Connected living in apartment condos

TV sitcoms from “Seinfeld” to “Friends” to “The Big Bang Theory” have one thing in common, they all use apartment condo life as a backdrop for comedy. But there’s so much more to the real-life lifestyle offered by single-level, multi-family homes.

Whether it’s a downtown tower, an inner-city mid-rise or a lifestyle-connected four-storey condo in the suburbs, single-level apartment style living offers a rich, fulfilling option for new home buyers who are keen on experiencing life’s every aspect.

For condo buyers, it all comes down to lifestyle choice. Many believe that condo living gives them flexibility. It allows them to lock and leave, focus on things like travel, hobbies, career, personal life versus spending free time and money on home maintenance.

They also offer relative affordability, as they can be the perfect first-time homebuyer opportunity – budget-friendly and allows them to build equity. Retirees looking to age in place also see the benefit in single-level living. It’s a tempting option for investors, as well, and even young families are finding a fit here.

Today, apartment condos have evolved from just the traditional four-storey wood frame building, and many now offer a complete lifestyle package with tons of in-house amenities. They are thought of less as crash pad where one sleeps, to a home that offers a high quality of life. Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide spoke to a few of the city’s best condo developers to give buyers an insight on what to expect in condo living.

Since 1973, Carrington Communities has been developing Edmonton’s best-known multi-family home and are an acknowledged expert in the market. While Edmonton-based Westrich Pacific has focused on creating landmarks in the city through iconic architectural designs in unparalleled locations. Cassel Properties has also made their mark in enhanced condo living opportunities, especially with their latest development, Connaught at Griesbach.

Carrington Communities

The affordability of apartment condos can never be overlooked. “With prices on the rise, you may simply be priced out of the market with a townhome or duplex,” says Carrington Communities’ marketing manager, Courtney Provencal. “Alternatively, if you are downsizing from a larger home, the freedom of a lower mortgage payment may be appealing as you can use your savings to enjoy other things in life.”

She says Carrington is also seeing buyers wanting their condos as a reflection of the lifestyle they choose.

“More and more we are seeing people want to treat their condo building as an extension of their home, as part of a wider community,” she says.
In their new The Edge condos, Carrington incorporated many features that encourage this type of community to flourish, starting with a two-storey boutique lobby where residents can invite friends in for drinks while waiting for an Uber, a social lounge where they can host their next event, a games room to watch the game with your neighbours, a chef’s kitchen where they can bring their family for holiday dinners, plus much more.
Currently offering condos in the northwest, northeast and southwest Edmonton, Carrington Communities builds for all kinds of lifestyles and all stages of life. Provencal says what is important is the accessibility to amenities that the buyer wants.

“In the downtown core you will have access to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, nightlife, transit, and the Edmonton River Valley, whereas in a subdivision you will likely have more peace and quiet with shopping centres and recreation a short drive away. Condos in the suburbs may be more affordable, even if they offer the same finishes and amenities as the larger downtown condos.”

Location is always a key factor, she adds. “It’s important to understand what your motivation to move is. What is your commute like? Is living near restaurants and bars important to you or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a subdivision? What works for you will depend on what is motivating to buy.

Carrington’s Edge development is located in the highly desirable Magrath neighbourhood in southwest Edmonton where Provencal says they have seen a wide demographic of buyers, including downsizers moving from their large homes and professionals looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle rich in amenities.

Edge condos offers one-, two-, and two-bed + den luxury condos from 854 – 2440 square feet. “It is a luxury location fit for luxury condos, Edge is nestled along the western edge of Whitemud Creek Ravine, giving you access to the most coveted and protected 59-acre nature reserve in Edmonton, Larch Sanctuary,” Provencal says. Prices start from $249,900. For more information, visit Carrington.ca.

Westrich Pacific Corp.

Westrich’s various downtown developments had always appealed to a wide range of buyers – not just the business professionals, but even downsizers, young couples and many more. They are so in demand that their ENCORE Tower is nearly sold out and the follow up, The View at Grandin City, is 80 per cent sold, as well.

Cole Killeen, Sales Manager at Westrich, says their focus on locations that promote healthy lifestyles within walking distance to river valley trails, trendy local businesses and financial core have been key in their success.

At the View, Westrich offers both condos and townhomes, but its biggest factor right off the bat is the low-maintenance lifestyle it offers.
“No shoveling the snow in the winter or clearing the ice off your car. No lawn or yard to maintain and very few upkeep items. Regarding the home itself, it’s all taken care of with the building as a whole. It offers much higher security then a traditional home for instance only your neighbors that live on the same level have access to your floor,” he says.

“It’s a very good option for a client who is constantly traveling as you simply turn the water off prior to your departure and you will have zero worries for any duration you are away.”

The View is located in the quieter side of downtown in a more mature neighborhood. “It has attracted business professionals, young families and retirees looking to downsize. With it just steps away from the river valley you can enjoy the views of the river and the large trees with walking paths to get a quiet moment to yourself. In the opposite direction they will make their way onto Jasper ave with plenty of hospitality options, grocery stores and entertainment needs.

The View offers a diverse range of suites whether it’s a student looking for a single bedroom or a growing family looking to upsize to a three-bedroom townhouse! Units range from one-bedroom 525 square-foot units all the way up to three-bedroom 1,504 square-foot homes. “The units are moving fast with only nine of 17 floor plans remaining and 80 per cent of the suites already sold.” Go to www.westrichpacific.com for more info.

Connaught at Griesbach

Ideally situated in Northwest Edmonton, The Connaught at Griesbach is only minutes away from downtown and major transit, connecting residents to every activity they need.

Living at The Connaught means not having to drive to get to great restaurants and having an abundance of unique public spaces to enjoy during a leisurely stroll. You are part of a fabulous community, which is literally right at your doorstep. Once a military base, the Village at Griesbach, was voted Alberta’s Best Community for 2019. It has since grown to feature great shops, dining and services, all showcased by beautiful architecture, as well as a man-made pond, parks and gardens all within walking distance.

“After checking out seven condo buildings, my son, who lives in Griesbach said ‘mom, why don’t you look in my neighbourhood’,” says Gwen Davies, a retired teacher, who bought a three-bedroom unit here.

“The kitchen is functional and absolutely gorgeous,” says Davies. “It is a wonderful neighbourhood filled with lovely people … we go for walks around the pond and think to ourselves, how lucky are we to live here.”

The Connaught is a family-friendly, four-storey building featuring 160 condominiums, with a selection of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus den and three-bedroom suites. Ranging from 712 to 1,333 square feet, each home is thoughtfully designed with many high-end standards, such as air conditioning, designer lighting, soft-close cabinets, quartz countertops in both kitchens and bathrooms, Hunter Douglas window coverings as well as spacious patios and balconies with natural gas outlets – great for entertaining family and friends on balmy nights. Go to theconnaughtatgriesbach.ca for more information.