The idea of a rambling country estate, acres of land, fenced paddocks of horses or goats, and picturesque rural landscapes can be appealing to many buyers. But the reality of acreage living isn’t always what it is cracked up to be. Country living can provide a welcome respite from the hectic pace of city living, but it comes with certain challenges. If you are considering escaping urban life for the gentle, slower tempo of acreage life, it is important to explore the benefits and challenges that go along with a rural lifestyle. Here are the pros and cons of acreage living.
If you are looking to buy in the beautiful rural landscape of the area surrounding Calgary, The Eklund Group is an expert real estate team with extensive experience buying and selling acreages throughout southern Alberta. Contact our Realtors® for skilled and knowledgeable insight into the unique acreage living opportunities. Call 403-863-7434.
Is Acreage Living The Right Choice For My Family?
The Advantages Of Acreages
Space And Privacy
Perhaps the biggest appeal of acreage living is the access to vast stretches of land. The lot size of acreages is simply not available within the city limits. For buyers who want to stretch out with room to plant, pursue new hobbies, erect outbuildings to tinker with cars or carpentry, or raise animals (or kids), acreage living is the way to go.
Quiet
The noises associated with traffic, crowded streets, emergency response, and mass transit make way for rustling trees, swaying grasses, and chirping birds when you choose acreage living.
Flora and Fauna
Although many urban communities in Calgary will periodically report the presence of coyotes or bobcats, when you choose acreage living you immerse yourself in the abundant flora and fauna of southern Alberta. Herds of elk and deer, families of foxes, mama pheasant and her new hatchlings, majestic barn owls, and even wild horses could meander across your property at any time.
Lifestyle
Acreage living delivers certain lifestyle benefits you can’t find in the city. Acreages often offer fewer zoning and land restrictions and for the most part, you are free to do as you please on your land. Tear it up on snowmobiles if you want, raise chickens, or build a monstrosity of a tree fort that would never be allowed within city limits.
Affordability
Acreage properties are not necessarily cheaper than urban properties. Depending on the area and proximity to amenities and attractions, acreages can range in price from modest to extravagant. But square foot for square foot, rural land is often more affordable than urban land.
The Challenges Of Acreage Living
Isolation
The peace and quiet of country living can be immensely appealing… until it isn’t. When you are used to being surrounded by neighbours and businesses, acreage living can quickly feel isolating. If you are interested in a bigger plot of land and a slower pace, but complete seclusion isn’t what you seek, consider rural developments like Bearspaw, Springbank, or Elbow Valley and enjoy the benefits of wide open spaces within a developed rural community.
Learn more about the amazing acreage communities of Bearspaw and Springbank.
Restricted Access To Amenities
When you choose acreage living, a five-minute drive to deliver the kids to school, a quick and easy commute, and a quick dash to the neighbourhood grocery store for milk and bread are no longer an option. Country living can limit your access to the convenient amenities you are used to. The good news is that the urban sprawl of Calgary actually offers opportunities to buy an acreage in communities like Watermark at Bearspaw and still have access to amenities like take-out, groceries, and gas within a five to ten-minute drive.
Maintenance
If you hated mowing the lawn or shovelling snow from the driveway of your urban home, you are not going to be thrilled about the increased maintenance of acreage living. Managing a larger plot of land, more buildings, longer private driveways, and vast stretches of fencing is going to be more work. But for most buyers opting for the rural lifestyle, that can be part of the appeal. Connecting with the land and the environment, taking pride in your property and home, and getting your hands dirty once in a while can be what acreage living is all about!
Get Ready For Acreage Living
The appeals of acreage properties are many. If you know that acreage living is right for you, the best first step to finding your perfect country home is partnering with a Realtor® who understands the complexities of buying and selling in the rural real estate market. The Eklund Group is an expert real estate team with extensive experience buying and selling acreages throughout southern Alberta.
The Tanya Eklund Group is a dynamic, full-service team with extensive knowledge of the entire real estate market of Calgary and the surrounding area. We have cultivated a network of buyers, sellers, and support players so we can guide you through every step of the process with the most skilled professionals. And we are masterful negotiators ensuring that every offer is fair and favourable for our clients. Reach out to our team at (403) 863-7434 or through our contact form and let’s talk about what home means to you.