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Published on Sep 28, 2023
Over the last few years, the city of Saskatoon has flourished in its growth and vibrancy.
If you’re tired of long commutes, expensive lot prices, and being secluded away in the outskirts, you've come to the right place. With the option of the infill home, you’ll have the opportunity to save yourself a lot of time and money.
In this article, we'll delve into why you should consider choosing an infill home in Saskatoon while discussing the advantages, potential downsides, neighbourhoods, lifestyle, costs, and everything you need to know about the alluring option of infill homes!
Infill homes are newly constructed houses that are built in older and more developed neighbourhoods. Allowing you to have a brand new house in a much more established area, one filled with culture and history. This means you will have the benefits of an older neighbourhood and the luxury of a brand-new house.
The process is usually done by demolishing an older deteriorating house and putting a fresh and modern one in its place. You will be adding a new sparkle of life to your surroundings!
Saskatoon, also referred to as the "Paris of the Prairies," boasts a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and a thriving economy.
Saskatoon has an incredible city centre. Sure, the river steals the show, but there's much more to it than that. We're talking about our charming bridges, cosy coffee shops, a bustling mall, lively bars, and mouthwatering restaurants!
All right there in the heart of Saskatoon.
Luckily for us, Saskatoon's housing market offers a diverse range of options, making it an exciting destination for new homebuyers.
Instead of having your house somewhere far on the outskirts of the city, you are going to settle right where all the action is, or in an area that has already withstood the test of time.
Choosing an infill home in Saskatoon allows you to be part of a city that values sustainability, community, and innovation.
Infill development plays a vital role in stopping cities from spreading endlessly outward. This helps protect untouched natural areas and preserves our precious green spaces. The prairies are iconic in our province, we don’t want to eliminate them!
Infill homes are good with resources. Instead of expanding and creating infrastructure in new developments, infill homes use the resources which are already in that neighbourhood.
In turn, infill homes save valuable resources and money. Since you won’t be building a brand new lot, this means you’ll also avoid paying for one. No unnecessary resources or money spent.
Your proximity to workplaces and conveniences means less reliance on cars, leading to a reduced carbon footprint and less traffic congestion on the roads. We use our cars more than necessary because places in Saskatchewan tend to be more spread out.
By choosing an infill home close to the centre, everything you need will be right outside your doorstep.
Infill homes often blend modern architectural designs with the historical aesthetics of the area, ensuring that the neighbourhood's unique identity remains intact.
The houses and neighbourhoods in the centre have a certain charm about them, a new infill home will not ruin or negatively affect the street’s appeal, it will only enhance it.
By preserving the historical elements of our neighbourhoods, infill development fosters an appreciation for the city's cultural heritage.
Saskatoon has an old and unique history that dates way back! With infill homes, there is a good reason to walk down memory lane and acknowledge the nostalgia of the past.
Your infill home can be located near the local shops, restaurants, and cultural hubs, making daily life more convenient as the whole world will be right out your doorstep.
Imagine all the coffee shops, boutiques, and festivals all within walking distance of your new home.
Sounds like fun!
Shorter commutes to work, school, and essential services mean more time for leisure and family.
Let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend too much time in traffic. There are so many better things to do with your time! Living in an infill home will save you lots of precious time on the road so you can focus on all the things that truly matter to you.
Living in an infill community creates a profound sense of belonging and community engagement. Since most events happen downtown, you will be surrounded by our city’s unique spirit every single day.
The proximity of homes and shared amenities often fosters stronger social bonds among residents. Especially in older neighbourhoods, the residents usually have been living there for a long time and know each other very well.
This creates a greater sense of community as more and more people are becoming socially isolated in the 21st century. We are still social creatures and just this aspect alone can really improve our quality of life.
Established neighbourhoods often organize events and initiatives encouraging interaction and cooperation among neighbours. Imagine gathering for potlucks, barbeques, and garage sales. Something valuable that money can’t buy!
Choosing an infill home in Saskatoon is not just about acquiring a house, it's about embracing a way of life that prioritizes sustainability, neighbourhood identity, convenience, and a genuine sense of community.
Infill development often involves new construction or substantial renovations within already established neighbourhoods.
This can result in temporary construction-related disruptions. Those disruptions may include a lot of noise, dust, and occasional road closures, which of course impacts the daily lives of the residents in the area.
The extent of these disruptions varies based on the scale of the project and how well the construction is managed to minimise those inconveniences. Unfortunately, your future neighbours might be a little annoyed by all this.
Introducing new infill homes into an existing neighbourhood can raise concerns among the current residents.
Some may worry about potential impacts on the neighbourhood's character, property values, and overall quality of life.
The level of neighbourhood concerns can differ based on factors like the specific neighbourhood's history with infill development, the design of the new homes, and the receptiveness of the existing community to change.
Limited space for parking can be an issue. Infills often share the same streets as existing homes, which can lead to increased competition for on-street parking.
Some infill developments may offer garages or driveways, but this can vary depending on the specific property and location.
Parking challenges may require you to adapt to alternative parking arrangements or rely more on public transportation and cycling.
Overall, everything tends to have a list of pros and cons. It’s important to take the time to reflect and analyze what you value and need to make a well-informed decision.
Saskatoon provides a fertile ground for infill development. Several areas stand out due to the unique charm of infill homes.
Nutana is a historic neighbourhood characterized by its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and vibrant atmosphere. Its proximity to the University of Saskatchewan and the downtown core makes it an attractive choice for infill development.
In Nutana, you'll find a harmonious blend of classic architectural styles and modern design concepts, providing a diverse range of housing options.
Since Nutana is right on the river, you will always have a nice walking trail whenever you need to wind down and take some time to recharge!
Riversdale, once an industrial hub, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a thriving cultural and artistic community. It's known for its eclectic architecture, including industrial loft conversions and contemporary infill homes.
Living in Riversdale offers residents a unique and artistic urban experience, with a vibrant arts scene and a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Riversdale is one of Saskatoon’s oldest neighbourhoods and it shows (in a good way of course). The amount of innovation and transformation it has been through is astounding. As the name suggests, it is also right by the river and has everything you’ll need. From your favourite coffee shop to the weight room. It also has a skatepark and a nice trail to walk on.
Caswell Hill is a historic gem with a strong sense of community. Its tree-lined streets and classic character homes make it an ideal location for infill development that respects the neighbourhood's heritage.
You can find infill homes that seamlessly blend modern design with the timeless appeal of Caswell Hill. The neighbourhood has very good public transport that connects with and will take you to any point in the city.
Each of these neighbourhoods offers a distinct experience, allowing homebuyers to find the perfect fit for their preferences.
Whether you seek the vibrant energy of a university town, the artistic and cultural scene of a revitalized district, or the timeless charm of a historic community, Saskatoon's neighbourhoods provide a diverse range of options to suit your lifestyle and tastes.
When contemplating the choice of investing in an infill home in Saskatoon, it's essential to take a careful and detailed view of your budget.
Considering both the immediate expenses from the start of your journey, all the way to the long-term financial obligations that will come with time. Let’s go through some common things you’ll encounter en route to your infill home.
The initial purchase price of an infill home may be higher than that of some other housing options. This is often a reflection of the central location, the quality of construction, and the modern amenities these homes offer.
However, it's important to view this investment as a long-term commitment to a sustainable and convenient urban lifestyle. Think long-term!
The sustainability features of many infill homes can lead to substantial long-term savings. An energy-efficient design, improved insulation, and green technologies can result in lower utility bills and much-reduced maintenance costs over the years.
Additionally, the central location of infill communities often means reduced transportation expenses and less reliance on cars, further contributing to potential savings.
The location of a house is a huge part of its value, the property’s value is almost guaranteed to grow throughout the years. Since it has all the conveniences and amenities. More and more people will want it, and with time the value will go up making the infill home a very good investment for your future.
Exploring financing options is a wise step when considering an infill home. Many financial institutions (banks, credit unions, etc.) offer specialized mortgages tailored for infill development.
These options can make infill homes accessible to a broader range of homebuyers by offering more favourable terms, such as lower down payments or competitive interest rates.
While the upfront cost of an infill home may be a consideration, it's essential to recognize the long-term financial benefits and sustainability advantages that come with this housing choice.
By carefully assessing your budget, exploring financing options, and factoring in your potential savings, you can make a better-informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and urban living dreams.
Infill homes offer more than just a residence, they provide a way of life that celebrates sustainability, neighbourhood identity, convenience, and community spirit.
Saskatoon's historic neighbourhoods are rich in culture, making them a compelling choice if you’re seeking to add some more charm and vitality to your life!
We hope you enjoyed our insights and learned something new. If you're looking for a builder to guide you on your path to home ownership, reach out to KW Homes. Our team is ready to help you in your dream home journey!
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