Choosing the right neighbourhood 

Choosing the right neighbourhood is an important starting point when searching for a home.  Sustainable neighbourhoods in both cities and towns have a few key features that make them attractive to home buyers. 

1. A village atmosphere 
Homes are located near shops, schools, recreation, work so you don't have to use your car every time you go out.  Like in a village, these daily destinations are a pleasant, convenient and safe walk, cycle or bus ride away. 

Planning public transit trips is a breeze with Mapnificent at www.mapnificent.net.  It's an easy-to-use map that shows you the area you can reach with public transport from any point in a given time. It is available for Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, and major cities around the world.  It works with all major browsers except Explorer. 

2. A safe neighbourhood 
Homes close to the sidewalk with porches and windows out front allow you to keep an eye on the street.  A mix of homes, shops and offices means that the neighbourhood is active throughout the day and evening. 

3. A neighbourhood you can stay in 
An area with a variety of housing choices, from apartments and condos to town homes, duplexes and detached houses, is a neighbourhood you can stay in throughout life's changes. As your age, family circumstances and income change, you can still find a suitable home in the same neighbourhood, where you have put down roots.