Part of the reason for this thinking is the widely held misconception that a condo lifestyle is primarily for young couples, seniors and singles.  Many families may look at high rise complexes and multi-units and think that they are not suited for family lifestyles.  The truth is that condominiums are a feasible option for everyone who wants to own.

Condominium is not so much a building or structure, but rather, a method of ownership that allows buyers to reap the benefits of home-ownership, while also enjoying some of the freedoms of renting.  Buyers have the luxury of owing their own home, with the added benefit of being able to share the cost of upkeep on the building, roof, and foundation with their neigh-bours.  Low-maintenance care of units and property is also a great relief to families who don't have the time to be doing that work for them-selves or who would rather be spending that time with their families.  Most condos also have security features that are a relief for parents, as well as amenities such as pools or tennis courts that families may not otherwise be able to afford for their children.

Another draw for families, and perhaps the greatest one at that, is the affordability.  Buying a home is the single greatest purchase that most families make and cost factors greatly into any decision making.  With the average price of a condominium in Calgary currently sitting at $183,134, a greater number of families now look at purchasing a condo as the most affordable and feasible starter home option.

“We have seen a huge increase over the last five years in young families looking at multi-family condo units as a manageable way to enter the market.  No coincidence then that more 'family-friendly' developments have been popping up across the city,” says Ginnie Beston, realtor with The Real Estate Company Ltd.

Those developments are becoming more and more apparent amongst Calgary's burgeoning array of condominium communities as well.

“We're seeing a great deal more in the way of multi-family developments in both established and newer Calgary communities that offer close proximity to schools, libraries, pools and arenas, amenities that are obviously priorities for young families,” explains Beston.

Home builders are also taking into consider-ation some of the more obvious requirements like more bathrooms, and bedrooms, and have grown more cognisant of the little things that families appreciate, like sound attenuation, extra phone jacks and cable outlets.

With many of those important details now being looked after by builders and developers, families don't have to worry about it and can instead focus on what type of condominium development would best work for them. 

Most tend to lean towards a townhouse style, with many units now offering sizes and plans similar to single family homes.

Sherry Kerr, former condo owner and co-publisher of Calgary's Child magazine, lived in a condominium for five years with her young child and was happy with the experience.

“It was one of the best moves we ever made and we really enjoyed our time in a condo, so I would recommend a condo to anybody,” Kerr says.

Kerr says that condo living can work for families- providing that you do your homework in order to know what you're getting into.  Before jumping into the condo market with both feet, she suggests:
•  When first considering purchasing a condo-minium for your family, scope the area and look for parks nearby, schools, facilities and recreation centres for children.
•  Studying your floor plan carefully.  Make sure you have a good unit with a balcony or a ground floor patio.
•  Ask questions about soundproofing in the units and work with your children on indoor and outdoor voice.
• Get to know your neighbours beside, above and below you.  Condominiums are a community and the more you know about your neighbours, the more comfortable you'll be.
• Don't just let your children out by them-selves.  Condominiums are different than houses in that you can't just let your kids out into a back-yard unattended.  Be out there with them.

When buying your home, sweet home, remember that there is no such thing as 'one type fits all'.  Consider carefully the needs of you and your family and research the different options available to suit your lifestyles.

For more helpful hints about buying and owning a condominium in Calgary, watch Shaw TV's Condo Living with Barb Mitchell each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.  

Want more information? Visit the Condo Living TV website at http://www.condolivingtv.com