There was a time when there was a high demand for houses for sale in Waterloo, right near the city centre. It was when people could still easily afford a spacious home in this part of the city. So, they preferred to live right in the heart of the city instead of being far out of the action in suburbia. But now, like in other central areas, the prices of homes in the areas near downtown Waterloo are getting out of reach for buyers. Because of this, more and more homebuyers are turning their attention to suburban neighbourhoods. Apart from the low home prices, suburban areas have a lot of other perks that make them the perfect place to call home.
But before you make the big leap and move to a suburban area, make sure that you know all the perks and downsides of living in the burbs. We’ll also share the pros and cons of living in the urban areas below so you can make an informed home-buying decision. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
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Pros and Cons of Living in a Suburban Area of Waterloo
PROS
- More Space for Your Money
Have you recently looked at houses for sale in Waterloo in the downtown area or somewhere near it? If yes, you must know that even the smaller homes and apartments in these areas have a high price tag. But this high price tag situation is something you’ll usually not find in suburbia. In these areas, you’ll find larger homes with bigger yards, often at quite an affordable price.
- Has a Relaxed Pace of Life
The downtown area has a hustle and bustle at all times of the day that you may not always like. This is where the suburban areas come in. In the suburban areas, there is a slow and peaceful pace of life, tree-lined streets, and far fewer people than in the downtown. After a long day at work, you can relax in your yard or go for a walk around the block without worrying about any noise and distractions.
- Perfect Place for Families
If you’re looking for the perfect place to raise your kids, you should definitely look at a house for sale in Waterloo in a suburban area. These neighbourhoods usually have great schools, many playgrounds, and community centres. Also, suburban areas generally have lower crime rates than the areas near downtown. So, you can rest assured that your kids are growing up in a safe place.
CONS
- Longer Commutes
Living in the suburbs means you’ll have to spend a lot more time driving or using public transport. This is especially true if you need to go to the downtown or other main parts of the city for work or any other errands daily. Depending on where you live, you might have to be stuck in traffic for hours daily.
- Limited Public Transport Options
These neighbourhoods usually do not have a lot of public transit options like in the main area of the city. The few public transit options that are available may be less frequent, or the stops might be too far away from your new home. This is another big reason why you might want to rethink about looking for Waterloo houses for sale in the suburbs.
- Can Get a Bit Boring
If you’re someone who likes to dine out or go to a concert or festival every night, you’ll find the suburbs a little boring. There are usually not a lot of restaurants, cafes, theatres, and other happening places in these areas as in the city. So, if you’re planning for a night out, you would have to drive to the downtown area.
Pros and Cons of Living in an Urban Area of Waterloo
PROS
- Convenience at Your Doorstep
One perk you’ll definitely get by buying a house for sale in Waterloo near the downtown area is “convenience.” Since you’ll be living in the heart of the city, you’ll have everything that you need near your new home – grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, and even health services.
- Job Opportunities
Living in the downtown area means getting access to the best job opportunities in the city. Big companies like Google, OpenText, and Shopify have their offices right in the downtown area. Plus, there are two major universities here – Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo. So, whether you’re looking for a job in tech, education, or research, you can find it easily right near your new home.
- Excellent Public Transit Access
A key reason why a lot of people are still buying houses for sale in Waterloo in the main area of the city is to get easy access to public transit. The Grand River Transit (GRT) system operates a lot of bus services along with an ION light rail in the city. This public transit system connects the downtown to different parts of the city and even to Cambridge and Kitchener.
CONS
- Higher Cost of Living
Living in the city’s centre comes at a high cost – higher home prices, rent, and overall cost of living. You’ll have to pay a high price for the convenience, proximity to amenities, and all the perks that you get in the city.
- Noise and Crowded Spaces
The neighbourhoods near the downtown can get really loud, especially during the evenings and weekends. You’ll find a crowd of people everywhere you go – in parks, streets, stores, and all public places. So, if you’re sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter environment, this can be a big downside for you. The constant sound of traffic and crowds of people can make it difficult for you to unwind or rest peacefully in the house for sale in Waterloo.
- Very Limited or No Outdoor Areas
The downtown area of the city does have a few parks and green areas. But they are sparse as compared to the suburban neighbourhoods of Waterloo. Even the houses for sale in Waterloo in the downtown areas have a small yard or outdoor space or none at all. If you’re someone who would love to have a big natural space right outside your home, the urban areas might not be for you.
Making the Call – Suburban or Urban Area in Waterloo
Deciding between urban and suburban living in Waterloo comes down to your lifestyle and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious, affordable home with quieter streets, the suburbs offer a peaceful environment while still keeping you close to the city’s main attractions. You’ll enjoy larger yards, less congestion, and a strong sense of community, making it ideal for families or those who value tranquility.
However, if you thrive in a lively atmosphere, downtown Waterloo or its surrounding areas provide easy access to restaurants, entertainment, and all the conveniences of city life right at your doorstep. You’ll benefit from shorter commutes, vibrant nightlife, and a dynamic social scene, perfect for those who love staying connected and on the go.
Take the time to reflect on what’s most important to you. Whether it’s the calm of the suburbs or the vibrancy of the city, explore houses for sale in Waterloo and find the perfect place to call home. Start your search today and make your dream a reality!
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