Home seekers gravitate towards neighbourhoods near public transport hubs and employment opportunities
Nearly nine out of 10 (89%) Canadians would recommend their neighbourhoods to home buyers, according to a new RE/MAX survey conducted by Leger.
The results showed that liveability – measured in terms of access to public transport, green spaces/parks, retail stores, employment opportunities, and many other quality-of-life indicators – is a primary consideration among Canada’s home seekers.
Approximately 60% of respondents deemed easy access to shopping, dining, and green spaces as the most important aspects of liveability. Other important factors were proximity to public transit (36%), work (30%), preferred schools (18%), and cultural/community centres (18%).
“While price and value are always top of mind for buyers, there are some aspects about a home that you can’t change,” RE/MAX of Ontario-Atlantic Canada executive VP Christopher Alexander said. “These liveability factors are what make your home more than just the place you live.”
“When buyers are looking for a home, the search begins at the neighbourhood level. And the good news is that Canadians have lots of choice when it comes to ‘liveable’ cities and neighbourhoods.”
Calgary, especially, has proven an especially attractive destination; RE/MAX noted that the city has earned high ranks in nearly two-thirds of the liveability criteria polled. Edmonton was not far behind, being a preferred choice for access to employment opportunities, top rated/preferred schools, and bike lanes/walking paths.
RE/MAX of Western Canada regional executive VP Elton Ash stated that this is particularly welcome news in a province that has endured the worst economic effects of the last few years’ oil industry declines.
“Despite reports of slowing economic conditions and a relatively flat real estate market in Alberta, Calgary and Edmonton shine as beacons of liveability,” Ash said. “This is a promising sign for any buyers considering a purchase in either city as they continue to develop as liveable cities in their own right.”
“Liveability encompasses the many intangibles when buying and selling a home than an algorithm will never sufficiently capture.”
