Condos meet the needs of urban families

In 2017, I mentioned a Toronto writer named Jackie Burns had published a children’s book entitled The Condo Kids – Adventures with Bob the Barbary Sheep. I applaud Jackie for breaking ground in children’s literature in this way. Highrise apartment-style living has been a staple in cosmopolitan centres around the world for decades. Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area are finally catching on, as families are among the spectrum of purchasers opting for condominium living. Jackie’s first book was inspired by the experience of raising her first child in the first condominium she lived in, when he was a toddler. Today, Jackie, her husband and two sons are still condo-dwellers, plus, there are now three books in the Bob the Barbary Sheep series (thecondokids.com).

Children’s lives should be reflected in what they read, and growing up in a condo is one experience that has been neglected in most literature aimed at young people. In fact, condominium living carries with it a lot of advantages for children. By virtue of a condo being a vertical community, children feel an immediate sense of belonging, with elevators, hallways and amenities becoming natural places to meet neighbours. In response to the demand for family-oriented condos, developers are offering three-bedroom and two-bedroom + den designs to accommodate their needs. We are even seeing kid-friendly amenities such as kids’ zones, climbing walls and the like. Balconies, terraces, courtyards and rooftop gardens become the children’s “backyards”. Add to that the fact that today’s condos are located close to parks, and the connection with nature is a natural.

Location also means that families are close to local amenities and attractions. Toronto and the GTA are home to wonderful educational, cultural and entertainment venues. When condo kids get older, they can jump on a bus or subway and get around the city on their own – something that is rare in the suburbs and small towns. Some people who work in Toronto move into the city from the suburbs to eliminate long commutes, save on vehicle costs and have more time to spend with their loved ones.

Security is another benefit to families in condos. Concierge service provides the irreplaceable “eyes on the street” that help to protect residents of all ages. Modern condos are also more open and bright than ever before, and are equipped with security measures at all levels, including underground parking areas. And let’s talk practicality. With our current real estate prices eliminating many families from the lowrise market, condos are the logical choice.

Another great thing about a condo is that family members can purchase separate suites in the same building. This enables parents, their children and grandchildren, and other relatives to live close to each other while still enjoying privacy. Remember that old saying that it takes a community to raise a child? As I said, condominiums are essentially vertical communities, so it is only natural that families are opting for this lifestyle across Toronto and the GTA.

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