Choosing a Community for Your New Home

Many new home buyers are looking for a community as well as a home - a friendly place to live, a good environment for raising a family or enjoying one’s retirement years - a place where neighbours know each other and care.

Planned communities range from large-scale developments with hundreds of homes to private enclaves of less than 50 homes. The word “community” may conjure up images of white picket fences, gingerbread porches, children’s tricycles and small town atmosphere. Or you may have visions of an active adult lifestyle with nature trails, bike paths and sports facilities.

It is important to have realistic expectations and to know what a particular community offers before you buy into it. As you are shopping for your new home, be sure to ask about the community as well as questions about the home itself. Here are a few questions that you may consider asking your builder or real estate agent before you buy your new home.

Who’s the target market?

Ask the builder or salesperson to describe the community and the homeowners it is designed for. Inquire about the mixture of homes in terms of size, styles and price range, and ask for a profile of people who have bought to date—sometimes the actual buyers differ from those targeted in a builder’s advertising. Some communities, notably those aimed at mature adults and seniors, may also set criteria for who can buy there. You can also find a wide variety of information about your potential neighbours by looking online for neighbourhood profiles.

What common facilities will be included?

Today’s builders and developers strive to build enjoyable and healthy environments for all age groups. Common facilities like parks and community centres provide a central area where people can meet, socialize and get involved. Find out about cost for use, if any, and how the facilities and common areas will be maintained once the development is completed.

What ongoing services will be offered?

Services provided to individual homeowners by communities vary greatly, so be sure to ask for detailed information, including any associated costs. Services such as gardening and snow removal are sometimes mandatory to keep the community attractive and safe. Seniors’ developments may include health and recreational services. If you’re considering buying a condominium, be sure to ask what services the condo fees do and do not cover.

Ask to see the complete community plan.

People make a community work, and the layout and design of a development is crucial to encourage interaction among people. Homes may be built closer to the street, with open front porches for after-dinner lounging, and garages discreetly tucked away. Look for narrow or curved streets to slow down traffic, and sidewalks and pathways for pedestrians and bicycles for getting around the development easily and safely. Check if shops and service areas are within walking distance, and note the location of schools, access to transportation and connections to other parts of the city or area. If you are considering moving to a newly developed neighbourhood, look online for neighbourhood concept plans to see what is in store for your future community.

Talk to the people who live in the community.

If the development is already partially built and lived in, walk around to get a feeling for the community. Stop to chat with people on the street, or try knocking on somebody’s door to ask a few questions. Most people won’t mind, and it can greatly help you to decide if this is the community for you.

There are a wide variety of communities and neighbourhoods in Saskatoon, so with the proper research and the right questions, you can find a community that you’re happy to call home! Looking for a builder or renovator you can trust? Contact a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association today! Visit our website saskatoonhomebuilders.com for a complete list of members. E-mail info@saskatoonhomebuilders.com or call

306-955-5188, and we’ll point you in the right direction to start your renovation or purchase your new home!