Condo Market: Condominiums The Perfect Marriage of Home and Community

When you think of a highrise condominium, the opportunities for a carefree lifestyle are remarkable, with exterior and common area cleaning, upkeep and repair handled for you through your monthly maintenance fee. In addition, condo residents have the best of both worlds – the privacy of their suites and the public spaces where they can recreate, relax, entertain and exercise, all under one roof.In a condominium, which is essentially a vertical community, interaction with neighbours is a given. Residents pass each other in the hallways, amenity spaces, elevators and lobby on a daily basis and get to know the faces of their neighbours. In addition to the social possibilities these meetings invite, there is a certain safety in numbers that happens when we know those around us. You have heard of Neighbourhood Watch in lowrise communities. Well, in a high-rise, neighbours tend to know when anything is amiss with those who live in the building.Suite owners determine their own balance between social time and alone time. Some may prefer to come home from work and cocoon in their home, while others prefer to stop by the lounge for a chat, see what is on in the theatre or change into a swimsuit and hit the pool. It is a joy to meet like-minded residents in the condominium at the fitness centre, billiards room or any number of other amenities.

The amount of time, planning and design that go into today’s amenity areas is astounding. These spaces must be attractive and flexible in order to offer both active and quiet atmospheres. They also carry through the theme of the building’s architectural style. They may showcase the sleek, clean lines of a modern residence, the classic details of traditional, or something in-between.Again, it is up to suite owners and their families to decide how much interaction they want. Take the library as an example. Whatever the architectural style, the decor will appeal to residents who wish to sit and read in a tranquil setting. In this space, people may want only a quiet nod and a brief hello. At the opposite end of the spectrum, games, billiards and theatre areas are more likely to be scenes of chatter and activity. Some condos feature a card room, which is a terrific spot for Bridge- and Canasta-lovers to get together. These groups are usually looking for additional players, which is wonderful for many newcomers to the building.When you think of fitness enthusiasts, most regular exercisers are creatures of habit who do their routines same time every day. They meet up with others who do the same, and passing acquaintances often grow into friendship. They have the added bonus that working out while chatting with someone makes exercise time seem to pass more quickly.Consider joining the condominium board of directors to have a say in the everyday operations of your home, and to make new friends. A condominium is truly the perfect blend of home and community. Just as in a low-rise neighbourhood, condo living is what you make of it!BARBARA LAWLOR is president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas.Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com