Architect Naama Blonder believes that raising her family downtown is cheaper, safer and more friendly than doing so in the suburbs. She explains why other young families should follow suit
set out to find their first true family home. After spotting a three-bedroom, 1,100-square-foot condo in King West for $1.1 million, they rushed to make the purchase. Why? Because, contrary to Toronto convention, Blonder believed that raising her family downtown would be cheaper, safer and more friendly than doing so in the suburbs.
In the summer of 2021, my husband, Misha, and I were looking to buy. Our daughter was two and a half, and I was pregnant with our second child, who would be born in February. We were living in a two-bedroom rental near Grange Park, paying $2,200 a month. Our—Misha and I are both architects and urban planners—was doing well, and we wanted to purchase a home.
I immediately fell in love with our building’s amenities. There’s a shared terrace for dinner parties, which we use every weekend in the summer. Our children love the outdoor pool. And there’s a theatre room that we plan to use when the kids get a bit older. There are about 10 other families with children living in the complex, and the amenities have helped us make friends with most of them. Our childrenEven as the kids get older, we have no plans to buy a car.
Most importantly, living in an urban setting affords me more time with my family. If I had to commute three hours every day from the suburbs to downtown and back, I would be devastated. You may love driving, but I guarantee that you don’t love being stuck in traffic. I feel even more sorry for the kids who have to rely on their parents to take them everywhere. Growing kids need independence—to socialize, discover the world and learn basic skills like planning ahead.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. feds fine McDonald's franchisees with workers as young as 10Two 10-year-olds are among 300 children who worked at McDonald's restaurants illegally, a Labor Department investigation of franchisees in Kentucky found.
Read more »
Loneliness poses risks as deadly as smoking: U.S. surgeon generalThe loneliness epidemic is hitting young people, ages 15 to 24, especially hard
Read more »
Loneliness poses risks as deadly as smoking: U.S. surgeon generalThe loneliness epidemic is hitting young people, ages 15 to 24, especially hard
Read more »
Women in tech: Cambrian, Sofvie aim to inspire Sudbury studentsSudbury’s young women get a chance to explore programming, coding and gaming as possible post-secondary careers
Read more »
Royal coronation can’t mask growing apathy among younger generationsThe 74-year-old King and 75-year-old Queen Consort face a huge challenge staying relevant to young people
Read more »