In Alberta’s hot housing market, many are finding the competitiveness of home buying is clouding their judgment about what they truly desire from a home. What feels like “home” to you likely relates to the type of lifestyle you seek – do you crave all the amenities of a big city? Or the peace and quiet of the country? Are you a young family focused on finding the right school district for your children? Or are you focused on finding friendly neighbours?

With home buying season in full swing, we asked ATBers to give their advice on making these decisions – based on their own lived experiences. Here are their top tips.

Find a community that fits your desired lifestyle

Before you start worrying about money – because there are financial pros and cons to both city and country living – consider what impact your home’s location may have on your desired lifestyle.

“I chose to move from the city to the country because I wanted my daughter to learn how hard farmers work to grow the food we get on our plates,” says one ATBer. “Even if she doesn’t want this life when she gets older, she now knows and understands the concept of hard work and not to take food for granted.”

In rural areas, you’ll often find tight-knit communities, stronger neighbourly support and a closer connection with nature. You might enjoy the slower pace of life the country provides, but will you be further away from your support system? Can you get used to having less options nearby for services and amenities?

“I wish I'd known how much I would miss my friends and big city life,” says one ATBer who moved from a city of more than 1.5 million to one with just over 29,000. “It’s an amazing place to raise a family,” she continues. “Big enough so the kids never get bored, but small enough that everyone watches out for each other’s kids. But I still miss being close to adult activities like funky or high-end dining, live performances and other nightlife.”

While she considers herself a city mouse, her husband prefers the country – so they found a way to compromise. “I'm glad we did this while raising our kids, but I am looking forward to the next stage of my life where I live somewhere that I don't need a car.”

Consider convenience and accessibility

Post-pandemic, many of us are trying to find ways to hold onto or improve our work-life balance. Part of that includes proximity to your workplace as well as local service options and amenities, both of which can have a big impact on your overall quality of life.

“For me, the biggest pro to living in central Edmonton is the walkability to everything I need and my short public transit commute to work,” says one ATBer. “I grew up in a small town, but once I moved to the city, I felt at home. I could meet new people, attend theatre performances and concerts, and travel abroad more easily. I’m a homebody most of the time, but when I want to get out and do something, the options are endless!”

Meanwhile, some might prefer the simpler nature of rural life. “The lack of choices for retail stores is a bit of a challenge, but the pros highly outweigh the cons,” says one rural dweller. “I feel we have this huge sense of community. We just fit here.”

Another country mouse agrees: “I have peace and tranquility where I live, yet my local town is only 15 minutes away.”

Examine your budget

Urban dwelling generally means higher living costs due to expensive housing, property taxes and daily expenses. Residents must budget for this – and expect regular cost of living increases.

One ATBer factored this into her home buying decision, choosing to move just outside the city but close enough to commute when needed. “There was about a $100,000 difference between purchasing our same home in Cochrane instead of in Calgary,” she says. “From a cost perspective, this allowed us to keep a manageable mortgage payment for our dream home and keep room in our budget to continue saving for our future.”

In rural areas, despite lower housing costs and property taxes, hidden costs can add up – things like travel expenses, equipment such as tractors and snowmobiles, and maintenance. 

“If you're considering moving from the city to a rural property for the first time, research insurance, taxes, and know your septic and well situations,” says one country dweller. “These can vary from area to area but can cost a fortune if they need maintenance.”

Still, for many, country living is worth it.

“It’s given me more appreciation for what I have,” one country mouse says. “I try to reuse things and focus on buying ‘needs’ versus ‘wants’.”

“Living rurally gives so much to a growing family,” says another country dweller. “Putting down roots rurally can be a much higher investment, but it is worth every penny.”

Plan for the future while living in the present

If you prioritize accessibility, social interactions and diverse activities, city living might be for you. Consider future development plans, school quality and community amenities if you plan to stay in an urban area long-term.

“I am lucky to live in Calgary, which has all the benefits of being a big city while not being overly big,” says one urban dweller. “I like getting to wherever I need to within 30 minutes, even in the snow. And, growing up in the city and learning to navigate it, my kids will be prepared for wherever they end up in the future.”

For those seeking space, tranquility and a close-knit community, country living may be a better fit. But be sure to research amenities, school quality and hidden costs. Testing the rural lifestyle by renting first and planning for future family and lifestyle changes is recommended.

“Understanding the value of living in an economical home makes such a big difference,” says one ATBer. “Buying a home and getting a mortgage that doesn't max out your budget frees up the option for more savings, travel and not being over leveraged.”

Whether you’re a city mouse or a country mouse, thinking at least five to 10 years ahead is crucial. “As you get older, your family expands or your hobbies get busier, and you need to factor that into the decision making,” another ATBer advises.

Still, don’t think so far ahead that your purchasing decision changes your lifestyle in a way you’re not ready for.

"We knew we wanted to stay in the city for convenience while we are both working and love to go out in the city,” says a current city mouse. “But we also recognize that one day we'll likely want to buy a more rural property when we have more free time and financial freedom.”

Another ATBer agrees, noting that a home buying decision doesn’t necessarily need to be permanent. “I found it more manageable to consider what's right for my current stage of life.”