not only offers a more affordable living environment but also provides a high quality of life with its proximity to nature, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse economic opportunities. Whether you're a professional looking for a thriving job market or a family